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Beautiful Belgium: Spectacular Architecture, Beer, And Diving You Won't Want To Miss

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Overview

Picturesque view of the Meuse along the water in Diant, Belgium

Introduction

Belgium lies along the North Sea. One of its best features is that it is about 1000km from most of the major Western European capitals, making it an easy choice for a last minute getaway. Brussels and Antwerp offer the largest selection of things to do, with chocolate, shopping and beer being the main draws. Nevertheless, the great outdoors are another reason to visit Belgium along with the excellent opportunities for scuba diving.

Geography

Located in the western portion of Europe, Belgium is well known for its low lying countryside. Bordered by France to the west and the Netherlands to the east, with a total land area of 30.528 sq km, this small country has plenty to offer. Belgium has approximately 66.5km of coastline to call its own.

History

Belgium has various historical sites, as it has been a major part in both World Wars. It also has a rich history of mining, though the country is quite modern now. Belgium finally gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1839 following a revolution that began in 1830. They have fought on the side of the allies in both World Wars. Since then, Belgium has functioned and served as an independent and self sufficient nation.

Economy

Besides being an important governmental location for the European Union, Belgium is also one of the best locations for productivity. The country produces many exports including automobiles, food products, rough diamonds and machinery. It is also dependent on its tourism industries in Brussels and Antwerp to a lesser extent.

Factfile

Capital

Brussels

Language(s)

Dutch, French, German

Currency

Euros (EUR)

Time Zone

UTC +1 Hour

International Dialing Instructions

Dial Exit Country Code + 32 + City Code + The Number

Power

Voltage

220-240V

Frequency

50Hz

Plug Type(s)

Climate

temperate, mild winters, cool summers, rainy, cloudy, humid

Natural Hazards

earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes

Diving Season

Year Round

Tourism Office(s)

Website

http://www.visitbelgium.com

Police

100

Fire

100

Hospital

100

Hyperbaric Chambers

Brussels +32 0 2 264 48 68

Aalst +32 0 53 72 43 48

Liege +32 0 4 225 60 41

Brugge +32 0 50 45 20 00

Antwerp +32 0 217 70 92

Trip Planning

Customs and Immigration

All visitors to Belgium will need a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for the entire length of your stay in the country. Citizens from some countries require a visa in addition to a passport for entry into Belgium. Since immigration policies change frequently and without prior notice, all travelers are advised to verify the current immigration requirements for Belgium with the local authorities prior to leaving home.

Tourists to Belgium can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco along with 50 grams of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette. Visitors can also bring small amounts of alcohol into the country.

Health and Insurance

Belgium does not require any vaccinations to enter the country. However, all travelers are advised to ensure that their routine vaccines are current before traveling to Belgium to help avoid infection.

There are no widespread health concerns in Belgium. The water is safe to drink but bottled water is readily available for those that prefer it.

If you experience any illness or severe health complications, call 100 to reach emergency services. In addition, there are hospitals and clinics throughout the country that can provide you with the resources you need. The largest and most well known hospitals are in Brussels and Antwerp, though high quality medical care is readily available throughout the country. Most health professionals in Flanders and Brussels speak English.

It is recommended that all tourists purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover theft, loss, accidents, and medical emergencies. If you plan to participate in adventure sports while on vacation, please verify that your policy will cover you for these events. All necessary prescriptions along with a letter from your physician detailing your medical condition and the medication being carried with you should accompany all visitors to Belgium.

Traveling There

Belgium has approximately forty-three airports, with a handful of them providing service to international travelers. The Brussel's Zaventem (BRU) airport is one of the largest. Other airports for international and domestic travel include Antwerp (ANR), Ostend (OST), Charleroi (CRL), and Liege (LGG). Most major European airlines travel in and out of each of these airports. Some popular airlines that service Belgium include Air Canada, Air France, Alitalia, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines and many others; all airlines offers business and economy class flights. Each of these international airports accepts cargo and passenger flights, as well as private charters. Travelers should consider the length of the flight, mandatory stopovers, and price when selecting an airline carrier.

One of the more popular ways to save money and to travel to Belgium from other European countries is by land. You can travel using buses, including private buses, taxis and coach services. For those traveling by Rail, the Belgium national railway is the Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges (SNCB). High speed trains are available to connect Brussels with the French Atlantic coast, French Alps, Brittany and other locations. For those traveling from France and the UK, consider the channel tunnel via the Eurostar. You can also travel by road through Victoria Coach Station from London.

Traveling by sea is yet another option to get to Belgium. There are several sea ports available, many of which offer cruise ship accommodations. This includes the Port of Antwerp, the Port of Bruges Zeebrugge, the Port of Ghent and the Port of Ostend. There are several inland ports as well, including ports in Brussels, Charleroi, Genk, La Louviere, Liege and Namur. All of these ports provide charter and private service. Cruise lines frequenting these ports include Viking River Cruises, Cunard Cruises and Uniworld Cruises.

Traveling Around

Belgium is a small country but there are numerous options available for visitors to get around the country. There are no domestic flights available, but for tourists that wish to travel from Brussels to Antwerp, Liege or Ghent, a simple bus service is available.

Rail service from SNCB is available regularly to take passengers throughout the country. Most cities are connected through a toll free motorway. You will find that motorway travel is the most common method of travel between Belgium's largest and smaller cities. Regional buses are also available. Each bus line is different in terms of where it runs. Taxi service is another option, but do consider the additional costs. Car rentals are also available. You must be at least 23 years of age to use this option and you must possess a driver's license that is valid for at least a full year. Public transportation within the larger cities is readily available in Brussels and Antwerp.

It is possible to find charters and privately owned ships and boats to take you from one port to another. The Port of Antwerp is the largest and is one of the busiest ports in the world. Main waterways through the country include the Albert Canal that connects Antwerp to Liege and the Ghent Terneuzen Canal that connects Ghent to Westerschelde. The Boudewijn Canal connects Bruges with the North Sea as well. Smaller ships and commercial vessels may be available here as well.

Accomodations

Belgium has hundreds of accommodation options for visitors including hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels and more. There are over 145 hotels and resorts in the larger cities in Belgium including Brussels and Antwerp. Locally owned as well as large, international hotel chains have a presence throughout the country. There are few camping options available, but there are numerous resorts along the waterways and along the coastline that may be ideal for those who wish to remain close to the water.

Local Attractions

Those visiting Belgium will find a large number of things to do. In Antwerp, stop at the Royal Museum of Fine Art. In Waterloo, a visit to the battlefield site and the Wellington Museum are a must. The Groeninge Museum in Flanders is also a popular option. If you are visiting Bruges, which is called the Venice of the North due to the canals and bridges over them, visit the churches and museums throughout the city. Of course, no visit to Antwerp would be complete without a stop at The Diamond Museum.

Other Activities

There is plenty to do and see outside of scuba diving in Belgium. Many come to cycle especially in the cycle paths in the Ardennes region. These are commonly known as the RAVEL system. Other outdoor activities include exploring the forests and caves throughout the country. You will also be able to enjoy canoeing, horseback riding, fishing and rock climbing. Brewery tours are another option for those looking for something less than healthy to explore. Belgium is known for its hundreds of varieties of beer, many of which are world famous for their quality. From food to chocolate, you are sure to find the right meals here, too. In addition, numerous World War I and World War II battlefields are located in the region.

Dining Out

While you can find a wide range of cuisine options in Belgium to enjoy, do sample the local cuisine if you get the opportunity. Again, Belgium is well known for its food, namely its beer and its chocolates. In addition to this, you will find taverns that offer snacks and complete dinners featuring many local traditional foods. Taverns are one of the best locations to get quality, local foods. In Brussels and Antwerp you will also find many of the international favorites available, since these are the largest tourism destinations in the country.

Nightlife

Many people come to Belgium to enjoy the local traditions and for that, enjoying the local bars and taverns is a must. You will find some upper scale locations to visit, but many of the best places to visit are those locally owned, locally loved locations. Ask the locals about your options in the city you are enjoying. Antwerp and Brussels offer traditional nightlife with clubs and dancing, usually in the larger hotels.

Shopping

A variety of shopping options is available to those traveling throughout Belgium. You will find many antique markets and flea markets for those looking for lower end but often the best options. You can also find a wide range of shopping malls in Antwerp and Brussels that offer more luxurious items. In addition, there are many open air markets during the holiday season where you can find all sorts of gift choices. Purchases of art, fashion, chocolates, old books and crystal are quite common here. Brussels offers the largest concentration of high end items in the country.

Scuba Diving

Top Dive Sites

The dive sites in Belgium are very exclusive and offer some of the excellent underwater scenery. One of the top rated overall sites for diving in Belgium is La Gombe. It has an average depth of 20 meters and is recommended for all divers. Here you will be able to find and explore a plane wreck as well as various marine life. Opprebais is an great dive spot with wonderful quarries to explore. Plate Taille, Carriere de Vodelee, Barges and Barrage de l'Eau d'Heure are some other dive sites that should be on every diver’s wish list.

Special Requirements

There are no known diving restrictions or special requirements for diving in Belgium.

Dive Operators

There are approximately 15 dive operators and centers in the Belgium region, many of which are located on the North Sea coastline. There are several choices in Eupen, Deurne, Lige, Theuz and Antwerp.

Hyperbaric Chambers

Hyperbaric Chambers in Belgium are available in Aalst, Brussels, Liege, Brugge and other larger cities. However, divers are advised to discuss, finalize, and agree upon an Emergency Assistance Plan, which includes obtaining all local medical emergency contact numbers, prior to beginning any dive. When a diving emergency arises, divers are strongly urged to follow any agreed upon Emergency Assistance Plan.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts are in place along most of Belgium's coastline to protect it. Cleaning and preservation techniques are being used to restore these regions to their pristine condition.

Maps

Location:

Europe
Belgium

Keywords: diving guides, europe dive travel, belgium dive travel, belgium diving Author:

Melissa Gwaldis

Related Tags: Diving Guides

Comments

rdowns99

What an awesome city; can't

What an awesome city; can't wait to visit!

rdowns99 replied on August 6, 2014 - 8:36am

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Beautiful Belgium: Spectacular Architecture, Beer, And Diving You Won't Want To Miss

Accordion Content

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Introduction

Geography

History

Economy

Customs and Immigration

Health and Insurance

Traveling There

Traveling Around

Accomodations

Local Attractions

Other Activities

Dining Out

Nightlife

Shopping

Top Dive Sites

Special Requirements

Dive Operators

Hyperbaric Chambers

Conservation Efforts

Comments

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You are here

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Beautiful Belgium: Spectacular Architecture, Beer, And Diving You Won't Want To Miss

Accordion Content

Introduction

Geography

History

Economy

Customs and Immigration

Health and Insurance

Traveling There

Traveling Around

Accomodations

Local Attractions

Other Activities

Dining Out

Nightlife

Shopping

Top Dive Sites

Special Requirements

Dive Operators

Hyperbaric Chambers

Conservation Efforts

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