Things To Do
in Begijnendijk
Begijnendijk is a small municipality located in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. It is known for its picturesque landscapes featuring fields, forests, and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The town has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with well-preserved historic buildings and a charming town center.
Begijnendijk offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a relaxed way of life.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the tranquil park in Begijnendijk, enjoying the fresh morning air. Grab a coffee at a local café to energize you for the day ahead.
Visit the nearby historical sites to discover the rich heritage of this beautiful region. Stop for lunch at a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Belgian cuisine.
Wind down your day with a relaxing walk through the countryside, taking in the serene landscapes. Enjoy dinner at a charming eatery, tasting some local beers.
Begin with a peaceful morning meditation in one of the scenic spots around Begijnendijk. Follow this up with a visit to a local bakery for some delightful pastries.
Spend your afternoon at a nearby nature reserve, enjoying hiking trails and bird watching. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the lush green surroundings.
Return to Begijnendijk and indulge in some quiet reading time at your accommodation. Consider dining in a garden restaurant under the stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town atmosphere
- Rich historical background with traditional architecture
- Access to beautiful natural surroundings
- Community-oriented environment
- Proximity to larger cities like Brussels and Mechelen
- Limited public transportation options
- Fewer amenities compared to larger cities
- Potential for slower pace of life, which may not appeal to everyone
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields
- Possible language barrier for non-Dutch speakers
Best Activities in Begijnendijk
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic cycling routes along the Netelbeek river, offering beautiful views of the landscape and local wildlife.
Enjoy a hike through the Kortenbos forest, where you can experience the tranquility of nature and observe various flora and fauna.
Spend time in Begijnendijk's parks, where you can picnic, play sports, or simply relax in a green environment.
Take a trip to the nearby wetlands for bird watching, where you can spot different species of birds in their natural habitat.
Participate in outdoor sports activities such as soccer, basketball, or tennis at the local sports facilities available to the community.
Tours
Uncover the best of Begijnendijk with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Begijnendijk
Visit one of these nice places.
The historic Begijnendijk Church offers stunning architecture and a beautiful surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for capturing photographs.
The picturesque rural scenery around Begijnendijk, with its fields and meandering paths, provides wonderful opportunities for nature photography.
The traditional windmill is an iconic feature of the area and offers a unique backdrop for photos, especially at sunset.
Various parks around Begijnendijk, such as local green spaces and picnic areas, are great for capturing moments in nature.
Participate in local festivals or markets, which not only highlight the culture of Begijnendijk but also provide lively photo opportunities.
Food in Begijnendijk
Begijnendijk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Belgian classic, stoofvlees-friet consists of tender beef stewed in beer and served with golden crispy fries. Sample this hearty dish at De Veehandel or De Kroon, popular local eateries.
Must-Try!
Another beloved Belgian dish, mosselen-friet features plump, juicy mussels steamed in white wine and herbs, accompanied by a generous portion of frites. Enjoy this seaside favorite at Brasserie De Dijk or De Waterhoek.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Begijnendijk better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Begijnendijk Farmers' Market to discover an array of fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and delightful pastries. Don't miss the chance to savor tasty street foods like Belgian waffles and warm stroopwafels from the market stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Belgians value politeness, so it’s customary to greet people when entering shops or public places. A simple ‘Bonjour’, ‘Hallo’, or ‘Goedendag’ followed by a smile goes a long way.
When dining with locals, keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows). It’s also polite to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat, and saying ‘Eet smakelijk’ before the meal is appreciated.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. In Begijnendijk, where Dutch is predominantly spoken, it’s respectful to use Dutch greetings and phrases when interacting with locals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Begijnendijk with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Begijnendijk
Ensure a smooth experience
In Begijnendijk, as in much of Belgium, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to round up the bill or leave small change in restaurants and cafes. For exceptional service, a tip of about 5-10% is considered generous.
Payment methods in Begijnendijk typically include cash and card options. Most establishments accept major credit and debit cards, while cash is still commonly used, especially in smaller shops or eateries. It's important to note that some places might have a minimum limit for card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Begijnendijk.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is an excellent time to visit Begijnendijk. The weather begins to warm up, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. You can expect blooming flowers and lush greenery in the parks and gardens. Festivals and local events often occur during this season, providing visitors with a glimpse of the local culture.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Begijnendijk. Temperatures can reach up to 25°C or higher, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside. Expect longer days and vibrant local events, including markets and exhibitions. However, it can be crowded as many choose to visit during this time.
Autumn (September to November) offers a quieter experience in Begijnendijk, with cooler temperatures averaging between 10°C and 20°C. The foliage transforms into beautiful shades of orange and red, and harvest festivals celebrate the abundance of the season. It's a great time for wine tasting and enjoying seasonal cuisine.
Winter (December to February) in Begijnendijk can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C. Expect a quieter ambiance, with fewer tourists. The area is picturesque with snow-dusted landscapes. Christmas markets and seasonal events provide a cozy atmosphere. It's a great time for enjoying local delicacies and traditional winter activities.
Begijnendijk at Night
Hiking in Begijnendijk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A serene nature reserve with well-marked trails suitable for hiking and nature observation.
Belgium's only national park featuring extensive walking trails through diverse landscapes including forests, heathlands, and moors.
A scenic hiking area with a focus on natural habitats and diverse flora and fauna.
A lush park in the city of Mechelen, offering pleasant walking paths and green spaces for casual hikes.
A beautiful heathland area with marked trails allowing hikers to explore its unique ecosystem.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Begijnendijk through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Begijnendijk by plane.
Located approximately 35 kilometers from Begijnendijk, Brussels Airport is the main international airport serving the capital of Belgium and is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
About 50 kilometers from Begijnendijk, this airport serves as a secondary international airport for Brussels, primarily catering to low-cost airlines.
Approximately 55 kilometers away, Antwerp International Airport is a small regional airport that also handles some international flights.
Located around 70 kilometers from Begijnendijk, Liège Airport primarily focuses on cargo but also includes commercial passenger flights.
Situated about 90 kilometers from Begijnendijk, Eindhoven Airport is a Dutch international airport that serves as a hub for numerous low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, primarily speaking Dutch.
A smaller group, mainly consisting of individuals from nearby Francophone regions.
A demographic that includes individuals from countries such as Morocco and Algeria.
Includes a number of people from Poland, Romania, and other Eastern European nations.
This group consists of individuals from various European countries, such as Italy and Spain.
Includes smaller groups from various cultures and regions around the world.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in Begijnendijk, with numerous local clubs and youth teams participating in various leagues.
Cycling is a favored pastime in Begijnendijk, with many residents participating in recreational and competitive cycling, taking advantage of the scenic routes in the area.
Athletics has a strong presence in Begijnendijk, featuring events such as running, jumping, and throwing competitions organized by local sports clubs.
Tennis is a popular individual sport in Begijnendijk, supported by local tennis clubs that offer facilities and training for all age groups.
Volleyball is actively played in Begijnendijk, with both indoor and beach volleyball teams that compete in local tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Begijnendijk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Begijnendijk offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as flavorful vegetable stews and plant-based burgers. Check out De Kleine Watermolen for an extensive vegetarian menu.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can indulge in gluten-free waffles and pancakes at Pancake House De Watersnip. Additionally, Brasserie De Dijk provides gluten-free alternatives for several of their popular dishes.