Things To Do
in Borgloon
Borgloon is a small, picturesque market town in the Haspengouw region of Belgian Limburg, surrounded by gently rolling hills and extensive fruit orchards. The town serves as a quiet gateway to rural Flanders with a compact historic center, local markets and scenic country lanes perfect for cycling and walking. Seasonal fruit production—especially apples, pears and cherries—shapes much of the local landscape and food culture, producing vibrant spring blossom displays and harvest-time markets.
Borgloon is an easy base for exploring nearby villages, enjoying outdoor activities and sampling Limburg specialties in family-run cafés and bakeries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Borgloon, soaking in the charm of the historic architecture. Visit the impressive St. Amandus Church, known for its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.
Head to the Borgloon Castle, where you can explore the grounds and enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating medieval structure. For lunch, try some regional specialties at a nearby restaurant, where the local flavors will tantalize your taste buds. Afterward, visit the unique 'Hanging Gardens' art installation for a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Borgloon’s traditional eateries, sampling Belgian beer and hearty local dishes. After your meal, take a leisurely evening walk around the town, where you can admire the beautifully lit streets and buildings. Conclude your day with a cozy nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Begin your day by visiting the Z33 Contemporary Art Museum, where you can immerse yourself in innovative exhibitions and installations. Enjoy a light breakfast at the museum café, surrounded by artistic vibes and creative energy. Afterward, participate in a guided tour to learn more about the museum's significant contributions to the art scene.
Visit the local artisans and craft shops to see traditional Belgian crafts being made, from lace to ceramics. For lunch, choose a quaint bistro that serves locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and authentic experience. Spend the afternoon at the nearby cycling paths, where you can explore the scenic landscapes that inspired many artists.
Return to Borgloon and prepare for an evening at the local theater, where you can catch a performance ranging from live music to drama. After the show, enjoy dinner at a stylish restaurant that emphasizes local cuisine with a modern twist. Wind down your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (on tap) | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train/bus ticket (short trip) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful orchard landscapes and seasonal blossom/harvest experiences
- Quiet, authentic rural Flemish atmosphere with local food traditions
- Excellent cycling and walking routes through gently rolling countryside
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions compared to larger cities
- Public transport is less frequent in rural areas—car or bike recommended
- "Goedendag" - Good day / Hello
- "Alstublieft" - Please (formal)
- "Dank u (wel)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Waar is de bakker?" - Where is the bakery?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Borgloon
Visit one of these nice places.
Extensive fruit orchards create carpets of white and pink blossoms in spring—ideal for wide landscape shots and close-up flower photography.
Low hills and patchwork fields produce beautiful light in early morning and late afternoon for panoramas and quiet rural scenes.
Picturesque streets, old stone buildings and market activity provide classic small-town Flemish subjects.
Narrow lanes lined with hedges, solitary trees and traditional farm buildings make for evocative rural compositions year-round.
Food in Borgloon
Borgloon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fruit tart native to the Limburg region, typically filled with cherries, apples or apricots; find it at bakeries and market stalls across Borgloon.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in beer, a comfort dish commonly served with fries — available at brasseries and family restaurants.
Freshly made jams, juices and ciders from regional orchards, sold at farm shops and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market (check local schedules) where producers sell fresh fruit, baked goods, cheeses and occasional hot snacks — great for sampling vlaai and local produce.
Seasonal stalls and small farm shops along orchard lanes offering fresh fruit, juices and homemade preserves during harvest.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the main language—use basic greetings like 'Goedendag' or 'Hallo' and a polite 'Alstublieft' and 'Dank u' (please/thank you). English is widely understood, especially among younger people.
Be punctual for reservations and appointments; politeness and modesty are valued—keep noise levels moderate in public spaces.
Stick to marked paths, close gates behind you and avoid disturbing farmland—locals expect visitors to respect agricultural land.
Safety
Tipping in Borgloon
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in restaurant bills in Belgium; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. Small tips for café service or taxis are common but modest.
Debit cards (Bancontact), Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; smaller cafes and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile pay are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blossom season (April–May) is a highlight: orchards burst into flower and local markets sell early fruit products. Weather can be mild but changeable—pack a waterproof layer.
Warm, pleasant days are ideal for cycling and outdoor dining; some farm shops and markets operate at peak capacity. Expect longer daylight and occasional rain showers.
Harvest time brings colorful foliage, fruit-picking and cider/juice production—great for food-focused visits and photography. Temperatures cool; bring layers for brisk mornings and evenings.
Quieter and colder, with shorter days; some rural businesses have reduced hours. Town cafés and inns offer warming stews and beers—pack warm clothing and check opening times in advance.
Borgloon at Night
Hiking in Borgloon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of footpaths and country lanes winding through fruit orchards and rolling fields—excellent for short to medium hikes and seasonal photography.
Marked routes connecting small villages around Borgloon provide peaceful countryside hikes and opportunities to discover rural architecture and local cafés.
Short trails leading to local hilltops and viewpoints give panoramic views of the Haspengouw landscape, particularly striking at sunrise or sunset.
Airports
How to reach Borgloon by plane.
The main international airport serving Belgium, roughly 70–90 km from Borgloon depending on route; reachable by car or a combination of train and regional transport (about 1–1.5 hours plus local transfer).
Closer for some international and regional flights, approximately 45–60 km away; accessible by car or regional connections to nearby train stations.
A smaller regional airport in the Netherlands, often convenient for southern Limburg; roughly 30–45 km away and reachable by car or regional bus services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Dutch-speaking Belgians with deep local roots in agriculture and small-town life.
Many households are involved in fruit production, farming and local businesses tied to agriculture.
Some residents commute to larger nearby towns for work; the area also attracts retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular locally—road cycling, recreational tours and sportive events take advantage of rolling terrain and quiet country roads.
Local amateur football clubs are common and community-oriented, with matches and youth programs throughout the region.
Many residents enjoy running and organized walking events on rural paths and village routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Borgloon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and restaurants, though menus in rural areas remain meat- and dairy-forward; ask for vegetable-based daily specials or salads, and bakeries offer sweet vegetarian choices like vlaai.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are possible but limited in smaller venues—plan ahead by checking menus online or calling, and visit larger towns if you require a greater variety. Farm shops can supply fresh fruit, nuts and some preserves that suit these diets.