2024-04-24 23:01
The 2024 European Gull Screeching Championship in De Panne. Turn up the volume!
The post European Gull Screeching Championship appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
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Discovering Belgium Blog
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I hope that my blog helps you discover interesting and sometimes out-of-the-way places to visit in Belgium. It's based on my own experiences, having lived here for nearly 30 years. Many of the blog posts focus on places for you to walk and cycle.
2024-04-23 23:01
In 1933, Albert Einstein lived in Belgium before settling in the United States. Where did he live, and how can you follow in his footsteps?
The post When Einstein lived in Belgium appeared f… Read More
2024-04-20 23:01
West Flanders offers some beautiful landscapes for hikers. Here are some resources to help you decide where to walk in West Flanders.
The post Where to walk in West Flanders appeared first o… Read More
2024-04-10 06:15
Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart was a one-eyed, one-handed war hero who fought in three major conflicts and was called ‘The Unkillable Soldier’.
The post The Unkillable Soldier: Adria… Read More
2024-04-05 23:01
Visit the Keerbergen Windmill, known in Dutch as Keerbergen Heimolen, on Saturdays when the miller lets its sails turn!
The post Keerbergen Windmill: See it working! appeared first on Discov… Read More
2024-03-31 00:01
Forty years after his death, new music has been discovered in Belgium from American soul singer Marvin Gaye.
The post New Marvin Gaye music discovered in Belgium appeared first on Discoveri… Read More
2024-03-24 00:01
In 1921 Marie Janson became the first woman to hold a seat in the Belgian federal parliament - 27 years before women got the vote!
The post Marie Janson: Trail-blazing politician appeared fi… Read More
2024-03-17 00:01
An overview of the influence of religion on LGBT+ rights in Belgium, and why some religious communities can be anti-LGBT.
The post Influence of religion on LGBT+ rights in Belgium appeared f… Read More
2024-03-16 06:46
A pair of white-tailed eagles is breeding in De Blankaart nature reserve in Woumen: a first for Belgium
The post White-tailed eagles breed in Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2024-03-15 00:01
Isala Van Diest was the first female medical doctor and the first female university graduate in Belgium.
The post Isala Van Diest: Belgium’s first female doctor appeared first on Disc… Read More
2024-03-13 16:55
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Belgium owes its emergence as an independent state to Russia!
The post “Belgium exists thanks to Russia” claims Putin appeared f… Read More
2024-02-25 00:01
Belgium has played a significant role in the advancement of LGBT+ rights within the European Union.
The post LGBT+ rights in Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2024-02-23 10:44
Seven snail species new to Belgium have been unearthed in Wallonia in the most unexpected of places – building material dumps.
The post Seven snail species new to Belgium discovered a… Read More
2024-02-18 00:01
An overview of the influence of religion on women's rights, in Belgium and elsewhere, and its varied impact across faiths.
The post Influence of religion on women’s rights appeared fir… Read More
2024-02-13 00:02
Georges Simenon was a Belgian writer known primarily for his detective fiction and particularly the character of Inspector Maigret.
The post Georges Simenon: popular and prolific Belgian wri… Read More
2024-02-11 00:02
The development of women's rights in Belgium has been marked by gradual progress and significant milestones over time, but there is still work to do.
The post Women’s rights in Belgium… Read More
2024-02-02 07:21
Belgian-born civil engineer Joseph Guinotte had the vision and drive to try to form a colony of Belgians in the fledgling town of Kansas City.
The post Joseph Guinotte and his American dream… Read More
2024-01-30 07:00
For the first time ever, more electric bicycles (e-bikes) were sold in Belgium than regular bicycles.
The post E-bikes take over the Belgian market appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2024-01-28 09:24
Leo Baekeland was a Belgian-born American chemist and inventor of Bakelite.
The post Leo Baekeland and the story of Bakelite appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2024-01-25 05:53
Despite the country’s small size, innovative Belgian AI startups are making a significant impact on the global startup scene.
The post Six Belgian AI startups to notice appeared first… Read More
2024-01-21 00:01
A refreshing walk is up on the Wijngaardberg in Wezemaal, outside Leuven, in the province of Flemish Brabant.
The post A walk around Wezemaal and up on the Wijngaardberg appeared first on Di… Read More
2024-01-17 13:52
Ghent was the epicenter of a remarkable socialist movement in the early 20th century, led by the visionary Edward Anseele.
The post The socialist movement of Ghent: Edward Anseele’s vi… Read More
2024-01-14 00:01
The Queens of Belgium have played key roles in the history of the country, making significant cultural, social, and charitable contributions.
The post The Queens of Belgium appeared first on… Read More
2024-01-12 10:57
MINIMAL is a photo exhibition by VIEWFINDERS, the Photography Club of Brussels, from 14 January 2024
The post MINIMAL: A photo exhibition by VIEWFINDERS appeared first on Discovering Belgium… Read More
2024-01-11 07:26
A short overview of Belgian Surrealism, the main Belgian Surrealists, and some forthcoming exhibitions in 2024
The post Belgian Surrealism: More than Magritte appeared first on Discovering B… Read More
2024-01-03 12:17
We consider how the Belgian artist James Ensor revolutionized modern art with his visionary and grotesque paintings.
The post James Ensor: The Master of Masks and Madness appeared first on D… Read More
2024-01-01 08:47
Test your knowledge of the Kings of the Belgians with this fun and educational quiz on the Belgian monarchy
The post Belgian monarchy quiz appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-12-30 15:42
In 1933, Belgian farmer Camille Van Hove received the Civil Cross 1st Class from King Albert I for his bravery following an air crash.
The post The bravery of Camille van Hove appeared first… Read More
2023-12-29 00:01
What happened to the bones of the thousands of dead soldiers at Waterloo, and what is the link with the sugar beet industry?
The post The bones of Waterloo appeared first on Discovering Belg… Read More
2023-12-27 11:59
Ten questions to test your knowledge of some unusual news stories from Belgium in 2023
The post Belgium News Quiz 2023 appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-12-24 00:01
Discover the lives and legacies of the Kings of the Belgians, each of whom made their own valuable contribution to the development of the nation.
The post The Kings of the Belgians appeared… Read More
2023-12-23 00:01
Migrant workers to Belgium in the aftermath of the Second World War played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Belgian economy.
The post How migrant workers helped rebuild Belgium after… Read More
2023-12-21 16:55
Discover the history of Belgium, a country with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and diversity amid strife and troubles.
The post Unraveling the rich history of Belgium appeared first o… Read More
2023-12-15 14:47
A rare astronomical work by Flemish astronomer Ferdinand Verbiest is up for sale!
The post Astronomical work by Ferdinand Verbiest being auctioned appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-12-09 00:01
In Memoriam by Alice Winn is a wonderful and gripping account of love between two young men amidst the brutality of the First World War.
The post In Memoriam by Alice Winn appeared first on… Read More
2023-12-05 00:01
December 6 holds special significance in Belgium as it marks the celebration of Sinterklaas, a beloved figure in Belgian folklore.
The post Sinterklaas on December 6: A time-honored traditio… Read More
2023-11-26 00:01
The breeding population of storks in Belgium has been steadily increasing, with a record-breaking number of breeding pairs in 2023.
The post White storks on the rise in Belgium appeared firs… Read More
2023-11-19 00:01
Andrée de Jongh was a courageous and remarkable figure in the Belgian Resistance movement of the Second World War.
The post Second World War resistance hero Andrée de Jongh app… Read More
2023-11-11 00:01
The First World War on Belgium: a comprehensive resource of over 20 articles.
The post The First World War in Belgium: A Resource appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-11-05 16:10
The timeline of the First World War as it may have been communicated to readers in real-time on the Discovering Belgium blog.
The post A timeline of the First World War in Belgium appeared f… Read More
2023-10-28 23:01
The life and legacy of Father Damien, a Belgian priest who worked among sufferers of leprosy in Hawaii
The post The life and legacy of Father Damien appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-10-11 23:01
Edith Cavell was a remarkable British nurse whose life and death left an indelible mark on history
The post The Life and Death of Edith Cavell appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-10-09 14:03
45 years ago today, Belgian singer Jacques Brel died. Here's a short overview of his life, for those who may not know much about him.
The post Remembering Jacques Brel appeared first on Disc… Read More
2023-09-15 09:21
Achouffe is a small village in the municipality of Houffalize. In January 1945 it gained a position of great strategic significance during the Battle of Achouffe.
The post The Battle of Acho… Read More
2023-05-31 14:33
The Enchanted Garden is an international art exhibition in a natural, water-rich landscaped garden between Tienen and Jodoigne.
The post Visit The Enchanted Garden 2023 appeared first on Dis… Read More
2023-05-19 09:54
Updated for 2023, this eBook lists over 550 places in Belgium that are great for children's outdoor activities.
The post Children’s Outdoor Activities in Belgium 2023 appeared first o… Read More
2023-04-02 05:23
DIVA is the museum for diamonds, jewellery, and silver, and is located in Antwerp
The post DIVA, the museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-02-26 06:37
An overview of Belgian architect and designer Victor Horta, the key founder of the Art Nouveau movement.
The post The Life and Major Works of Victor Horta appeared first on Discovering Belg… Read More
2023-02-19 06:31
Homosexuals and Lesbians in Nazi Europe is an exhibition in Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen
The post Homosexuals and Lesbians in Nazi Europe appeared first on Discovering Belgium… Read More
2023-01-22 06:38
A useful app. A new blog. A sharper focus. Three topics in one post!
The post A Useful App. A New Blog. A Sharper Focus appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-01-17 06:19
Brussels has declared 2023 as the Year of Art Nouveau and the city as the Capital of Art Nouveau.
The post Art Nouveau in Brussels appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-01-05 06:15
We reach the final verse of the song 12 Days of Christmas. It's time for Twelve Drummer-birds Drumming!
The post On the Twelfth Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-01-04 06:16
Every festive party for a true love requires Eleven Pipers Piping. Here are my two avian pipers.
The post On the Eleventh Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2023-01-03 06:18
Today, it’s the turn of ten lords a-leaping to turn your true love’s eye. But one bird will out-leap all ten of them!
The post On the Tenth Day of Christmas appeared first on Dis… Read More
2023-01-02 06:36
It's time for Nine Ladies Dancing to get on the stage. But here is an impressive alternative from the world of birds.
The post On the Ninth Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering Bel… Read More
2023-01-01 06:33
Eight maids a-milking: how can we turn that gift for a true love into a story about birds?
The post On the Eighth Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-12-31 06:21
Seven swans a-swimming is a unique present to give your true love for the seventh day of Christmas, but which species of swan should you include?
The post On the Seventh Day of Christmas app… Read More
2022-12-30 06:30
Instead of giving your true love six geese a-laying, what about relating six fascinating stories of six FAMOUS geese?
The post On the Sixth Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering Bel… Read More
2022-12-28 06:55
…my true love gave to me, four Calling Birds. Or are they Colly Birds? Whatever they are called, what are they?
The post On the Fourth Day of Christmas appeared first on Discovering B… Read More
2022-12-27 06:23
… my true love gave to me, a short but useful guide to French Hens.
The post On the Third Day of Christmas … appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-12-26 06:25
... my true love gave to me ... two Turtle Doves! Really? TURTLE Doves?
The post On the Second Day of Christmas … appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-12-25 06:28
…my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree. But which species of partridge might that be?
The post On the First Day of Christmas … appeared first on Discovering Belgi… Read More
2022-09-25 05:33
The burning of the University of Leuven Library in 1914 led to the loss of a quarter of a million manuscripts. 26 years later it was burnt down again.
The post When the University of Leuven… Read More
2022-09-23 05:17
The 1566 Iconoclasm was when countless religious statues, paintings and buildings were defaced or destroyed.
The post The 1566 iconoclasm in the Low Countries appeared first on Discovering B… Read More
2022-09-21 05:22
Endless Forms by Seirian Sumner gives wasps some much-needed wasp-love, and entertainingly describes how wasps are valuable insects.
The post Endless Forms by Seirian Sumner – Review a… Read More
2022-09-18 05:50
A guide to identify some of the most common nuts and seeds that you may come across on a country walk.
The post How to identify nuts and seeds appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-09-15 05:11
Queen Elizabeth II was related to the Belgian King, and had a Belgian tutor as a young girl.
The post Queen Elizabeth II and her connection with Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgiu… Read More
2022-09-13 05:28
Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton is a fascinating and gripping account of the Belgian Antarctic Expedition, 1897-1899.
The post Madhouse at the End of the Earth, by Julian… Read More
2022-09-11 05:58
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Belgium six times and enjoyed a close relationship with the country and its monarchs.
The post When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to Belgium appe… Read More
2022-09-07 05:38
Vote for the Belgian Tree of the Year 2022. Choose between these six magnificent trees.
The post Vote for the Belgian Tree of the Year 2022 appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-09-04 05:43
The Voyage of the Belgica to the Antarctic, 1897-1899, was an early polar expedition that went terribly wrong.
The post The Voyage of the Belgica to the Antarctic (1897-1899) appeared first… Read More
2022-08-31 09:10
From 1902 to 1931, Belgium, like a number of other countries, had a concession in the Chinese port city of Tianjin.
The post The Belgian concession in Tianjin, China appeared first on Discov… Read More
2022-08-28 05:42
You might be tempted to ask “What good are wasps?” when they are terrorizing your picnic. Here are 6 ways wasps are beneficial.
The post Wasps: 6 ways wasps are beneficial appear… Read More
2022-08-24 05:45
“Golden: Why Belgian Football is More Than One Generation” by James Kelly is an excellent account of football in Belgium.
The post “Golden” by James Kelly appeared fi… Read More
2022-08-21 05:27
15 multiple-choice questions on Belgian football. How many will you put in the back of the net?
The post Belgian Football Quiz appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-08-17 07:33
The story of the wolf in Belgium, from local extinction to two small packs that have established themselves in recent years.
The post The story of the wolf in Belgium appeared first on Disco… Read More
2022-08-14 05:32
Where to walk in the Voerstreek, plus where to eat, and where to stay!
The post More walks in the Voerstreek appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-08-12 05:25
Suzanne Spaak was a courageous Belgian operative in the French Resistance during the Second World War.
The post Suzanne Spaak: from wealthy socialite to resistance fighter appeared first on… Read More
2022-08-09 05:28
Giant hogweed is an impressive plant, growing up to 5 meters tall, but should be avoided as its sap can generate painful skin blisters.
The post Giant hogweed – and why to avoid it! ap… Read More
2022-08-07 05:50
A brief look back on 12 years of the Discovering Belgium blog, that has reached one million views.
The post Discovering Belgium blog reaches 1 million views! appeared first on Discovering Be… Read More
2022-08-04 07:55
On August 4, 1942, a train left Mechelen carrying nearly a thousand Jewish men, women and children. Its destination was Auschwitz.
The post From Mechelen to Auschwitz appeared first on Disco… Read More
2022-08-02 05:58
Cranes and storks are having a successful breeding year in Belgium, which is good news.
The post Successful cranes and storks in Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-07-31 06:21
Asian hornets are spreading fast across Europe, including in Belgium. This is bad news for the continent's honey bees.
The post The rise of Asian hornets in Europe appeared first on Discover… Read More
2022-07-28 05:38
In 2022 there is an abundance of wasps across Europe. Here are some tips to deal with wasps in your garden or at a picnic.
The post How to deal with wasps appeared first on Discovering Belg… Read More
2022-07-24 05:20
A fascinating and useful new book called Culture Smart! Belgium describes the country's customs and culture.
The post Culture Smart! Belgium: A Guide to Belgium’s Customs & Culture… Read More
2022-06-26 05:30
The Enchanted Garden is an international art exhibition in a naturally landscaped garden full of water and contrasts.
The post Visit the Enchanted Garden 2022 appeared first on Discovering B… Read More
2022-06-03 10:30
Discover 600 years of history and heritage with this audio walking tour of Leuven, available via VoiceMap
The post An Audio Walking Tour of Leuven appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-05-22 05:13
Looking for a guided hiking trip in Belgium? Then look no further than WHATtrips!
The post Guided Hiking Trips in Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-04-18 15:52
Discover details of over 40 children's farms throughout Belgium for a fun day out.
The post Children’s Farms in Belgium appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-03-27 05:55
From the village of Erps-Kwerps, stroll through the Silsombos deciduous woodland and then across the open fields of the Dorenveld.
The post Erps-Kwerps, Silsombos and the Dorenveld appeared… Read More
2022-03-20 06:41
A 12 km circular walk from the village of Meerbeek in Flemish Brabant through the delightful Bertem Woods.
The post Meerbeek to Bertem woods appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-03-13 06:45
The Stories of Refuge exhibition at the Red Star Line Musuem on Antwerp brings refugees sharply into focus.
The post ‘Stories of refuge’ exhibition at Red Star Line Museum, Antwe… Read More
2022-03-06 07:08
An eBook with photos and descriptions of 25 of the most common and important farm crops around the world.
The post A guide to farm crops appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-02-27 07:14
A new eBook lists over 550 outdoor activities for children in Belgium
The post Where to take children for some fresh air and exercise appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-02-02 06:27
Discover some of the diverse sights of Vilvoorde on this mainly urban 11 km walk which also takes in a beautiful park
The post Vilvoorde and its diverse sights appeared first on Discovering… Read More
2022-01-23 06:57
Discover the Valley of the Grote Gete in Flemish Brabant with these two circular walks of varying distance.
The post 2 walks in the Valley of the Grote Gete appeared first on Discovering Bel… Read More
2022-01-20 06:20
A circular 9 km walk from Château d'Hélécine, passing through nearby villages and fields before returning to the castle domain.
The post Château d’Hél… Read More
2022-01-16 06:40
Fancy going to church? What about the church in Ombret. You won't hear a preacher though, because it's abandoned.
The post The Abandoned Church of Ombret appeared first on Discovering Belgiu… Read More
2022-01-12 11:43
A 9 km walk with colorful houses, a chapel, a clock museum, a pig farm, and some lovely views.
The post A 9 km Longueville walk appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
2022-01-09 06:21
Gabrielle Petit was a Belgian woman who spied for the British Secret Service during the First World War.
The post Gabrielle Petit: First World War Spy appeared first on Discovering Belgium Read More
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