Hasselt Travel Guide

Hasselt, Belgium is full of outdoor adventures, delicious food, and rich history, making it a perfect destination for any traveler. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Hasselt.


Introduction to Hasselt

Hasselt, located in Limburg, Flanders, Belgium, is a charming and vibrant city with something to offer for all types of travelers. It is a bustling city with a rich history, delightful cuisine, and plenty of outdoor adventures to explore.

Hasselt is easily accessible by public transport and is a great base for travelers, with plenty of options for accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Its central location also makes it easy to explore other nearby destinations in Belgium and beyond.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Hasselt, including the top places to visit, the best activities and tours, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Hasselt

Let’s start with the top places to visit in Hasselt, including culturally important attractions, natural attractions, and the best hiking and biking routes.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hasselt has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its many museums and historical places. Here are the top places to visit:

  1. Jenever Museum: This fascinating museum tells the story of jenever, a traditional Belgian gin that has been distilled in Hasselt for over 200 years. You can learn about the history of the drink, how it is made, and even taste some for yourself.

  2. Het Stadsmus: This museum is dedicated to the history of Hasselt and its people. You can learn about the city’s development over the centuries, its political and social history, and explore the many exhibits and artifacts on display.

  3. Japanese Garden: This peaceful and beautiful garden is a haven of tranquility in the heart of Hasselt. It was designed in collaboration with the city of Itami, Japan, and features traditional Japanese landscaping, including a koi pond, tea house, and pagoda.

Natural Attractions of Hasselt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hasselt is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the top natural attractions to explore:

  1. Bokrijk: This open-air museum is set in a vast parkland and features traditional buildings and structures from different periods in Flemish history. You can experience the lifestyle of the local people over 500 years and also take a walk in the park or ride a bike in the forest.

  2. Schulensmeer: This beautiful lake is a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and biking. The area around the lake is home to several rare bird species, and you can spot them while exploring the many trails and paths that surround the lake.

  3. Herkenrode Abbey: This stunning Abbey, set in lush green gardens, was founded over 800 years ago. The Abbey proper displays the spiritual and architectural elite of the past. A unique place with a lot to see and discover about religious and daily life during the past centuries

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hasselt

Hasselt is a paradise for walkers and bicyclists with 2000km of walking trails within the province and the regions on the edge of Hasselt. You can partake in a range of outdoor adventures and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. The most popular routes are:

  1. Limburg cycle route network: This network of cycling paths covers over 2000km of trails that criss-cross the entire province of Limburg, including several routes around Hasselt.

  2. Schulensmeer - Bolderberg: This route offers beautiful views of Schulensmeer lake and takes you through the forested hills to Bolderberg.

  3. Herkenrode Abbey - The Kiewit and Wijers Nature Reserve: This route takes you through the stunning countryside around Herkenrode Abbey, with beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.

Best Things to Do in Hasselt: Activities and Tours

In addition to the top places to visit, Hasselt is also home to a range of exciting activities and tours to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Hasselt:

  1. Explore the city by bike: Hasselt is a bike-friendly city, and there are plenty of bike rental options available throughout the city. You can explore the city’s many attractions and beautiful streets by bike.

  2. Jenever tasting: No visit to Hasselt would be complete without tasting some authentic Belgian gin at one of the many jenever bars in the city.

  3. Shop at the local markets: Hasselt is home to several charming markets, including the weekly Saturday Market, where you can shop for local products and souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hasselt

If you have a full week to spend in Hasselt, here is an itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1 - Explore the city center and visit the Jenever Museum

Day 2 - Rent a bike and cycle along the Limburg cycle route network

Day 3 - Explore the natural beauty of Schulensmeer and enjoy the outdoor sports like fishing, hiking, and bicycling.

Day 4 - Visit the Het Stadsmus museum and enjoy the local markets as well.

Day 5 - Take a trip to Herkenrode Abbey and discover the fascinating history of the region.

Day 6 - Relax by the Japanese Garden of Hasselt and enjoy the natural beauty.

Day 7 - Take a guided tour of the city and learn more about Hasselt’s history and culture.

Food and Drink Scene of Hasselt

Hasselt is renowned for its delicious food and drink scene, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages you should try while in Hasselt:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Hasseltse speculaas: A special and unique spiced shortcrust cookie only found in Hasselt.

  2. Genkersteak-frites: A hearty and filling dish of fried potato wedges served with sizzling steak.

  3. Konijn in geuze: Rabbit stewed in a traditional Belgian beer.

Local Beverages

  1. Jenever: A traditional Belgian gin, distilled locally in Hasselt.

  2. Trappist beers: A range of delicious Belgian beers brewed by Trappist monks.

  3. Belgian chocolate: No trip to Belgium would be complete without sampling some of the country’s famous chocolate.

Where to Stay in Hasselt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hasselt has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

Here are our top picks:

  1. Radisson Blu Hasselt: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Hasselt and offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.

  2. The Century Hasselt: This boutique hotel is a charming and elegant option, with spacious rooms and a great location.

  3. YUP Hotel Hasselt: If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, this hostel is a great choice. It offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Hasselt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hasselt offers several unique and charming souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home. Here are some of the best local products to buy:

  1. Jenever: This traditional Belgian gin is distilled locally in Hasselt and makes a great souvenir or gift.

  2. Hasseltse Speculaas: These traditional spiced shortcrust cookies are only found in Hasselt and make a great snack or gift.

  3. Belgian chocolate: Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and there are plenty of artisan chocolatiers in Hasselt who offer delicious and unique creations.

Local Culture and Customs of Hasselt

Hasselt is a friendly and welcoming city, known for its rich culture and history. Here are some of the local customs and cultural practices you should be aware of:

  1. Belgians are known for their love of beer, and it is a common sight to see people enjoying a beer at a local bar or restaurant.

  2. Belgium is a multilingual country, and Flemish is the local language in Hasselt.

  3. Tipping is not always required in Belgium but is appreciated for good service.

Best Time to Visit Hasselt

The best time to visit Hasselt is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy.

Winter is also a lovely time to visit, with the festive Christmas markets adding a magical touch to the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hasselt

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Hasselt:

Do:

  • Try the local gin – Jenever.
  • Explore the natural beauty, forests, and lakes of the region.
  • Bring appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures or activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t speak in a loud tone or indulge in any act that may disturb others.
  • Don’t forget to obtain travel insurance as the medical care is costly in Belgium.

Safety and Health

Hasselt, like most cities in Belgium, is generally safe. However, it is always essential to take extra precautions while traveling in the city. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Hasselt

  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings while in crowded areas or public transport.
  • Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car or hotel room.

Health in Hasselt

  • Belgium is a safe country with few health risks, but it is always wise to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Hasselt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hasselt is easily accessible by public transport from other parts of Belgium and beyond. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Hasselt

  • Brussels Airport: The nearest international airport, located about 60 miles from Hasselt.
  • Maastricht Aachen Airport: A smaller regional airport located about 27 miles from Hasselt.

Bus Stations Near Hasselt

  • Hasselt Station: Located in the heart of Hasselt, this station serves several bus routes throughout the city.

Other Options

  • You can drive to Hasselt from other parts of Belgium or neighboring countries. It is also possible to take a train from Brussels or Antwerp to Hasselt.

How to Get Around in Hasselt

Hasselt is a small and compact city, and it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. There are also several public transportation options available, including buses and trams.

Taxis and car rentals are also available in Hasselt, but it is recommended to book them in advance, especially during peak travel season.

Where to Go Next from Hasselt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hasselt is an excellent base for exploring other nearby destinations in Belgium and beyond. Here are some top destinations to consider:

  1. Brussels: The capital of Belgium and one of the most beautiful cities in the world is just an hour away by train.

  2. Antwerp: A historic city, renowned for its stunning cathedral and diamond district, is just an hour away by train.

  3. Tongeren, Genk, and Maastricht: These nearby towns are known for their charming medieval architecture and lovely markets.

Conclusion

Hasselt, Belgium is a charming and vibrant city that is full of surprises and delights for visitors. With a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of outdoor adventures to explore, it is a perfect destination for any traveler.

This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Hasselt, including the top places to visit, the best activities and tours, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more. Happy travels to Hasselt!

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