History
From the time of Julius Caesar, Belgium was ruled by a series of rulers. In 1830, Belgium became an independent monarchy. In both WWI and WWII, Belgium’s neutrality was violated by the Germans who invaded Belgium, which was a major battleground during the war. Belgium recovered rapidly from WWII and was a founding member of the European Union.
When Julius Caesar conquered Gaul, the people living in present-day Belgium were the Belgae who were one of the various Celtic tribes of early Gaul. The Romans called this new area Gallia Belgica. In the 5th century, the Roman Empire was fading the Franks and threw out the Romans from Gaul. Charlemagne reunited Gual centuries later. However, his successors were not equal to the task of keeping the empire intact and Belgium was split: Flanders in the northwestern part fell to France and the southeastern part went to Germany. This split was very important to the beginning of the power of the Counts of Flanders. Bruges, Ghent and Ypres became very wealthy and this is when the golden age for Flanders started because England wool was imported and woven into cloth and sold in the European continent. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/59268/Belgium.
France tried to extend its control but no other European power wanted that so battles were fought. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht was signed for France to leave Belgium to the Habsburg rulers of Austria. Belgium gained its independence on January 20, 1831. Leopold of Saxe-Coburg became the first king of Belgium and under his rule, their economy flourished. However when WWI came, it was very devastating to Belgium since it was fought on their ground. After WWII, Brussels took on a leading role as co-founder of the European Community and became the capital of what is now called the EU. It is also the headquarters of NATO. In 1957, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg founded the Benelux Union. http://vremco.com/bel_his_eng.htm.
Geography
Belgium is located in Western Europe near the North Sea and shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The terrain of Belgium has flat coastal plains in the northwest, central rolling hills, and rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast. Belgium’s climate is maritime temperature with precipitation in all seasons. This means that they have mild winters, cool summers, and it is mainly rainy, humid, and cloudy. The average temperate at its lowest is in January around 3 degrees Celsius (37.4 F) and at its highest point in July at 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 F). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium#Geography
Food and Drink in Belgium
Food
Belgium, squeezed between France and Germany, feel the influence of these two countries every day. One way in particular is in terms of the types of food Belgians eat. People say Belgian food has the quantity of a hearty German meal, but the quality of fine French cuisine.
In Belgium, breakfast usually consists of something small like bread with cheese or jam and a cup of coffee. Lunch and dinner are both large meals, with small snacks in between. If you are planning on eating out, you will find the best deals at lunch time. Restaurants will usually post a meal of the day that includes an appetizer or salad, an entrée, and a dessert for a set price. Belgian food is by no means cheap, unless you are buying it from a street stand. When you go to restaurants, expect spending 10-20 euro per meal.
There are quite a few foods that Belgium is known for. The most famous of which being Fries and Waffles. Some other specialties you may not have known about include Speculoos cookies and seafood.
Belgians are given the credit for the invention of frites or what we know as fries. Contrary to popular belief, they are not called “French fries” nor did they originate in France. They are easy to find because there is at least one fry shop in every Belgian village. Be prepared with napkins because these large fries come served in a paper cone or dish with globs of mayonnaise and a tiny fork with which to eat them. If you aren’t into the whole fry and mayo thing, there are other flavored sauces you can order.
Belgian waffles are another delicacy. They are made with a yeast-leavened batter which is lighter and crisper than other waffles. You can order them almost anywhere, but will save money for the same quality by ordering them at a side stand. They are served plain with butter or sugar. For the more adventurous, you can order them with banana and nutella or fresh fruit and whipped cream. Any way you order them, they’re delicious.
Speculoos cookies were made in Belgium as part of the St. Nicholas Day celebration on December 6. While they are still most popular on St. Nicholas Day, people enjoyed the flavor so much that they became an everyday treat. Speculoos comes from a Latin word meaning spices. These cookies are flavored with mild spices and brown sugar and are usually served with coffee. They have become so popular that there is now an ice cream flavor invented after them as well as a spread similar to nutella or peanut butter called “speculoos butter”.
Because of Belgium’s location on the Atlantic Ocean, they have great access to fish and other seafood. They are typically famed for their shellfish, especially mussels. Other good seafood to try in Belgium includes any type of fish, sea snails, eels, scallops, and shrimp.
Here is a list of some traditional dishes you can order:
- Waterzooi- Cream based stew made with chicken or fish mixed with potatoes, carrots, and leeks
- Stoemp- Mashed potatoes made with cream, bacon and spices
- Konjin in Gueze- Rabbit prepared in a beer sauce
- Mosselen Freit- Considered their national dish consisting of mussels made in white wine and serve with a side of fries.
For suggestions of where to eat in Belgium, look to the “Gourmet”, a book issued by the Belgian tourist office every year. It lists all the dining establishments as well as their ratings and price ranges.
Drink
In terms of nonalcoholic drinks, the two that are most common are mineral water and coffee. Mineral water (with carbonation) is extremely popular in Belgium, and it is considered very weird to order plain tap water. Coffee here is served strong and espresso style. If you like your coffee weaker, order a café au lait, which is coffee with milk.
Belgium, however, is most prized for its alcoholic drinks, specifically beer. In fact, every first weekend of September they have a Beer Festival in the Grand Place just to celebrate it. Belgium produces somewhere between 700 and 800 different beer labels from 120 different breweries. They have a wide range of variety in terms of flavor as well as alcoholic content.
Some of the most famous are the lambic, wheat, trappist, and champagne beers. Lambic beers are usually fruit flavored such as Kriek (cherry) and Frambozen (raspberry). Wheat beers are made with a high amount of wheat and are cloudier than others. They also have a distinctive, sweet taste. One of the most famous brands that you can even buy in the United States is Hoegaarden.
Trappist beers are extremely strong beers and were originally brewed in monasteries. Dubbel is 7% alcohol and Tripel is 9.5% alcohol. Finally, champagne beers are made with yeast from northern France in order to make bubbles. The standard beers on tap are Jupiler, Maes, Duvel, and Delirium Tremens. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of beer while in Europe, Belgium is the place to do so!
For more information:
Beer http://www.BeerParadies.be
Belgian Food http://www.brussels-belgium-travel-guide.com/belgium-food.html
Ethnic Cuisine: Belgium http://www.sallybernstein.com/food/cuisines/belgium/
Belgian Food http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Belgium/Belgian-Food/1904
Religion in Belgium
Belgium has long been considered a religious country with Roman Catholicism the traditional religion. It has maintained an important cultural standing even though it is no longer a top priority many Belgian lives. According to a eurobarometer poll church attendance is now under 10% although festivals and catholic holidays are still widely celebrated (http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/standard_en.htm). The officially recognized minority religions include Islam, protestant, Orthodox, Jews and Angilcans, this means they have their own system of elections and have government subsidized religious education etc, but many other minority religions are practiced. Most cities have a beautiful if quaint church in a main point of town offering a unique view of different architectural styles.
If you are interested in learning more about churches I would recommend a visit to the gorgeous churches blended in perfectly to the battlements and spires of the medieval town of Bruges. One of the highlights of my trip to Belgium was actually attending a Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Blood (http://www.holyblood.com/NL/00.asp). Once a day in the Basilica they hold the veneration of the holy blood, during which a procession takes turns praying to and often kissing the relic, which is believed to be the blood of Jesus (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/bruges-basilica-of-holy-blood.htm). Sunday Mass was performed in Dutch, as Bruges is a Flemish city, but they handed out prayer cards in five different languages, which made following the service much easier.
If art interests you then it is worth while to visit the Church of Our Lady in Bruges. It is home to a statue by Michelangelo, in fact the only in northwest Europe. According to Katie Honerlaw “This statue transcends its own beauty through its own history; it was made by one of the most famous artists of all time and is more than 500 years old. The marble was still incredibly intact and was awe-inspiring.”
For most of Belgians history Roman Catholicism kept it tied together and now as the religious unity has started to fade in importance the distinction between those who speak dutch and those who speak french has started to emerge.
Traveling throughout Belgium is very confusing if you are not aware of the difference between Walloons and the Flemish. If they are all Belgian and citizens of Belgium than why are some areas considered part of Flanders or Wallonia, who is Flemish, why are there signs in Dutch in Bruges and then French in Brussels? According to the Global Post Belgium is divided into 6 million Dutch speakers in the northern lands of Flanders and 4 million French speaker in Southern Wallonia. While the capital Brussels is in the Flemish region it is almost exclusively French speaking, because of the high level of immigration there when it became capital of the united Belgian state (http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/benelux/100602/belgium-political-language-flemish-independence). According to a Dutch student I talked schools in Brussels are almost exclusively in French. In recent times the divide between the two areas has flared up. Four times in the past three years it has forced a change in government and as of late April 2010 the Prime Minister stepped down following a disagreement over French voting rights in Brussels
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/belgium/7620515/Future-of-Belgium-under-threat-over-language-row.html). To round off the confusion there is also a German speaking minority, though it is also considered an official language. However most working in the more popular tourist cities speak French and many citizens speak both Dutch and French.
Hot Spots in Belgium
Bruges is undoubtedly one of the most well preserved medieval European cities, which only adds to its character. While in Bruges there are many fun sites to see that can be interesting for everyone. The city has retained its medieval buildings along with the old street patterns. The centers of the city are the Markt and Burg Square. They are filled with the medieval buildings as well as statues to remember important events but they are also filled with cafes and restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy the square’s activity. Bruges is home to several interesting Churches that are worth visiting. The Basilica of the Holy Blood was a popular stop for many students because it houses a relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ. Some students participated in a mass in order to pay their respects of the relic. Another interesting Church includes The Church of Our Lady. Katie Honerlaw writes, “From the outside, this church seemed to be just another gothic church, but on the inside… it is a true architectural masterpiece.” It is a great tourist spot because you can see Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child; only a few are actually outside Italy.
One could stroll in awe through the Diamond House because Bruges is Europe’s first diamond city. There is a large selection of diamonds and high-quality diamond jewelry. If that isn’t quite you cup of tea, there is always the Chocolate Museum or a nice and relaxing canal tour.
The Belfry Tower is one of the most visited monuments in Bruges and the entire Bruges community treasures it. It is gothic in style and located in one of the city’s main plazas, Markt. This monument used to house the national treasury but it has since been moved. The belfry is a reminder to the people of Bruges about its history and prominence as a center for trade dating back to medieval times. In medieval times, the bells were used to notify the people of Bruges for a multitude of reasons like fires, work hours, and social or religious occasions. From the ground, the summit is 366 steps away.
Brussels is becoming the central hub for international politics because it is home to the European Union. Rachael says, “It is strategically situated close to important ports of Europe in Rotterdam and Antwerp, but also not far from the industrial center of Germany.” The Parliament building is right around the corner and s perfect spot to see European politics.
Diplomacy and politics seems to be a major attraction to the city but there are lots of other things to do in Brussels. The Grand Place one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. One can easily spend an afternoon wandering in an out of the different shops. You can also make the 30-min trip to see the Mannekin Pis because who knows what outfit he might have on?! You can “ahhh” over the beauty and grandeur of the Royal Palace. And if you’re up for it, New Europe has free walking tours that offer a great way see and learn about Brussels. For more information: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belgium/flanders/bruges
What to buy
While in Belgium, there is plenty to shop for. Some great souvenir ideas include pralines, beer, and lace. Belgians like their chocolates and consume about 16kg per person each year. Then it is no surprise that the praline, chocolates with different fillings, is a Belgium original. There are many shops all over Belgium where you can buy the chocolates. Beer is another ‘big one’ for the Belgians. They have over 115 breweries that produce over 500 different types of Belgian beer. Some are fruity while others are double distilled and stronger. Try going to a shop, I recommend The Bottle Shop in Bruges, and pick up a several different types and share them among friends. Finally, Bruges is also known for their lace. Unfortunately, the lace that is generally available for purchase was most likely made in China. Talk about outsourcing. Genuine Belgian lace is very expensive because of the long hours of tedious labor. If you’re more interested in shopping than Brussels is great spot for antiquing. For more shopping tips visti: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belgium/Shopping-Belgium-BR-1.html.
The Bottle Shop
Bruges
Getting Around:
By train: Most travelers arrive in Bruges via a train though Brussels or Antwerp. The train ride to Bruges including one transfer runs about four hours from Luxembourg City.
By Bus: Once you have arrived in Bruges it is nice to utilize the public bus system from the main train station either to the main plaza, the Markt or near your accommodation. You can purchase one-way or even group bus passes at the train station. One way will cost only €1.
By foot: A great aspect of Bruges is how easy it is to see the city by foot. If you do choose to walk from the train station to the central Markt it takes about fifteen minutes. One of the most helpful guides to getting around Bruges we found was a map published by Use-It: Tourist info for young people. This map included a front side with icons of daily activities, including sarcastic commentary on sights and things to do and on the reverse a “Bruges by Night” map laying out where to go and what to expect. Find this map and other useful information online at http://www.use-it.be/bruges.
By canal boat: Another unique option more for enjoyment than practical transportation around the city is to take a canal boat tour. It is a relaxing way to take in the sights and take a break from walking. See the “Bruges from the Canals” blog to find out more about a Bruges canal experience.
By bike: One of the first things we noticed upon walking out of the train station in Bruges was the, what seemed like, miles of bike racks overflowing with bikes. This is a great way to get around Bruges, especially if you want to do a ride along the canals out to the beach, also suggested on the Use-It Map and Guide.
By Balloon!?!: I came across this while doing a little research and thought this would be a beautiful and fun way to see Bruges! This experience is definitely on the very pricey side however, interesting to say the least. Hot air balloon rides over Bruges, for more information: https://www.bruges-ballooning.com/en.
Approximate travel time from Brugges By Train
- Antwerp: 1 hour
- Brussels: 1 hour
- Ghent: 20 minutes
Places to Stay
Bauhaus International Youth Hostel- This hostel actually has a phone in the Bruges train station near the exit where if you have not booked an accommodation for the weekend you can call for free and find out if they have anything available. Although if you book in advance you are more likely to get the room and rate you want. The hostel had extremely friendly staff, a young atmosphere and clean facilities. It is located five to ten minutes from the central plaza and can be reached via bus from the train station. This hostel has a lot of nice features including free luggage storage, breakfast and a bar/restaurant. If you plan on staying for a few nights possibly look into renting a flat for the weekend for a more comfortable yet still affordable option. For more information: http://www.bauhaus.be/.
Hotel Lucca- This accommodation is nestled right along one of Bruges’ winding cobblestone street and it provided a great location relative to the main plaza. The staff was friendly and the hotel was beautifully decorated and had a cozy atmosphere. A nice continental breakfast was also provided including crepes and nutella! Just be aware that some of the rooms only have a sink and a shared bathroom in the hall however, the facilities were well kept. For more information http://www.hotellucca.be/.
Brussels
Getting Around:
By Plane- Brussels International Airport is located about 20 minutes outside of the city. If you are flying a budget airline like Ryanair or Easyjet these flights arrive in Brussels South Chalerol Airport located one hour away from Brussels. (Let’s Go Europe 2010: The Student Travel Guide)
By foot- Brussels like most European cities is easy to get around by walking. Once again I recommend the Use-It Map for Brussels found here: http://www.use-it.be/brussels/map/. This Map includes on one side four different self-guided walking tours through the city and on the other a layout of the major tourist cities. Also, they provide commentary on how to “act like a local” which is sometimes useful not to stick out so much on your travels.
Metro, Buses and Trams, Oh My!- Within the city the public transportation varies in form however, this gives you a lot of options and ease to move about the city. The STIB website (http://www.stib.be/index.htm?l=en) can help you plan journeys within the city in order to save time and from getting lost in metro and bus maps. Also, note that most of the public transport stops running around midnight with some exceptions on weekends so before heading out for the night plan a way back in order to avoid a steep taxi fare home.
Further Destionastion by Train via Brussels:
- Antwerp: 45 mintues
- Bruges: 1 hour
- Amsterdam: 3 hours
- Paris: 1 hour
Places to Stay
Hotel Sabina- This hotel was located within walking distance of the embassies and the Royal Palace. It was also near a lot of restaurants. There was good staff service and the breakfast was really tasty. It tends to be more of a hostel feel than a hotel however, the location and the cleanliness make it a good choice. For more information: http://www.hotelsabina.be/.
Sleep Well Youth Hostel- Recommended by Let’s Go Europe 2010: The Student Travel Guide. All accommodations include free breakfast and linens. Also, you can decide between star and non-star services which determines your room being in a hotel or hostel setting respectively. For more information: http://www.sleepwell.be/. It is best to book early because things tend to fill up on weekends.
Works Cited
Let’s Go Europe: The Travel Guide
