Free County of Flanders Travel Guide & Mobile App

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County of Flanders
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Explore the historic County of Flanders in Belgium through medieval cities, North Sea coastlines, cycling country, art, memorials and regional food.

The historic County of Flanders is not a current Belgian administrative unit, but its Belgian heartland corresponds broadly to East Flanders and West Flanders. This interpretation encompasses a richly varied travel region stretching from the North Sea coast and the French border to the Scheldt valley and the eastern fringes of the old county. It includes Bruges, Ghent, Ypres, Kortrijk, Ostend, Oudenaarde and a network of smaller market towns whose churches, guildhalls and waterways reflect centuries of commerce.
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Bruges is the region's most internationally recognised historic city, with canals, brick houses, civic squares and medieval streets shaped by its former role as a major European trading centre. Ghent offers a larger and more lived-in urban experience, combining the Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts, the Castle of the Counts and an active university culture. In the west, Ypres and the surrounding Westhoek carry the visible and commemorative legacy of the First World War, while Kortrijk preserves important textile, civic and religious heritage along the River Leie.
Beyond the celebrated cities, Flanders is a landscape of polders, pasture, waterways and low wooded ridges. The coast alternates between broad sandy beaches, seawalls, resorts and nature areas, with Ostend providing the principal urban seaside centre. Inland, the Scheldt and Leie valleys support cycling, walking and boating, while the Flemish Ardennes around Oudenaarde rise into gently undulating countryside marked by lanes, farmsteads and celebrated cycling routes. The contrast between flat coastal country and rolling southern hills is one of the region's most appealing geographical distinctions.
The region's culture grew from trade, textile production, religious foundations, brewing and civic independence. That history remains visible in beguinages, belfries, town halls, abbeys, warehouses and prosperous merchant houses. Museums range from fine-art collections in Ghent and Bruges to memorial institutions in the Westhoek, and contemporary cultural life is particularly strong in the larger cities. Visitors can move from Flemish art and historic architecture to modern design, music and seasonal festivals within relatively short rail journeys.
Food is closely connected with Belgian traditions but acquires local expression through North Sea fish, mussels, farm produce, regional beers, chocolate, waffles and bakery culture. Brown cafés and historic inns remain important social settings, while restaurants in Bruges, Ghent, Ostend and other towns draw on both Flemish recipes and contemporary European cooking. The region is well suited to itineraries that combine two or three city bases with cycling or walking excursions through the surrounding countryside rather than attempting to treat every destination as a single urban circuit.

When is the best time to visit County of Flanders?

Best: June–August · 23–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January660
February850
March1255
April1650
May2065
June (best)2375
July (best)2680
August (best)2675
September2165
October1770
November1075
December765

Getting to and around County of Flanders

How to get there

The Belgian part of historic Flanders is well served by rail from Brussels, which lies outside the region and is the principal international gateway for Eurostar, international trains and Brussels Airport. Ghent, Bruges, Kortrijk, Ostend, Ypres and other major towns have railway stations. Ostend-Bruges Airport is within West Flanders, although its scheduled international options are more limited than Brussels Airport. Roads from Brussels, Antwerp, Lille and the Belgian interior provide access by car, while Lille in neighbouring France can be useful for some western itineraries.

Transportation

Rail is generally the most practical way to connect the principal cities, with local buses filling gaps between stations and smaller settlements. Bruges, Ghent and many historic town centres are easiest to explore on foot, and cycling is particularly effective on the region's flat canalside routes, coastal paths and rural networks. A car helps with dispersed First World War sites in the Westhoek, rural villages and some nature areas, but parking restrictions and pedestrian zones make it less convenient in central Bruges and Ghent. Coastal trams and local public transport can be useful along the Belgian coast, subject to current service arrangements.

Top city travel guides in County of Flanders

The cities of County of Flanders, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in County of Flanders

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in County of Flanders

The attractions of historic Flanders range from major medieval cities to open landscapes shaped by rivers, dykes and the sea. Bruges centres on canals, merchant architecture, museums and historic churches, while Ghent combines the Castle of the Counts and medieval waterfronts with major art collections and contemporary cultural venues. Ypres and the Westhoek offer museums, cemeteries and battlefield landscapes that require thoughtful, often car-assisted exploration. Along the coast, Ostend provides galleries, maritime associations and a broad seafront, while dunes, polders and nature areas offer a quieter counterpoint. Inland, cycling and walking routes follow the Leie and Scheldt valleys, with Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes appealing to visitors interested in rolling countryside and cycling heritage. Historic beguinages, abbeys, belfries, local museums and market squares add depth beyond the best-known cities. The region is particularly rewarding when attractions are combined with village roads, canal paths and small-town visits rather than treated as a checklist of isolated monuments.

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Best landmarks in County of Flanders

The Belfry of Bruges and the surrounding Markt are among the clearest symbols of the region's medieval commercial power, while the nearby Basilica of the Holy Blood and canals reinforce the city's layered historic character. Ghent's Castle of the Counts is a rare surviving medieval fortress within a major city, and the Saint Bavo area brings together religious architecture, civic buildings and the city's famous artistic heritage. The Belfry of Ghent and the medieval waterfront of the Graslei and Korenlei express the independence and wealth of the old trading city. In Ypres, the rebuilt Cloth Hall and Menin Gate stand at the centre of a landscape shaped by wartime destruction and remembrance. Kortrijk's Broel Towers mark the River Leie and recall the town's defensive past, while Oudenaarde's Gothic town hall represents the architectural prosperity of the Scheldt valley. Beyond the cities, the North Sea dunes, the flat polders and the rolling ridges of the Flemish Ardennes are geographical landmarks in their own right, revealing the region's sharp contrast between coast, river plain and inland hill country.

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Explore County of Flanders on the map

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Best restaurants in County of Flanders

Dining in historic Flanders combines Belgian staples with strong local produce and a varied city restaurant scene. North Sea fish and shellfish are especially relevant along the coast, while inland menus draw on seasonal vegetables, farmhouse products, meat, game and the familiar tradition of hearty Flemish stews. Bruges and Ghent offer everything from historic cafés and bakeries to contemporary restaurants, with Ghent also known for a broad plant-based dining culture. In smaller towns and rural districts, brown cafés, inns and family-run restaurants provide settings for dishes such as beef cooked with beer, waterzooi-style preparations and regional cheese, though recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen. Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate and bakery specialities are widely available but are national traditions rather than exclusive products of Flanders. Beer lists commonly include local and Belgian varieties, and the strength and flavour of beers can differ sharply. Farmers' markets, fish markets and food shops offer useful ways to explore regional ingredients without relying solely on formal dining.

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Best bars in County of Flanders

Evening life in historic Flanders is centred more on cafés, beer bars, restaurants, music and theatre than on a single region-wide club scene. Ghent has the broadest urban nightlife, supported by its university population, concert venues, late-opening cafés and bars around the historic centre, while Bruges offers atmospheric beer cafés and a more tourism-oriented evening rhythm. Ostend adds seafront bars, restaurants, live music and seasonal entertainment, particularly during the warmer months. In Kortrijk, Ypres, Oudenaarde and other towns, nightlife is generally local and compact, with pubs, cafés, cultural events and occasional live performances rather than large club districts. Rural areas tend to close earlier and are better suited to an evening meal or a quiet drink in an inn. Beer is an important part of the region's hospitality, but visitors can also find wine bars, coffee houses and alcohol-free options; checking current arrangements is wise because opening patterns vary by town and season.

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Best nightclubs in County of Flanders

Evening life in historic Flanders is centred more on cafés, beer bars, restaurants, music and theatre than on a single region-wide club scene. Ghent has the broadest urban nightlife, supported by its university population, concert venues, late-opening cafés and bars around the historic centre, while Bruges offers atmospheric beer cafés and a more tourism-oriented evening rhythm. Ostend adds seafront bars, restaurants, live music and seasonal entertainment, particularly during the warmer months. In Kortrijk, Ypres, Oudenaarde and other towns, nightlife is generally local and compact, with pubs, cafés, cultural events and occasional live performances rather than large club districts. Rural areas tend to close earlier and are better suited to an evening meal or a quiet drink in an inn. Beer is an important part of the region's hospitality, but visitors can also find wine bars, coffee houses and alcohol-free options; checking current arrangements is wise because opening patterns vary by town and season.

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Best shops in County of Flanders

Shopping in historic Flanders is strongest in the central streets of Bruges and Ghent, the independent high streets of Kortrijk and smaller market towns, and the coastal retail areas of Ostend. Bruges is known for chocolate shops, lace traditions, art, antiques and carefully presented regional products, although visitors should distinguish handmade goods from mass-produced souvenirs. Ghent offers design, books, fashion, specialist food shops and independent retailers alongside its larger commercial streets. Kortrijk has an established city-centre shopping scene, while Oudenaarde and other inland towns are more useful for local produce, cafés, antiques and practical market-town browsing than for luxury retail. Along the coast, shops combine beach goods with Belgian food products, clothing and seasonal souvenirs. Farmers' markets and food halls can be good places to look for cheese, beer, biscuits, chocolate and other regional gifts, while galleries and craft shops provide more distinctive alternatives to standard tourist merchandise. Market days and stall selections vary, so check local listings before planning a trip around a particular market.

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County of Flanders essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (EUR), as throughout Belgium. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants and shops, although a small amount of cash remains useful for smaller cafés, market stalls, public toilets or occasional rural purchases. Bank machines are available in towns, but visitors should check whether their card issuer applies foreign transaction or cash-withdrawal fees. Tipping is not normally compulsory because service is included, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary.
Safety
The region is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions are sensible in crowded railway stations, busy historic centres and large events. Secure bicycles carefully and avoid leaving luggage visible in parked cars. On the coast, follow local signs regarding tides, currents, dunes and bathing conditions, while cyclists and walkers should take care on shared paths and rural roads. Historic paving can be uneven, and winter weather may make cycle routes or memorial sites muddy. Belgium drives on the right, and central urban areas often have restricted-access or low-emission arrangements.
Emergency Situations
In Belgium, call 112 for an ambulance, fire service or urgent medical emergency. Police assistance can be reached on 101. Give the exact town, street or landmark and explain whether the incident concerns a road, cycle route, coast or rural site; multilingual assistance is often available, but clear location information is especially important in dispersed countryside. For non-urgent medical needs, ask accommodation staff or a local pharmacy about the nearest duty service rather than using emergency numbers.
Do's and Don'ts
Do keep to marked paths at memorial sites, cemeteries, nature reserves and dunes, and observe photography restrictions in churches or museums. Dress respectfully when entering religious buildings, even if they are also tourist attractions. Do queue at stations and counters, yield carefully on cycle paths and keep noise down in residential historic districts. Do not assume that every beer is low strength, and do not treat First World War cemeteries as ordinary photo backdrops. Flemish Dutch is the principal local language in this part of Belgium, though English is common in visitor-facing settings.
Local Tips
The region rewards early starts in Bruges and quieter late afternoons in its smaller towns, when day-trip crowds have thinned. Ghent is a useful base for combining urban culture with the Leie and Scheldt valleys, while Kortrijk and Oudenaarde provide access to different landscapes and cycling traditions. In the Westhoek, plan memorial visits geographically rather than trying to see every cemetery in one day. Coastal resorts vary considerably, so compare urban Ostend with smaller dune and polder environments before choosing accommodation.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[HAH-loh]
GoodbyeTot ziens[toht ZEENS]
YesJa[YAH]
NoNee[NAY]
Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft[AL-stu-BLEEFT]
Thank youDank u[DANK oo]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[SOR-ee]
How are you?Hoe gaat het?[hoo GAHT het]
Fine. And you?Goed. En jij?[ghood. en YAY?]
Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?[SPRAYKT oo ENG-els?]
I don't understandIk begrijp het niet[ik be-GRIPE het NEET]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft[ik zow GHRAHkh de MENU-kaart ZEEN, AL-stu-BLEEFT]
I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees[ik EET ghayn VLEYS]
Cheers!Proost![PROHST]
I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag betalen, alstublieft[ik zow GHRAHkh be-TAH-len, AL-stu-BLEEFT]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![HELP]
Go away!Ga weg![GA vek]
Call the Police!Bel de politie![BEL de po-LEET-sie]
Call a doctor!Bel een dokter![BEL een DOK-ter]
I'm lostIk ben verdwaald[ik BEN fer-DWAHLD]
I'm illIk ben ziek[ik BEN ZEEK]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... kopen[ik zow GHRAHkh ... KOH-pen]
I'm just lookingIk kijk gewoon[ik KAIK ghe-VON]
How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?[hoo-VAYL kost het?]
That's too expensiveDat is te duur[dat is te DUR]
Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?[kunt oo de PRAYS fer-LAH-ghen?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hoe laat is het?[hoo LAHT is het?]
It's one o'clockHet is één uur[het is AYEN OOR]
Half past (10)Half elf[HALF ELF]
MorningOchtend[OKH-tent]
AfternoonMiddag[MID-dahg]
EveningAvond[AH-vond]
YesterdayGisteren[GHIS-ter-en]
TodayVandaag[van-DAHG]
TomorrowMorgen[MOR-ghen]
11[EEN]
22[TWEE]
33[DRIE]
44[VIER]
55[VIJF]
66[ZES]
77[ZEVEN]
88[ACHT]
99[NEGEN]
1010[TIEN]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?[VAHR is een/de...?]
What's the address?Wat is het adres?[vat is het a-DRES?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u me (op de kaart) laten zien?[kunt oo meh (op de KAART) LAH-ten ZEEN?]
When's the next (bus)?Wanneer komt de volgende (bus)?[van-NAYR komt de VOL-gende (BUS)?]
A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)[een ti-KET (NAHR ....)]

History of County of Flanders

Roman Flanders and Early Medieval Settlement

Roman influence reached the lowlands of present-day Flanders through roads, river routes and military or trading settlements, although much of the coastal plain remained environmentally changeable. After Roman administration receded, power was reorganised among local communities and emerging Christian centres. The later medieval county developed from this frontier landscape between the North Sea, the Scheldt and neighbouring territories. Archaeological evidence, place names and surviving church foundations indicate a long process of settlement, reclamation and political consolidation rather than a single founding event.

The Formation of the County, Ninth to Eleventh Centuries

The County of Flanders emerged under counts who controlled a territory extending beyond the borders of modern Belgium. Its position between the French kingdom, the Holy Roman Empire and the North Sea made it politically important and commercially exposed. Fortifications, monasteries and growing market settlements strengthened comital authority. Bruges, Ghent, Lille and other centres became connected through waterways and overland routes, while coastal and river landscapes were progressively managed through dykes, drainage and reclamation.

Medieval Cloth Towns and Urban Power

From the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries, Flanders became one of Europe's leading textile-producing regions. English wool entered through commercial networks, and towns such as Ghent, Bruges, Ypres and Kortrijk developed specialised weaving and finishing industries. Wealth from trade financed churches, guildhalls, warehouses and civic buildings, while powerful urban communities negotiated, and sometimes challenged, the authority of counts and foreign rulers. The belfries and historic centres found across East and West Flanders are enduring evidence of this urban prosperity.

The Battle of the Golden Spurs and Flemish Autonomy

In 1302, forces associated with the Flemish towns defeated a French royal army at the Battle of the Golden Spurs near Kortrijk. The event became an important symbol of urban resistance and Flemish political identity, although medieval power relations remained complex and changed repeatedly afterwards. Kortrijk's history, memorials and museums interpret the battle within the broader story of conflicts between the county, France and competing local interests. It should not be reduced to a simple modern nationalist narrative.

Burgundian Rule and the Age of Trade

During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, Flanders came under the influence and then the control of the Burgundian dynasty. The region remained wealthy, culturally influential and closely connected to international commerce, even as Bruges faced silting in its access routes and Antwerp increasingly gained commercial prominence outside the historic county. Court patronage supported painting, music, architecture and religious foundations. The period's artistic and civic legacy remains particularly visible in Bruges, Ghent and the surrounding towns.

War, Religious Change and Political Reorganisation

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought religious conflict, revolt against Habsburg rule and major political changes. The southern Netherlands, including the Belgian parts of historic Flanders, remained under Catholic Habsburg authority after the division of the Netherlands. Warfare and shifting trade routes affected towns and countryside, while Counter-Reformation churches and religious institutions reshaped public architecture. The eventual incorporation of the region into the Austrian Netherlands and later the French Empire formed part of the political background to modern Belgium.

Industrialisation, Textiles and Modern Belgium

The nineteenth century saw the growth of mechanised industry, railways and new social movements. Ghent became a major textile and industrial centre, while smaller towns adapted older craft economies to factories and regional trade. Belgian independence in 1830 created a national framework in which Flanders developed alongside Wallonia, with language, education and economic questions becoming increasingly significant. Industrial heritage, workers' districts, canals and railway infrastructure still help explain the transition from medieval commerce to a modern economy.

The World Wars and the Westhoek Landscape

West Flanders was profoundly affected by the First World War, when much of the area around Ypres became a front-line landscape. The city was largely destroyed and later reconstructed, while cemeteries, memorials and preserved battlefield sites now form a dense commemorative geography across the Westhoek. Belgium was again occupied during the Second World War, though its regional impact differed. Today, remembrance sites are central to the area's historical identity and require respectful engagement rather than hurried sightseeing.

County of Flanders in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to County of Flanders

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and more in County of Flanders with Evendo - your 100% free, all-in-one travel guide app.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
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Explore the County of Flanders like never before with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, find everything you need for a perfect trip.

  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • History and travel essentials for County of Flanders
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and city
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  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Planning a trip to the County of Flanders, Belgium? Look no further than Evendo, your comprehensive app-based travel guide that will transform your travel experience. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, Evendo has everything you need to make the most of your visit to this enchanting region.

Discover iconic attractions such as the medieval Belfry of Bruges, the awe-inspiring Saint Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent, and the picturesque canals of Bruges. With detailed information, images, and local tips, you'll feel like a local as you explore these must-see landmarks. Evendo also guides you to the best restaurants like 'De Graslei' in Ghent and 'De Jonkman' in Bruges, ensuring you savor the finest Flemish cuisine.

The app is packed with features that make your travel planning seamless. Easily book hotels, tours, and tickets directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. The 'Near me' feature helps you discover nearby attractions, shops, bars, and nightclubs, ensuring you never miss out on the local flavor. Plus, with rich descriptions, contact details, and maps for each location, navigating the County of Flanders has never been easier.

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