The Enchanting Antwerpse Kempen: Belgium's Hidden Gem

• HelloHallo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [AL-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dahnk oo]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ee]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hu gat hut]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spraykt oo eng-els]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-greyp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraach duh me-nuu-kaart zeen, al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraach vil-len buh-ta-len, al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-tee]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-ter]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben vuhr-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... kopen
  [ik zou khraach ... koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk ben gewoon aan het kijken
  [ik ben khuh-woon ahn het kee-ken]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hu-vale kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh duur]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vur-lah-ghen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hu laht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [half teen]
• MorningOchtend
  [okhtend]
• AfternoonNamiddag
  [nah-mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuhr-uhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khen]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tweh]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkh-t]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khen]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/de...]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vat is hut ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij laten zien (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo may laht-uhn zeen (op duh kaart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vay-nuhr is duh fohl-hen-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn tik-et (nar ....)]

The Antwerpse Kempen region has traces of Roman settlements dating back to the 1st century AD. Archaeological finds, including pottery and coins, indicate that this area was part of a vast network of Roman roads and trade routes. The strategic location of the Kempen made it a crucial point connecting various parts of the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, the Kempen region saw the establishment of several abbeys and monasteries, which played a significant role in the area's development. These religious institutions not only provided spiritual guidance but also contributed to agricultural and economic growth. The Abbey of Tongerlo, founded in 1130, is a prime example of the medieval religious architecture and influence in the region.

The Antwerpse Kempen was significantly impacted during the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic. The region saw numerous skirmishes and battles, and its towns and villages were frequently ravaged by both sides. The war left a lasting imprint on the local culture and architecture, with many fortified structures still visible today.

The Industrial Revolution brought major changes to the Antwerpse Kempen. In the 19th century, the region became known for its burgeoning textile industry. Factories and mills sprang up, transforming the local economy and society. The town of Turnhout, in particular, became a hub for the production of playing cards and other printed goods, a legacy that continues to this day.

During World War II, the Antwerpse Kempen was the site of significant military activity. The Kempen Line, a series of defensive fortifications, was constructed by the Belgian Army to fend off German advances. Although ultimately breached, these fortifications played a crucial role in the early stages of the war. The region also witnessed several key battles during the Allied liberation efforts in 1944.

In the post-war era, the Antwerpse Kempen experienced a cultural revival. Efforts were made to preserve the region's rich heritage while promoting tourism. Today, the area is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant festivals. The Kempen's cultural significance is celebrated through numerous museums, heritage trails, and cultural events that attract visitors from around the world.

The Antwerpse Kempen region is located in the northern part of Belgium within the province of Antwerp. The closest major city with an international airport is Antwerp, approximately 30 kilometers away. Brussels Airport, the largest airport in Belgium, is around 50 kilometers from the region. From either Antwerp or Brussels, you can take a train or bus to various towns within the Antwerpse Kempen. The train services from Antwerp are frequent and connect to towns like Turnhout, Herentals, and Mol.

Within the Antwerpse Kempen, public transportation is efficient and well-connected. Trains and buses run regularly between the main towns and villages. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option, as the region is known for its extensive network of cycling paths. For longer distances, you can rent a car to explore the area at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be more expensive compared to public transportation.

Belgium uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are readily available in all major towns and villages. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages or local markets where card payments might not be accepted.

The Antwerpse Kempen is generally a safe region for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is recommended to stay vigilant, especially when traveling alone at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in Belgium. Most towns in the Antwerpse Kempen have local police stations and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in all major towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but if you plan to visit churches or attend formal events, dress modestly. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. In more formal settings, use appropriate titles and surnames. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't rush your meal; dining is often a leisurely activity.

To experience the Antwerpse Kempen like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the numerous nature reserves and scenic cycling routes. For a unique experience, try the local specialty beers and cheeses, which the region is famous for.