Borgloon
,Borgloon is a charming town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is known for its picturesque countryside with rolling hills and fruit orchards. The town's historic center features beautiful architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors can explore cultural attractions such as the Sint-Odulfuskerk church and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in the surrounding area.
- "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 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Borgloon
morning
:Start your day with a stroll around the charming streets of Borgloon, discovering local shops and cafes. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a nearby bakery to fuel your adventures.
afternoon
:Visit the stunning 'Tree Church' (Kerk in de Wolken) and appreciate its unique design. Afterward, take a relaxing walk in the surrounding countryside to soak in the beautiful scenery.
evening
:Grab dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant and indulge in local specialties. End your day by enjoying a peaceful walk under the stars in the town square.
Nature Walks
morning
:Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the Hoegaarden Forest, immersing yourself in the lush greenery. Bring your camera to capture the beautiful landscapes along the way.
afternoon
:Stop for lunch at a scenic picnic spot, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Continue your exploration in the forest before heading back to Borgloon.
evening
:As the sun sets, find a cozy café to unwind and sip on hot chocolate or coffee. Reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Highlights
Good
- Scenic countryside with beautiful landscapes and vineyards.
- Rich history and charming architecture, including the unique vis-à-vis museum.
- Peaceful and quiet environment, ideal for relaxation.
- Strong sense of community and local culture.
- Proximity to larger cities like Hasselt and Tongeren for additional amenities.
Bad
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options in the immediate area.
- Potential for isolation due to its small size.
- Job opportunities may be limited, particularly in specialized fields.
- Weather can be unpredictable and may not be appealing to everyone.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Biking through Borgloon
Explore the scenic landscapes and vineyards around Borgloon on a bike. The area has well-marked cycling routes suitable for all levels.
Hiking in the Haspengouw region
Discover the beautiful trails in and around Borgloon that offer stunning views of the rolling hills and fruit orchards, particularly in the fall.
Visit the Borgloon Vineyards
Take a tour of the local vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and learn about the wine production process in this picturesque region.
Explore the St. Silvester Cathedral
Visit this historical site and take a peaceful walk around its gardens, which provide a nice outdoor environment for relaxation.
Participate in local festivals
Borgloon hosts various outdoor festivals throughout the year, featuring local food, music, and cultural events. Check the calendar for specific dates.
Picnicking at Borgloon Park
Enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with family or friends at Borgloon Park, which has plenty of green space and picnic areas.
Visit the 'Tree Cathedral'
Explore this unique art installation in the form of a tree cathedral, offering a serene outdoor experience.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Borgloon with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Hanging Gardens of Borgloon
A stunning park offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for photographs.
The Tree of Life
An iconic art installation that provides a unique backdrop and excellent vantage point for photos.
Borgloon Belfry
Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the town and countryside, an excellent spot for landscape photography.
Cycle Route Along the Cherain
This cycling path offers scenic views of the lush greenery and picturesque farmland, making it ideal for outdoor photography.
Grootloontje
A natural viewpoint that showcases the beauty of the area, perfect for capturing sunrise or sunset photographs.
Saints Peter and Paul Church
The historic architecture paired with surrounding gardens offers beautiful photo opportunities both inside and out.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kwaremont Cheese
A semi-hard cheese derived from cow's milk, with a unique flavor resulting from maturation in the Kwaremont beer brewery. It can be savored with a locally brewed beer.
Must-Try!
Stroop
Stroop, or syrup, is a local specialty made from apples or pears, cooked down to a rich, sweet topping, often enjoyed with regional pancakes or waffles.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Borgloon better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Haspengouw Fruit Auction
Visit the fruit auction to experience the local fruit culture and sample a variety of freshly picked fruits, juices, and preserves.
Borgloon Farmer's Market
The weekly market is an excellent place to taste and purchase a wide selection of locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
When meeting someone in Borgloon, it is polite to greet them with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Goedendag' depending on the language spoken. A firm handshake is common, and personal space is respected.
Dining Etiquette
If invited to a meal, it is customary to wait for the host to begin eating before you start. Additionally, it is polite to say 'Eet Smakelijk' before the meal and to keep your hands on the table but not your elbows during dining.
Dress Code
Dress in a neat and presentable manner is valued in Borgloon. Casual wear is acceptable in informal settings, but for business or formal gatherings, smart casual or business attire is recommended.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Borgloon with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Borgloon, like much of Belgium, tipping is generally not mandatory as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is customary to leave a small tip, usually rounding up the bill or leaving around 5-10% for good service in restaurants and bars. In cafes, it's common to leave small change.
Payment
Payment methods in Borgloon include cash and cards, with most establishments accepting major credit and debit cards. Mobile payments and contactless transactions are also gaining popularity. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, or places that may not accept cards.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Borgloon.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a delightful time to visit Borgloon as the flowers bloom and the countryside comes alive. Expect mild weather, lush greenery, and various outdoor events.
Summer
Summer (June to August) offers warm weather, ideal for exploring the picturesque town and attending local festivals. Expect vibrant landscapes, longer days, and more tourists enjoying the outdoors.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) brings stunning fall colors to Borgloon. The weather is cooler, making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the local harvest festivals. Expect a quieter atmosphere as the tourist crowds thin out.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Borgloon can be chilly, with occasional snowfall. Expect a cozy atmosphere, festive decorations, and Christmas markets around the holidays, making it a charming time to visit.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking in the Borgloon countryside
Explore the scenic countryside around Borgloon with various trails that showcase the rural beauty of the region, offering a mix of fields, forests, and quiet roads.
Hasselt's Bokrijk Park
Located nearby, Bokrijk offers a mix of walking paths through its historical park and natural landscapes, perfect for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.
Nature Reserve Kiewit
Just a short drive from Borgloon, this nature reserve features several hiking trails surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Maasland Route
This route runs along the Meuse River, providing picturesque views and a pleasant hiking experience with various access points near Borgloon.
Stokrooie Forest
A beautiful forest area offering several well-marked trails, suitable for both casual hikers and those looking for a more challenging trek.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Borgloon through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Borgloon by plane.
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Located approximately 70 km from Borgloon, Brussels Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Belgium, serving as a major international hub.
Liège Airport (LGG)
Located about 30 km from Borgloon, Liège Airport is a significant airport that primarily focuses on cargo but also offers passenger flights.
Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Approximately 100 km from Borgloon, Charleroi Airport is a major hub for low-cost airlines and serves various international destinations.
Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Located around 90 km from Borgloon, Antwerp International Airport is a smaller airport, but it accommodates some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dutch speakers
The majority of the population in Borgloon predominantly speaks Dutch, reflecting the linguistic demographics of Flanders.
French speakers
A smaller percentage of the population speaks French, which may include some members of the community due to historical and geographical factors.
Immigrant communities
Various immigrant groups reside in Borgloon, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the area.
Seniors
A significant demographic group comprises senior citizens, reflecting the aging population trends in rural areas.
Children and Youth
A portion of the population consists of children and youth, attending local schools and participating in community activities.
The Soul of Borgloon
Discover the essence of Borgloon through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer
Soccer is a widely popular sport in Borgloon, with numerous local clubs and leagues for both youth and adults.
Cycling
Cycling is favored due to the scenic countryside surrounding Borgloon, making it a great spot for both recreational and competitive cycling.
Basketball
Basketball has a strong following in Borgloon, with community teams and events attracting local players of all ages.
Volleyball
Volleyball is played both indoors and outdoors in Borgloon, with teams often participating in regional competitions.
Athletics
Athletics events are organized at local schools and sports clubs, encouraging youth participation and fostering talent in various track and field events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many restaurants in Borgloon offer creative vegetarian dishes, incorporating fresh produce from the region. Cafes like Hagelandkaas provide vegan cheese alternatives as well.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at various eateries, especially those emphasizing the use of pure, unprocessed ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Borgloon with these cultural adventures.
