Hasselt: Belgium's Hidden Gem of Charm and Culture

• HelloHallo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [al-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dank u]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khoot. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt u engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik be-greyp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraakh de me-nu-kart vil-len zeen al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet kheyn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zou khraakh vil-len buh-tahl-en al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [ga wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel de po-li-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-ter]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fer-dwahlt]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben ziek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... willen kopen
  [ik zou khraakh vil-len koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk ben gewoon aan het kijken
  [ik ben khe-vohn ahn het kee-ken]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veyl kost het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt u de preys ver-lah-ghen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [hahlf elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tend]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [gis-teh-ren]
• TodayVandaag
  [van-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-khen]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tvee]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zeh-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ah-kht]
• 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?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u me (op de kaart) tonen?
  [kunt u me (op de kaart) toh-nen]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-er is de vol-gen-de (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nar)]

Hasselt's roots date back to the 7th century when it began as a small settlement. The name 'Hasselt' is derived from 'Hasaluth,' a combination of the words 'hasal' (hazel) and 'luth' (wood), indicating the area's rich natural resources. By the 13th century, Hasselt had grown into a significant trading town due to its strategic location along the Helbeek river, which facilitated commerce and communication.

In 1232, Count Arnold IV of Loon granted Hasselt its city charter, marking its official recognition as a city. This charter of liberties provided the citizens with specific rights and privileges, such as the right to hold markets and fairs, which further boosted its economic standing. The granting of the charter was a pivotal moment in Hasselt's history, laying the foundation for its development and prosperity.

Hasselt is home to the Saint Quentin's Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Quentin and Saint Ursula, which were brought to the city in the 13th century. These relics turned Hasselt into a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from far and wide and contributing to the city's religious and cultural heritage.

Hasselt is renowned for its jenever, a traditional Belgian gin. The jenever industry in Hasselt flourished in the 19th century, establishing the city as a key player in the production of this beloved spirit. Distilleries like Stellingwerff-Theunissen and Smeets became household names, and the tradition continues today with the Jenever Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and production of jenever.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Hasselt in the 19th century. The construction of the Albert Canal in the 1930s further enhanced Hasselt's connectivity and industrial capabilities. The canal facilitated the transport of goods and raw materials, accelerating the city's industrial growth and modernizing its infrastructure.

World War II left an indelible mark on Hasselt, as it did on much of Europe. The city was occupied by German forces, and its residents endured hardships and resistance activities. The liberation of Hasselt in September 1944 by Allied forces was a momentous event, celebrated annually in the city with various commemorations and activities.

Today, Hasselt is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals, such as Pukkelpop, one of Europe's largest music festivals, and the Hasselt Carnival, a lively event that showcases the city's traditions and community spirit. Hasselt's blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it a unique destination for visitors.

Hasselt is located in the Limburg province of Belgium. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 80 kilometers away. From Brussels Airport, you can take a direct train to Hasselt, which typically takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Hasselt, which takes around an hour. Hasselt is also accessible by train from major Belgian cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

Hasselt has an excellent public transportation system, including buses operated by De Lijn. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis and rental bikes are readily available. The 'Blue Bike' rental service offers convenient options for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, Hasselt offers free public bus service within the city, making it easy to get around.

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Hasselt, providing easy access to cash. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in smaller establishments and markets.

Hasselt is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Hasselt does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, remaining vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire, and medical assistance. The local police station and several medical facilities, including Jessa Hospital, are available in Hasselt. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily accessible throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile and 'hello' (in Dutch: 'hallo') are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'Hasseltse Jenever' (a traditional Belgian gin) and 'speculaas' (spiced shortcrust biscuits). Don't leave large tips; service charges are usually included in the bill.

To experience Hasselt like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and often willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss visiting the Japanese Garden, the largest of its kind in Europe, and the National Jenever Museum to learn about the local gin-making tradition. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the beautiful Kapermolen Park or explore the charming streets of the old city center.