Things To Do
in Ertvelde

Capture traditional Flemish village life, historic façades and the church steeple framed by quiet streets and seasonal foliage.

Open skies, patchwork fields, ditches and hedgerows make for classic rural landscape photos, especially at golden hour.

A short trip away, this iconic canal-side area offers photogenic medieval architecture and reflections on the water, ideal for daytime and evening shots.

Industrial waterways, bridges and locks present moody compositions; good for long exposures and industrial-rural contrasts.

Small weekly market selling fresh bread, cheeses and seasonal produce — a good spot to sample local specialties and pick up picnic supplies.

If you travel into Ghent, you’ll find larger markets and street-food stalls offering international bites, waffles, and regional specialities.

A friendly handshake is the usual greeting in formal or first-time encounters; among acquaintances a brief verbal greeting (Hallo / Dag) suffices. Use polite forms (u) with older people until invited to use first names.

Belgians value punctuality for appointments — arrive on time for organized tours or reservations.

Respect bike lanes and road signage; cyclists are common and have priority in many places — watch for dedicated lanes and follow local rules.

Behave modestly in rural communities, avoid loud behaviour late at night and respect private property and farmland.

Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving a small rounding-up tip (5–10%) or a few euros for good service is appreciated but not required. For taxis and hairdressers a small tip is customary; in bars people often round up the bill.

Belgium uses the euro. Debit and credit cards (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa) and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns and cities; smaller village shops and market stalls may prefer cash. Mobile pay (Apple/Google Pay) increasingly accepted.

Mild temperatures and blossoming hedgerows make it a great time for cycling and birdwatching; expect occasional rain showers and muddy tracks after heavy rain.

Warmest and sunniest period, ideal for outdoor dining, cycling and visiting Ghent; popular spots can be busier and accommodation prices higher on holiday weekends.

Crisp air and changing colours in the landscape; great for photography and local harvest events, but wetter weather and shorter daylight hours start to appear.

Cold and damp with fewer tourists; village life is quiet, and some small businesses may have reduced hours — pack warm layers and a waterproof coat.

Belgium's main international airport about 60–80 km from Ertvelde (roughly 50–70 minutes by car depending on traffic); good rail and road connections to Ghent and onward local transport.

Closer for some routes, about 30–50 minutes by car; smaller airport with regional and some international flights and road connections to the Evergem/Ertvelde area.

Located on the coast and useful for some European routes; roughly 45–75 minutes by car depending on route — convenient for combining a coastal visit with inland stays.

Operates many low-cost carriers; longer transfer time (about 1.5–2 hours by car or coach) but sometimes useful for budget travelers.

Vegetarian options are available but sometimes limited in small village restaurants; choose salads, egg dishes, Belgian fries, and vegetable-based pannenkoeken. Larger cafés in Ghent offer more varied vegetarian and vegan options — mention preferences when ordering.

Specialised vegan and gluten-free choices are easier to find in Ghent and larger supermarkets; in Ertvelde, communicate restrictions clearly and expect simpler substitutions.