East Flanders

East Flanders is a land of rolling hills and vast dykes, winding rivers and straight canals; its vibrant towns and charming villages are home to a rich tapestry of arts and culture, with unspoiled nature on their doorstep.

The vibrant city of Gent combines an impressive past with a lively present. Its beautiful historic centre boasts a wealth of culture, with over 900 listed buildings, several museums and a host of visitor attractions including the magnificent Citadel Park. There are also some picturesque villages waiting to be discovered just a short boat ride down the river. In the region of Scheldeland, three major watercourses converge to offer over 200 kilometres of navigable waterways with numerous landing stages and marinas – there are several boat companies and trips can be arranged. There are also many opportunities for bicycle rides and walks, both ideal for exploring the many monuments in the area, from protected chapels and Maria caves in the countryside to towering castles, strongholds and cathedrals.

The landscape is dotted with wind- and watermills; many are still working and produce their own grain, others have been converted to cosy pubs and restaurants. The beautiful rolling countryside of the Flemish-Ardennes is the home to the classic road cycling race, the Tour de Flandres, and a network of 830 kilometres of recreational cycle paths allows you to feel like a professional while taking in the captivating landscapes at your own, more leisurely pace.

Places of interest

St Bavo’s Cathedral, Gent: The Van Eyck brothers’ unique altarpiece, The Adoration of The Mystic Lamb, painted in 1432 and renovated in 2010.

Castle of the Counts, Gent: The ‘Gravensteen’, an imposing stronghold in the heart of the city .

Aalst: Popular, Regional museum featuring historical and contemporary exhibitions.

Ninove: Abbey church and archaeological site.

Roger Raveel Museum, Zulte: A collection of 300 paintings, 2,500 drawings and graphic works by one of the most important Belgian artists of the post-World War Two period

Attractions

Fort Liefkenshoek: 16th-century military fort, built to protect the city and port of Antwerp against advancing Spanish troops.

The Mercator Museum, Sint-Niklaas: Home to maps and globes by the famous cartographer Gerardus Mercator, alongside exhibits related to modern cartography.

Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Railway: 14 kilometres of standard gauge track, running Sundays and holidays from June to September.

Recreation Park De Ster, Sint Niklaas: 100 acres of parkland featuring minigolf, trampolines, go-karts, trains, boats, tennis, football, a running track and much more.

Cuisine of the region

East Flanders cuisine is a regional cuisine in Belgium, known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. The region's cuisine is influenced by its proximity to the North Sea, as well as its agricultural heritage. Some of the most popular dishes from East Flanders include:

• Waterzooi: A creamy seafood stew made with fish, vegetables, and herbs.
• Gentse stoverij: A beef stew made with beer, onions, and other spices.
• Mastel: A type of rye bread made with sourdough and whole grains.
• Tierenteyn mustard: A sweet and spicy mustard made with brown sugar and spices.
• Ganda ham: A dry-cured ham made from pork.
• Geraardsbergse mattentaart: A small puff pastry pie filled with almond-flavored cheese curds.