Neighboring Countries Of Belgium
Introduction
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, why not explore the neighboring countries as well? Each country has its own unique charm and attractions that are worth discovering. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the neighboring countries of Belgium, highlighting the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
The Netherlands
Top Attractions
The Netherlands is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture. The top attractions in the Netherlands include:
- The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, which features millions of tulips in bloom
- The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which houses famous Dutch paintings such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt
- The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which showcases the works of Vincent van Gogh
- The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II
- The Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Hidden Gems
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider these hidden gems:
- The Zaanse Schans, a living open-air museum with working windmills, traditional wooden houses, and cheese-making demonstrations
- The Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can cycle through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes
- The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, which houses the works of Frans Hals and other Dutch Golden Age painters
- The Kroller-Muller Museum, which has an extensive collection of modern art, including works by Van Gogh and Picasso
Food Scene
The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring. Don’t miss these culinary experiences:
- Try Gouda cheese at the Cheese Market in Alkmaar
- Sample stroopwafels at the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam
- Eat bitterballen at a brown cafรฉ, a traditional Dutch pub
- Try raw herring with onions and pickles at a herring stand
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Netherlands can be an expensive country, but there are ways to save money:
- Buy a Holland Pass for free or discounted entry to attractions
- Eat at local markets and food trucks for cheaper meals
- Use public transport instead of taxis or rental cars
- Stay in hostels or budget hotels instead of luxury accommodations
Outdoor Adventures
The Netherlands may be flat, but it has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer:
- Cycle along the canals and countryside on the famous Dutch bike paths
- Kayak through the canals of Utrecht
- Windsurf or kitesurf on the North Sea coast
- Hike through the sand dunes of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Family-Friendly Activities
The Netherlands is a great destination for families with kids of all ages:
- Visit the Efteling, a fairy-tale theme park with roller coasters and attractions
- Explore the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, where kids can learn about science and technology
- Go on a boat tour of the canals in Amsterdam
- Visit the Rotterdam Zoo, which has over 10,000 animals
Germany
Top Attractions
Germany is a diverse country with a rich history and culture. The top attractions in Germany include:
- The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a symbol of the country’s reunification
- The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle
- The Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site
- The Berlin Wall, a reminder of the country’s Cold War division
- The Black Forest, a scenic region of forests, mountains, and lakes
Hidden Gems
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider these hidden gems:
- The Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, where you can paddle through a network of canals and lagoons
- The Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland, a breathtaking sandstone bridge with stunning views
- The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site with tidal flats, salt marshes, and sandbanks
- The Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, a Baroque masterpiece with fountains, sculptures, and greenhouses
Food Scene
Germany is famous for its sausages, beer, pretzels, and pastries. Don’t miss these culinary experiences:
- Try currywurst in Berlin, a popular street food
- Sample the local brews at a Bavarian beer garden
- Eat a giant pretzel with mustard at a beer hall
- Taste the traditional Black Forest cake in the Black Forest region
Budget-Friendly Tips
Germany can be an expensive country, but there are ways to save money:
- Use public transport instead of taxis or rental cars
- Eat at local markets and bakeries for cheaper meals
- Visit free attractions such as the Berlin Wall or the Reichstag building
- Stay in hostels or budget hotels instead of luxury accommodations
Outdoor Adventures
Germany has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer:
- Hike in the Bavarian Alps, where you can climb the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak
- Explore the Harz National Park, a forested mountain range with ancient castles and mines
- Cycle along the Moselle River, where you can taste the local Riesling wines
- Ski or snowboard in the Bavarian ski resorts, such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Family-Friendly Activities
Germany is a great destination for families with kids of all ages:
- Visit the Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, the world’s largest model railway
- Explore the Berlin Zoo, which has over 20,000 animals
- Go on a boat tour of the Rhine River, where you can see medieval castles and vineyards
- Visit the Europa-Park in Rust, a theme park with over 100 attractions
Luxembourg
Top Attractions
Luxembourg is a small country with a big history and natural beauty. The top attractions in Luxembourg include:
- The Luxembourg City Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with fortifications, churches, and museums
- The Casemates du Bock, a network of underground tunnels and galleries built into the cliffs
- The Mullerthal Trail, a scenic hiking route through the “Little Switzerland” of Luxembourg
- The Vianden Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Our River
Hidden Gems
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider these hidden gems:
- The Fond-de-Gras Railway in the south, where you can ride a vintage steam train through the countryside
- The Domaine Thermal Mondorf-les-Bains, a spa resort with thermal baths, saunas, and wellness treatments
- The Echternach Lake, a serene lake surrounded by forests and cliffs
- The Beaufort Castle, a hilltop castle with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside
Food Scene
Luxembourg is known for its hearty cuisine, which blends French, German,