01/03/2024
What We Managed to Explore and Experience During Five Months of Work in Belgium (June–October 2023)
We traveled to Belgium for work without any particular expectations. Initially, we never considered Belgium as a vacation destination, so we didn’t have a must-visit list or any specific plans. More importantly, we had no idea how long we would stay, how demanding the work would be, or if we would even have the energy for sightseeing. However, Belgium—and even a bit of France and the Netherlands—turned out to be a delightful surprise.
Zondhoven
Our first stop was Zonhoven—not because we specifically chose it, but simply because that’s where we found accommodation. Luckily, we ended up really liking the town, and we even had friendly neighbors. Around the third day, the neighbor from across the street struck up a conversation with us. He recommended a restaurant in Genk that served excellent gluten-free pizza and even offered to make a reservation for us. Unfortunately, in Belgium, most shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays, which happened to be our only free day, so we never got the chance to go.
One of the highlights of Zonhoven was Bokrijk Park, home to a beautiful castle, a botanical garden, and even beer tastings—because Belgian beer is definitely worth trying! Another great experience was following a scenic trail that led through the ponds, creating a unique and memorable walk.
Terhills park
Another stop on our journey was Terhills Park, where we met up with my brother, who had already been in Belgium for two months. Although he was temporarily based in Leuven, we took the opportunity to spend some time together. Our plan was to go wakeboarding, and Terhills Park turned out to be the perfect spot for it. The cost of renting a lift and basic equipment was €52.50 per person for the entire day, while a wakeboard suitable for obstacles was available for an additional €12.
Beyond wakeboarding, Terhills Park offers a lovely setting for a walk, a scooter ride, or even a boat trip. One of the more unique experiences was trying out an autonomous minibus, which was in test operation at the time. Of course, we had to give it a go! It had a few glitches, but I found it to be a great concept—especially for getting around places like the spa, which is also located within the park.
Fun Fact: Terhills Park is located in the former mining region of Belgium. What once was a coal mining site has now been transformed into a nature and adventure destination, proving how well former industrial areas can be repurposed. The park is also home to one of the most scenic viewpoints in Belgium—after a short hike, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the lakes, forests, and remnants of the region’s mining past.
Antwerp
After about a week, we moved to Antwerp—or more precisely, to the Deurne district on the outskirts—where we were provided with additional accommodation. Since our job was in Geel, we didn’t have much time to explore Antwerp. Our days started early, leaving for work around 6 AM and returning only around 7 PM. Most evenings were spent simply catching up on essentials—grocery shopping, cooking, and doing laundry. The drive back to Antwerp was often long, with frequent traffic jams, making it even harder to find time for sightseeing.
With our old car, we needed a permit to enter the city center, so we found it much easier to rely on shared bikes. Antwerp has a popular bike-sharing system called Velo Antwerpen, where you can rent a bike for €5 per 24 hours, with a maximum ride time of 30 minutes per session—more than enough given the abundance of docking stations.
One evening after work, we finally made it to the city center. We visited Het Steen Castle, Het Vleeshuis, the main square, and the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady. We had also received a tip about a great local brewery, but to our disappointment, it was closed—it was a Tuesday. The next day, we opted for a bike ride to Provincial Domain Rivierenhof, a peaceful park that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Given our first impression of Antwerp as a typical big, somewhat grimy city, discovering this green oasis was a refreshing change.
Return to Antwerp – Chocolate & Beer experience
We later returned to Antwerp with Lu and my brother to visit a friend, this time already living together in Geel. Of course, we had to make up for our missed brewery visit! But our main goal was to experience a true Belgian essential—a chocolate factory tour. Because let’s be honest, visiting Belgium without indulging in chocolate would be like skipping pasta in Italy.
The tours must be booked in advance, and the last one runs at 4 PM. The experience was designed as an interactive journey, using multimedia displays to showcase the art of chocolate-making. The highlight? The tasting session at the end—featuring everything from creamy white and smooth milk chocolate to caramel, ruby, and intensely dark varieties. We tried about eight different types, each of us finding a personal favorite. By the time we left, we were completely sugared out!
To balance it out, we hopped on bikes and made our way through Antwerp’s iconic train station before finally reaching our much-anticipated brewery. We ordered a local beer tasting flight, sampling a selection of Belgian brews while deciding how to spend the rest of the evening—it was Saturday, after all.
Someone had recommended a nightclub nearby, so we thought we’d check it out. However, when we got there, it seemed lifeless. Instead, we heard music coming from across the water and decided to investigate. To get there, we took the Sint-Annatunnel, an old pedestrian tunnel that runs under the Scheldt River—it looks almost like a subway station, but instead of trains, it’s just for walkers and cyclists.
Fun Fact: Sint-Annatunnel, built in 1933, is one of Antwerp’s hidden gems. It still retains its original wooden escalators, which are a rare sight today. Many visitors don’t even know about the tunnel, but locals use it as a convenient way to cross the river without needing to take a bridge. Its retro atmosphere makes it a cool and unexpected place to explore in the city.
Excited about stumbling upon an outdoor party, we were a bit let down when we arrived—the event was winding down, and with only an hour left, it didn’t make sense to buy a ticket. Returning to the empty club didn’t seem appealing either, so in the end, we called it a night and headed home.
Brussels
(Liantis urbantrail run)
Before heading to Belgium, we had just completed a half-marathon and a marathon in the Czech Republic, so naturally, my first search for things to do in Belgium revolved around running events. That’s when I came across the Urban Trail Run in Brussels, which immediately caught my attention.
None of us are die-hard fans of monuments, museums, or aimless city strolling, so this event seemed like the perfect way to explore Brussels in a way that actually excited us. The run offered two distance options—6 km or 12 km—and the route passed through several unique locations, including the European Parliament, a brewery, a nightclub, and the Museum of Illusions, among others.
We instantly agreed—this was a run made for us. It allowed us to experience the city in an unconventional way, combining sightseeing with our love for running. And just like that, we managed to check off both a visit to Brussels and a great race in a single day.
Fun Fact: Unlike typical races, Urban Trail Runs are designed to take runners through places they wouldn’t normally have access to—such as historic buildings, sports stadiums, and even subway stations! The Brussels edition is particularly unique because it gives participants the chance to run inside institutions like the European Parliament, something that most visitors never get to experience.
Waterloo
On our way back from Brussels, we decided to make a stop in Waterloo, the site of the legendary 1815 battle. We visited the museum, which provided an insightful look into the historic clash between Napoleon and the Allied forces.
After exploring the exhibits, we had time to watch a live demonstration of how soldiers loaded, prepared, and fired their muskets. The sound of just one shot was deafening—I felt like I had gone temporarily deaf. It was hard to imagine what it must have been like when thousands of soldiers fired at once on the battlefield. The sheer noise, the thick smoke hanging in the air, and the pressure of having to calmly reload in the midst of chaos must have been overwhelming.
It made me reflect on how, despite hearing from older generations that “times are tough now and will only get tougher,” I am convinced that nothing compares to the hardships of war. The challenges people faced back then—standing in line of fire, dealing with brutal conditions, and living through the uncertainty of battle—were on an entirely different level.
Fun Fact: The Battle of Waterloo was so loud that it was reportedly heard as far as Mont Saint-Jean, nearly 15 km away! The battlefield itself was so muddy due to heavy rain that cannonballs didn’t ricochet as expected, which actually affected Napoleon’s strategy and contributed to his defeat.
Namur, Dinant + France (Paris)
Namur
Since July 21st is a public holiday in Belgium, and in 2023 it happened to fall on a Friday, we decided to take Saturday off as well and head out for a long weekend adventure right after work on Thursday.
Our first challenge was a via ferrata in Marche-les-Dames, not far from Namur. However, by the time we arrived, it was already late in the evening, and getting to the starting point took longer than expected. In the end, we only managed to complete part of the route, finishing just after 10 p.m.—in total darkness.
Since we had been warned that wild camping is illegal in Belgium, we had to be strategic about where to sleep. After some consideration, we settled on a rather unconventional choice—a football field. We figured that, ironically, “it’s darkest under the lamp,” meaning we might go unnoticed. At first, we tried to hide behind the field, but with no shelter and unexpected rain during the night, we were forced to move to a completely exposed spot. Luckily, no one seemed to mind.
Fun Fact: The Marche-les-Dames via ferrata is located in a historically significant area. The steep cliffs around Namur were used for military training, and the Belgian King Albert I—a passionate climber—died here in 1934 while attempting a solo climb. His mysterious death is still debated, but today, the area is a popular destination for adventure seekers.
Namur + Dinant
In the morning, we had a quick breakfast and set out to finish what we had started the night before—completing the Marche-les-Dames via ferrata. It was a fantastic route, winding past an old military building and offering stunning views of the Meuse River.
From there, we headed towards Namur, where we planned to try another via ferrata—Rochers des Grands-Malades—which also features a climbing wall. However, we quickly realized that this via ferrata required more equipment than we had. Besides the standard ferrata set, it also demanded a double pulley (tandem pulley) for the zipline, a 40-meter abseiling rope, and a figure-eight or belay device. Since we weren’t fully equipped, we decided to leave this one for another time and instead tackled some climbing routes in the area.
Our next destination was Dinant, where we took on yet another via ferrata (Via Ferrata Pont-à-Lesse) before heading into town for a night boat ride—something I had planned for Lu’s birthday. However, as I checked the details, I discovered that night cruises don’t normally exist, and the last boat usually departs around 5 PM. But tonight was a holiday!
On this special occasion, Dinant Evasion was running three different cruise ships, each offering unique services—varying snacks, drinks, and live music—all ending with fireworks over the river. I frantically tried to book a spot online, but it wasn’t working. A call to the reservation line didn’t help either—the lady simply told me that if it’s not available online, I can’t book it through her either.
Determined not to break my promise, I suggested we go straight to the harbor and try our luck in person. At the first boat, the lady only spoke French, but I managed to understand that we should hurry to the last boat at the other end. We sprinted there, and to our relief, the staff offered us the final tickets—which even included dinner and a welcome glass of champagne! The only catch? The boat was leaving in five minutes.
We ran to the car, quickly changed out of our rock-climbing gear, grabbed a few essentials, and made it just in time. This wasn’t even “five to midnight”—it was closer to one minute to midnight! But it was worth it.
The cruise was perfect—great food, drinks, and music, with the fireworks at the end as the cherry on top. We were all in high spirits and eager to continue the celebrations, but someone had to drive us to Refuge Duchesne, our accommodation for the night. Besides, we had to be responsible—the next morning, we were off to Paris!
The next day, we wanted to see Dinant in daylight before hitting the road. We started at the Citadel, but unfortunately, it didn’t open until 10 AM. From there, we took the cable car down into the city, wandered through the streets, visited the museum, and soaked in the charming riverside atmosphere before finally heading towards Paris.
Since Jířa is a huge cycling fan, we had agreed to make the trip because the final stage of the Tour de France was set to finish in Paris on July 23, 2023. But before reaching the French capital, we made a quick detour to Rochefort, where the monks brew Trappist beer in their historic monastery.
Inside the monastery shop, the man at the counter surprised us by mentioning that there’s even a monk from the Czech Republic!
Unfortunately, visiting the brewery itself wasn’t allowed, so we settled for buying a few bottles as gifts—because what else do you bring home from Belgium if not beer and chocolate?
The journey was long, and the following day promised to be even longer, so we searched for somewhere to stay overnight. Unfortunately, everything was fully booked. After some last-minute scrambling, we managed to find a small motel room, where we crashed immediately after checking in.
Fun Fact: A few weeks later, we discovered that one of Belgium’s most famous climbing spots—Freyr—is located just outside Dinant! Had we known earlier, we would have definitely added it to our climbing itinerary. The cliffs of Freyr reach heights of over 120 meters, making them Belgium’s largest rock-climbing area and an absolute dream for climbers.
France
(Paris + Vélodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines)
In the morning, we set off for the Eiffel Tower. To be honest, we didn’t find the view particularly impressive—maybe because we’re more drawn to mountains and nature rather than cityscapes. What fascinated us more than the view was the fact that this massive iron structure has been standing since 1889. The engineering behind it, the renovations, and the way it has withstood time is truly incredible. Plus, on a personal note, I could now cross Paris off my “must-visit” list.
Unfortunately, the area around the Eiffel Tower was full of persistent street vendors, fake petition-signers, and scam artists running the classic shell game. Of course, we knew you couldn’t win, but we still had to try—just to confirm that, yes, it was a scam.
With limited time, we continued to Montigny-le-Bretonneux, where the final stage of the Tour de France was set to begin. We spent time at the Velodrome, checked out some high-tech racing bikes, joined a few competitions, and watched the start of the last stage of the Tour.
To maximize our time, we tried to figure out the best way to get back to Geel as soon as possible. Our plan was to move from the south side of Paris to the north, but we got stuck in heavy traffic and, unfortunately, missed the finish on the Champs-Élysées.
We walked to the Arc de Triomphe and attempted to take the metro, but most of the stations were closed due to the Tour de France. Asking police officers for directions turned into an endless loop of being sent from one station to another. I lost track of time, but what I do know is that we arrived home at 4 AM—exhausted from the journey, and waking up the next morning was just as brutal.
Fun Fact: When it was first built, the Eiffel Tower was meant to be temporary and scheduled for demolition after 20 years. However, it was saved because it proved useful as a radio transmission tower. Today, it remains one of the most visited monuments in the world—despite being heavily criticized by artists and intellectuals when it was first unveiled.
Namur + Chimay
I finally managed to buy a double pulley, and with a weekend of great weather ahead, there was only one logical choice—back to Namur! Having already explored the area, we knew it was a solid destination.
We arrived just in time for sunset, taking in the view from the highpoint. Even though the via ferrata is only slightly extended from its original route, it remains a beautiful and worthwhile spot. The final section required abseiling, which turned into extra stress for me—not only was it my first time, but we had to do it in the dark! Despite my nerves, the entire via ferrata was absolutely worth it.
That night, we made ourselves comfortable and slept by the rocks, enjoying the quiet of the outdoors.
The next day, we had planned to visit a monks’ brewery, but quickly discovered that monastic brewery tours are seriously not allowed anywhere. So, instead, we headed to Chimay.
At L’Espace Chimay, we visited the restaurant and museum, where we learned about the Trappist brewing tradition. The exhibition detailed the number of Trappist breweries in Belgium and the Netherlands, distinguishing between those that are 100% Trappist-certified (meaning they have a special license) and those that are “half” unlicensed but still follow traditional methods.
One of the most fascinating things we discovered was the Westvleteren brewery, known for producing the rarest Trappist beer in the world. It has the longest brewing tradition, and getting a bottle is a complicated process—you have to order in advance, provide an ID number and license plate, and pick it up in person.
Luckily, a colleague from work was already familiar with the system and managed to get us a few bottles of Westvleteren beer. He also brought us St. Bernardus, which, according to rumors, has an almost identical brewing process. As the story goes, Westvleteren once shared their recipe with St. Bernardus when the monastery needed financial support. Do they really taste the same? We gave it a try, and while they are very similar, we couldn’t say for sure whether the recipe was actually identical—or if it was just a well-spread rumor.
On our way back, we wanted to do more via ferratas, and Lu had Site d’Entrainement Spéléo VLG marked among her must-visit ferrata spots. This site was rumored to have over 30 via ferrata routes, which sounded too good to miss.
However, when we arrived, we found the entire area closed—most likely by conservationists. It was immediately obvious that the routes hadn’t been maintained for a long time, with missing sections in several places. Given the condition, we didn’t even attempt the via ferratas—it would have been too dangerous. A real shame, because it could have been an incredible spot.
Fun Fact: Westvleteren 12, one of the beers we managed to get, has been voted the best beer in the world multiple times! Unlike most breweries, Westvleteren doesn’t sell their beer commercially—they only produce what’s needed to sustain their monastery. This exclusivity makes it one of the hardest beers to find, and prices on the secondary market can be insanely high compared to the original price at the abbey.
Ghent, Bruges, Oostende, Dunquerke
Ghent– A Beer, a Shoe, and a Night Under the Stars
The next holiday was on August 15 (Tuesday), so we took Monday off—another long weekend! This time, we planned a trip to Ghent, leaving Saturday after work, which meant arriving in the evening. Fortunately, we made it just in time for the last boat rental slot (7–9 PM).
Of course, like typical Czechs, we brought Staropramen and some snacks on board. Those two hours on the water gave us a unique perspective of the city and put us in a great mood.
After the boat ride, we explored the city on foot, visiting famous sights and Ghent’s graffiti alley before heading to a legendary pub—Dulle Griet. This place is famous for its 1.2-liter beer served in a tall glass tube, but there’s a catch: to get your beer, you must hand over one of your shoes, which the bartender places in a bucket hanging from the ceiling. You get it back only after finishing your drink. We each successfully won our shoes back and continued our night tour of Ghent.
At some point, we realized none of us were in a condition to drive, so we slept in a park using our mattresses and sleeping bags—honestly, quite a comfortable night! The next day at work, a colleague, who had warned us many times that wild camping is illegal in Belgium, asked how our weekend was. When we mentioned where we slept, he just laughed and said he knew exactly where we had been—probably because he had slept there himself at least once!
Fun Fact: The Shoe-Holding Pub in Ghent At Dulle Griet, the shoe tradition isn’t just for fun—it started as a way to prevent theft. The special 1.2-liter glass tubes are rare and expensive, and in the past, people would steal them as souvenirs. The pub came up with a simple but effective solution: Hold the customer’s shoe hostage until they return the glass. Over time, it became a Ghent tradition, and today, it’s one of the most famous beer experiences in Belgium!
Bruges – A Fairytale City
Our next stop was Bruges, because let’s be honest—if you haven’t been to Bruges, have you really been to Belgium?
We arrived just after 8 AM, which meant we had the city almost to ourselves—a rare experience in such a tourist-heavy destination. However, the weather was unpredictable, switching between bright sunshine and sudden rain showers.
For brunch, we found a fantastic spot called That’s Toast, but it seems everyone in Bruges knows about it. When we arrived, we waited about 20 minutes, but by the time we left, the queue had doubled, and people at the end probably had at least an hour-long wait.
We visited the main square, saw the Basilica of the Holy Blood, crossed the Lovers’ Bridge, and then decided to move on. By that time, Bruges was packed with tourists, making it harder to enjoy.
Oostende
While checking our route, we discovered that Belgium actually has a surf spot—so we headed to Oostende. Since the North Sea is cold, I tried to find a wetsuit on the marketplace during the drive—and surprisingly, I succeeded!
However, it turned out to be completely unnecessary because… there were no waves. None. Zero.
We walked along the coast, checked out surf rentals, and asked if conditions would improve. The answer? “Maybe in the morning.” Given what we had seen, we didn’t have much hope.
So instead of surfing, we found a perfect spot to watch the sunset and sunrise. We had dinner during sunset and breakfast during sunrise—simple moments, but absolutely perfect ones. Who needs waves when you have this?
France – Dunkirk, Tardinghen, and a Rainy End
By morning, it was clear—there were still no waves. So, we had to come up with a new plan. Then it hit me—Dunkirk isn’t far away!
Everyone agreed, and we set off. We walked along the coast, and the guys even jumped into the freezing North Sea (because why not?). Afterward, we checked out the Dunkirk War Museum, which was definitely worth a visit.
By the time we were ready for lunch, most restaurants had stopped serving food, and everywhere we went, we were told they only offered drinks, no meals. Eventually, we stumbled upon an Asian bistro, which ended up being an unexpectedly excellent choice.
After eating, we debated what to do next. My brother found out that Tardinghen has a shipwreck on the coast—Épave du Lord Grey. This vessel was a minesweeper from 1915, and it was definitely a cool site to explore.
Next, we took a coastal walk in Audinghen, where military bunkers from WWII are scattered along the cliffs. From there, we looked across the sea and admired those who had swum the English Channel. It sparked an idea—what if we took a trip to Dover?
But the weather wasn’t on our side. The rain returned, and it didn’t look like it would stop. We were also tired and unsure where to sleep, so we made the rare decision to cut the trip short—heading home a day early to enjoy at least one full day off.
Theme Park Adventures – Overcoming My Roller Coaster Fears
At work, we occasionally got weekend tips from colleagues, and among the most recommended activities were Walibi and Bobbejaanland—two of Belgium’s biggest amusement parks.
Now, here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of heights, and spinning rides make me sick. Roller coasters? Not exactly my idea of fun. But since everyone else was excited to go, and we had no other major plans, we figured—why not? A relaxed weekend sounded nice.
My brother even had a 20% discount voucher for Walibi Park, so that became our first stop.
Walibi – Facing My Fears (And Surviving)
I wanted to start with something slow and friendly, you know—ease into it. But my so-called supportive friends and family? They flat-out refused to join me on a children’s roller coaster (how kind of them).
Since we had only six hours to experience all the “must-try” rides, they insisted we jump straight into the real deal. Oh well… Lucky me.
We stood in line (about 15-20 minutes per ride unless you had a priority pass, which we didn’t buy), and I was hesitating the entire time. Should I do this? Could I still back out?
Well, once I was locked in, strapped down, and the restraints clicked into place, reality hit me—there was no escape.
At that moment, I cursed myself for what I had just done.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I had feared, and I even managed to avoid feeling sick—until I saw someone throw up right in front of us on the way out. Great.
As we continued, I panicked before every roller coaster, checking the speed and height, trying to calculate if I should run for my life. But in the end, we went on all the big ones, including the ones I swore I would never try. We even found our favorite ride—Kondaa.
To play it safe, I didn’t eat all day—but shockingly, I ended up enjoying it. More importantly, I was proud of myself for pushing past my fear and actually having fun.
Bobbejaanland
About a month and a half later, we planned a visit to Bobbejaanland. Carrefour had a promotion where you got a free third ticket after collecting a few stickers with purchases. Jířa was back home, so the three tickets were perfect for us.
Once again, the same process repeated for me—I felt uneasy at the start, I wanted to begin slowly, and once again, Lu and my brother rejected my request.
Compared to Walibi, we found Bobbejaanland to be a smaller and slower version, which—for me—was perfectly fine. The park may have had fewer extreme rides, but what really won us over was the attitude of the employees.
Our favorite ride was Fury, which had a unique twist: you could choose to either ride strictly facing forward or pick “?”, meaning you wouldn’t know if you’d be facing forward or backward until you were already strapped in.
I made a deal with myself: If we can make it to a second round, I’ll overcome my fear and choose “?”.
While waiting in line, an announcement came over the speakers—the ride was temporarily suspended due to a technical issue. Just what I needed… more time to second-guess my life choices.
Eventually, the issue was resolved, and the ride reopened. In the end, we all agreed that riding backward felt easier and more comfortable than riding forward.
Then came the biggest surprise of the day: As we were about to leave, we queued up for one last round, choosing “?” again. There were only a few people left, so the ride operator made a special announcement—anyone who wanted could stay seated for another go!
And after that? They let us stay on for one more round.
Two extra rides. No waiting. No stress. The perfect way to end the day.
Fun Fact: Kondaa – Belgium’s Tallest and Fastest Roller Coaster Kondaa, which we unexpectedly fell in love with, is actually Belgium’s tallest and fastest roller coaster! It stands at 50 meters (164 feet) tall and reaches speeds of 113 km/h (70 mph). It’s also known for its “airtime hills,” which create a floating sensation as the train lifts off the tracks—something I never imagined I’d actually enjoy.
Liege, Durbuy, Adventure Valley Park
A Recommendation That Led Us to Durbuy
During our boat ride in Dinant, a friendly waitress recommended that we visit Durbuy. We took her advice seriously and planned another weekend trip.
Not far from Liège, we found a beautiful via ferrata—Le Fond des Cris. The area actually has two via ferratas and numerous climbing routes. Since we didn’t have a climbing rope, we stuck to the via ferratas.
The first route was easy—more of a scenic walk with no real challenges. But the second one? Short, yet much tougher, featuring two overhangs that tested our strength. Thankfully, they were low enough that I wasn’t too terrified. And if someone realized mid-climb that they couldn’t continue, there was still an option to turn back.
I have to admit—I wouldn’t have made it without my descender. And poor my kind brother, who turned out to be the hero of the day. In a panic, I dropped my descender, and without hesitation, he handed me his—leaving himself to finish the climb without one.
Once we completed the via ferratas, we returned to the car to change clothes and grab our sleeping gear. There was a beautiful picnic spot right beneath the via ferrata, perfect for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
Exploring Durbuy & Adventure Valley
The next morning, we headed into Durbuy, enjoying a leisurely walk through the town and taking in a panoramic view from above.
Then, we bought tickets to Adventure Valley Durbuy, located just outside the city.
This place is a dream playground for kids—which was perfect for us because, let’s be honest, we’re basically kids most of the time.
The Adventure Valley Park is ideal for a family or friends’ getaway, offering a ton of activities, including:
✅ Rope courses
✅ Zip lines
✅ Climbing walls
✅ Via ferratas
✅ Caving
✅ Free fall jumps
✅ Bike trails & rentals
✅ Laser tag & escape rooms
✅ Swimming pools
With so much to do, it’s easily a place where you could spend multiple days—but even for just one, it was an absolute blast.
Fun Fact: Durbuy – The World’s Smallest City? Durbuy is often called “the smallest city in the world.” While it technically lost that status over time, it still holds onto the title as a charming marketing point. Its medieval streets, tiny alleys, and cozy atmosphere make it feel like a fairytale town, attracting visitors year-round.
A Trip to Han-sur-Lesse – Wildlife, Caves, and Local Beer
Since we were running out of ideas for things to do in Belgium and we’re all animal lovers, we decided to visit Han-sur-Lesse—a massive wildlife park and cave complex.
What makes Han-sur-Lesse unique is that all the animals have large enclosures, ensuring they aren’t restricted in their natural movement. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, from wild boars and wolves to bears and various horse breeds.
One of the highlights of the visit was the gigantic cave, where they host a laser and music show. As we explored further, we discovered that the cave also serves as a venue for special events, including culinary and musical experiences—definitely something that could make for a memorable occasion.
We wrapped up the tour and the weekend in the best possible way—with a tasting of local beers in a cozy restaurant right next to the cave entrance.
Fun Fact: Han-sur-Lesse – One of Europe’s Most Impressive Cave Systems. The Han Caves are among the largest and most beautiful cave systems in Europe, shaped over millions of years by the Lesse River flowing through limestone rock. The cave features massive chambers, underground rivers, and stunning stalactites and stalagmites, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Geel and it's surroundings
A small, inconspicuous town, yet it became our refuge for 4.5 months. During that time, we found a few favorite places that made our stay even more special.
Not long after we arrived in Belgium, Lu had a birthday, which led us to discover Volt, a cozy restaurant right in the town square. They also offered gluten-free dishes, making it a perfect spot to celebrate. Just around the corner, we found Pure Chocolate, a confectionery and praline shop that quickly became our go-to place—especially for their amazing ice cream.
A few weeks later, after completing a big project with overtime, we decided to treat ourselves to a well-earned dinner. This time, we chose Parrillada Argentina Geel, another restaurant in the square, where we had some of the best steaks we’ve ever eaten.
Unexpected Lessons in Public Drinking & Local Nature Escapes
Not far from where we lived was Stadspark, which occasionally hosted music events. For us, however, it became the place where we learned an important Belgian rule—no drinking in public.
How did we find out?
Well, my brother, being the resourceful construction worker that he is, decided to open a champagne bottle using a wrench (sabrage style). Just as we started drinking, a police officer approached us and kindly informed us that drinking in public was not allowed. Oops.
Beyond the city, we explored some nearby hidden gems:
- Herentals Observation Tower – Given that Belgium is mostly flat, the view wasn’t extraordinary, but the surrounding area was perfect for walks and bike rides. Underneath the tower, there was a small, charming pub, though it only accepted cash—a rare inconvenience these days.
- Prinsenpark – A beautiful park ideal for walks, cycling, or spending time with family and friends.
- Vlooybergtoren – A unique “stairway to heaven” lookout tower, which swings in strong winds, adding an unexpected thrill to the experience.
The Best Waffles, Burgers & a Fairytale Castle
One day, Lu took me out for the best waffles ever at Hoeve IJs Happy Feed, where we also discovered a vending machine for fresh milk and strawberries straight from their farm—a small but amazing countryside experience.
That same evening, we continued our food tour with the best burger in town at Eskobar, a restaurant located just behind our house.
We also ventured a few kilometers outside of Geel to visit Castle Van Horst, a picturesque castle seemingly floating in the middle of a pond, surrounded by a beautiful forest and scenic hiking trails.
Another memorable walk took us through the villages of Averbode and Zichem, a peaceful route through Belgium’s vast plains, parks, and forests—a reminder that this country offers endless opportunities for walking, running, and cycling.
Climbing Adventures & A Hitchhiker’s Question
Our time in Geel wouldn’t have been complete without climbing, so we regularly visited Alpamayo, a climbing and bouldering gym that quickly became part of our routine.
One evening, as Lu and I were driving home after a climbing session, we spotted a hitchhiker standing by the road. It was late and dark, but after a quick silent assessment, we decided to stop. Coincidentally, he was also headed to Geel.
As we drove, we chatted about anything and everything, and just as we were getting comfortable, he suddenly asked: “Aren’t you afraid, being two girls picking up a hitchhiker?” For a brief moment, we froze.
He quickly laughed and reassured us—he was an art student visiting friends and was simply curious. Still, the irony of the situation wasn’t lost on us.
Fun Fact: Geel – The Town With a Unique Mental Health Tradition. Geel is famous for its centuries-old mental health tradition, where families voluntarily take in and care for psychiatric patients in their homes instead of placing them in institutions. This community-based model has existed for over 700 years and is considered a pioneering approach in mental health care.
A few interesting points at the end for stronger personalities:
1) Antwerp – A Dangerous Side of Belgium – Before coming to Belgium, we both considered it to be one of the safest places in Europe—perhaps because it’s known as the heart of Europe and home to the European Parliament in Brussels.While Belgium itself isn’t inherently dangerous, we were surprised to learn—just in casual work conversations—that Antwerp is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the country. The city is notorious for violence, shootings, and ongoing wars between drug cartels.When we asked why Antwerp?, we were given an explanation that, in hindsight, made perfect sense. Antwerp has the second-largest port in Europe (after Rotterdam), making it a prime gateway for drug cartels to smuggle in shipments from South America.The biggest challenge for these cartels isn’t importing the drugs—it’s distributing them. Supposedly, this phase is where the highest number of people are killed, as many of their dealers come from the streets—desperate individuals with no money, lured in by “easy cash.” Once they start working for the gangs, quitting is not an option.And to make matters worse, corruption among authorities allows the mafia to operate freely—justice doesn’t touch them, and the cycle continues.
2) The Chilling Case of Marc Dutroux. Speaking of illegal activities, crime, and prisons, we also learned about one of the darkest chapters in Belgian history—serial killer and pedophile Marc Dutroux.
His crimes in the 1990s were so horrifying that they made our blood run cold and turned our stomachs at the same time. A man who deserved the harshest punishment instead ended up receiving privileges that most law-abiding citizens don’t even get.
In prison, he lives like a king.
- He has his own private room.
- He has access to a study area.
- He even has a laptop, which he used to write a book—because, as it turns out, his ability to manipulate people goes beyond children; he also manipulates adults.
Even more disturbing?
He receives letters from admirers, who praise him and worship him like some kind of god.
How is this even possible? It’s a sickening reality that left us speechless.
Belgium might be known for chocolate, beer, and beautiful medieval towns, but it also has a darker side that few outsiders talk about. These stories were eye-opening—showing us that even the safest-seeming places can have hidden shadows beneath the surface.