Belgium is a country located in Western Europe. Consists of three regions: Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region. The capital of the state is Brussels, where the headquarters of the European Union and NATO are located. The largest cities are Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi and Liege. The country is famous for its medieval cities and buildings.

Independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, gained in 1839. The Dutch recognize Belgium's sovereignty, but the historical relationship is still very much alive. Although most Belgians speak almost the same language as the Dutch, the differences are significant. In Belgium, life moves slower than in Holland.

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate. Winters are mild and sometimes cool. A feature of the Belgian climate is high humidity, frequent precipitation and high levels of cloudiness.

Belgium's forests make up 21% of the country's total area. Three-quarters of the forest is formed by deciduous formations, where species such as oak, beech, hornbeam and ash grow. In high mountain areas there are birch trees. Outside the forest there are swamps and peat bogs. The fauna in Belgium is typical of temperate regions of Europe. Martens, deer and roe deer, wild boars, hares, hedgehogs and many other species live here. Among the birds in Belgium there are numerous singers, pheasants or migrating falcons. Several species of gulls are found in the North Sea. There are a lot of fish in the rivers: pike, carp, trout, eel.

The city of Brussels, together with the entire capital region, officially has the status of a bilingual region, where two language communities operate: Flemish and French. The majority of the population speaks French. The principle of bilingualism is strictly observed, in particular with regard to street names, road signs, any official messages, etc. Each of the language groups has separate schools, universities, libraries, theaters.

Brussels has many famous attractions, such as the Grand Palace, Passage St. Hubert, and the Palais des Nations. There are many museums: the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Palace of Fine Arts or the Toy Museum.

Antwerp is a city in northern Belgium (Flanders). In 2011 the city received the title of European Capital of Youth. There are many historical monuments here, such as, for example, the Gothic Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Paul of the 16th century, the Grote Markt - the Renaissance town hall of the 16th century. Also a very interesting zoo, founded in 1843, where about 6,000 animals are under care.

Interesting facts about Belgium:

1. This country is 10 times smaller than Poland.
2. The main religion is the Catholic Church, 58%.
3. The full name of the country is the Kingdom of Belgium.
4. The longest river is the Scheldt, 200 km away.
5. Belgium has the best chocolate in the world, with over 300 years of tradition.
6. The Belgians consider themselves the inventors of chips.
7. The most important symbol of the capital of Belgium, Brussels, is the figurine of a naked boy peeing.
8. Near Waterloo, south of Brussels, the final defeat of Napoleon's army took place.
9. The saxophone was invented in this country.
10. Durbuy is the smallest town in Belgium, with a population of about 500 inhabitants.
11. The Belgians invented and developed the Euro currency.

Here is such a curious little country of Belgium, which was first inhabited by the Celts, then was in the possession of Rome. Later it was divided between France and Germany. It belonged to Spain, Austria, and then merged with Holland. And finally, it became an independent state.

Option 2

Belgium is a kingdom located in the North-West region of Europe. In the north it has borders with the Netherlands, in the west - with Luxembourg and France, in the east - with Germany. The population is 11.5 million and the capital is Brussels. Belgium is a member of such international associations as the European Union, NATO, and the UN. The official languages ​​are Dutch, French and German. The form of government is a monarchy, whose power is limited by the constitution and parliament. The King of Belgium is Philip Leopold Louis Marie of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha dynasty. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain also comes from this dynasty.

During the ancient world, the Roman Empire gained control of the area in 54 BC, thanks to the successes of the general Julius Caesar. The local Belg tribe was half destroyed, the remaining half became slaves. After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the province was occupied by the Franks.

In the Middle Ages, the state of Flanders was formed on the territory of Belgium, which had good relations with the kingdom of France. The state actively participated in wars, which allowed it to expand its possessions - the counties of Boulogne and Zealand were conquered. The end of the state came in 1384, when the last Count of Flanders died and his daughter married the King of Burgundy, transferring the territory into the hands of the German state.

From 1556 to 1792, Belgium was under Dutch control until France conquered the land. After the Napoleonic Wars, as a result of the Congress of Vienna, Belgium returned to the Netherlands, but it was not possible to establish a common language between the two peoples. In 1830 there was a revolution, as a result of which the country gained independence.

At the very beginning of the First World War, Germany invaded Belgium. In 1914, the Germans captured Brussels, and at the Battle of Ypres, chemical weapons were used for the first time in history.

During World War II, the King of Belgium almost immediately signed a document of surrender. The country would be under German control for four years until the landing of British troops liberated it.

In the 60s of the 20th century, Brussels became the center of the European Economic Community, and since 1967 the headquarters of NATO has been located in the city.

At the moment, in addition to the political center of Europe, Belgium is also a large international trading platform. Also, the beautifully built cities of Belgium are of interest to tourists. Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp are places that receive thousands of visitors every year.

Report 3

Belgium is located in northwestern Europe and shares borders with countries such as Holland and France. This country also has access to the North Sea. Belgium is a member of the European Union, and its national currency is the euro.

This is a rather small country, whose territory is smaller than the territory of the Moscow region, and its population is slightly more than 10,000,000 people. The capital is the city of Brussels. This city is also known as the headquarters of the European Union. Previously, Belgium was one of the countries that initiated the creation of the European Union and was among the first to join it.

The name Brussels comes from Old Dutch words, and if you translate them, you get “a village located on a swamp.” The heart of the city is the Grand Place, which extends 110 meters in length and 70 meters in width. All the houses surrounding the square are very old, built in the 17th century. Each house here has its own name, since each one used to belong to a guild. For example, there is a house here called the Cart - it used to be occupied by a guild of artisans involved in the production of oils.

Another significant symbol of the city is the Atomium located in its northern part. It is made in the form of a model of an iron crystal, which is magnified 165000000000 times. This sculpture is located in the Laeken district and rises above it to a height of 102 meters. Nearby there is also a beautiful park with miniature architectural monuments, where small copies of the most famous architectural structures in the European Union have been recreated.

Belgium is an amazingly beautiful country, most striking with its unique architecture of Gothic cathedrals, as well as many well-preserved medieval castles. One of the Belgian cities - Antwerp - is known throughout the world as one of the largest seaports. Moreover, Antwerp is a true city of art.

Despite its proximity to the North Sea, Belgium boasts a fairly pleasant climate, characterized by fairly mild winters and cool summers. It is a multicultural state with several official languages. In Belgium they speak French, German and Dutch. True, the German language is slightly less widespread than the other two.

Belgium is famous around the world for its chocolate. Here this industry is very important; the country produces more than 200,000 tons of chocolate per year. And you can buy chocolate right at Brussels National Airport, because this is the largest point of sale in the world.

3rd grade. The world. 7th grade. Geography

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All people, without exception, eat. Without this, a person cannot survive. However, food can be completely different. Everyone's taste preferences are individual. For example, one person likes spicy soup, another

The main components of the atmosphere: 78% nitrogen and 20% oxygen, and also contains less than 1% argon, neon, carbon dioxide, methane, helium, hydrogen, krypton, etc. Many gases in the atmosphere are found in hundredths.

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Belgium is a small European state that borders the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France. Tucked between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The capital is Brussels.

Geographical position

Lost between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium is one of Mother Europe's tiny countries. The north of the country is composed of rolling plains, the south is dominated by the picturesque Ardennes, and the coastline of the North Sea is completely captured by fashionable resorts. And below, Belgium is crisscrossed by a network of water canals.

The Belgian landscape has many faces - rivers and the Arden Gorges, gentle plains under farmland. The pride of the country is the large Ardennes forest on the border with Germany and Luxembourg and the wide, sandy beaches on the northern coast, which stretch for 60 km. The countryside is full of historic towns, castles and churches. The northern coast of Belgium stretches 60 km from the French to the Dutch border with a continuous chain of resorts and sandy beaches. The Ardennes region is famous for its cuisine, forests, lakes, rivers and caves.

Attractions

Belgium is an ancient, culturally distinctive country full of various monuments and attractions. Almost every city in Belgium has major world-famous landmarks, cathedrals and fortresses, castles and medieval guild buildings, preserving the memory of the wealth of medieval trading Flanders and the Walloon counties.

History has left many traces on the land of Belgium: medieval cities, bell towers, monasteries, centuries-old streets, church spiers above every village, gray castles from the times of Dumas' heroes and even the era of the Crusades.

In the famous capital - Brussels there is a royal palace built in the 15th century and St. Michael's Cathedral, built in the 13th-16th centuries in the Brabant Gothic style, famous for its stained glass windows. Next to the city hall there is a 90-meter watchtower. On the Administrative Square there is the 18th century Palace of Nations, in front of it there is a beautiful park, on the other side of which there is a modern Royal Palace. Not far from the Grand Place, on Rue Etuve, there is the famous fountain, the “calling card of the city”, Mannequin Pis - “Manneken Pis”, dating back to the 17th century, and the Palais des Nations - parliament. To the west of the Grand Place is the Bourse, built in 1873, one of the most prestigious stages in Europe - the Monnet Opera, Place Rogier, the Church of St. Catherine on the square of the same name, surrounded by old houses of the 17th-18th centuries, as well as picturesque, always crowded with people Central boulevards.

Sun Park is an amazing tropical park. It consists of a huge territory on which houses - villas - are built quarter by quarter for vacationers to live. In the middle of this camp there is a gigantic structure - a tropical city under a hood. There is “Terra Park” with an evergreen winter garden, fountains, giant aquariums, with parrots of various colors sitting on the trees. Restaurants and shops, playrooms for children and administrative services are also scattered here.

Liege- the largest and one of the most ancient cities in Wallonia. Here, first of all, you should visit St. Lambert Square, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Museum of Walloon Life and the Museum of Walloon Art, see the Town Hall and the Church of St. James, as well as the ancient symbol of the city's independence - the Perron (a fountain and a column with four lions ), which is located on the Marchais market square.

Modave- Castle of the Counts of Marchais. It was first mentioned in 1233 as a fortification protecting a nearby town. Its building, which we can see today, dates back to the 17th century, although several buildings were destroyed and rebuilt on this site over the centuries. The castle itself stands in the center of a very beautiful nature reserve and has 20 richly decorated and furnished rooms. Amazing decorative plaster and tapestries from the 17th century, stunning French faience and crystal from the 19th century will delight every visitor. The castle hosts musical evenings and Christmas parties.

Autoworld contains one of the finest collections of old cars in the world. It invites you to explore the history of cars through a unique collection containing more than 450 examples of various origins. Among the exhibits are horse-drawn carriages, two-door sports sedans from the fifties, dream limousines and popular cars.

Holidays
The busiest months for holidays in Brussels are July and August. On the first Thursday of July, the grand Ommegang theatrical performance takes place - this is a huge parade of titled nobility dressed in historical costumes.

A colorful sight - Belgium Day. This is a public holiday that takes place on July 21 and is the first day of the month-long Brussels Fair celebrations. There are also many jazz festivals, religious processions, local fairs, film festivals and classical music days held throughout the year.
The festive carnival marks the arrival of spring. For most people, it helps get rid of winter melancholy and shake themselves up, preparing for spring renewal. During the celebration of Ypres - Kattenfestival, the festival of cats, a large number of artificial cats are thrown from the central bell tower of the city directly into the crowd of people.

• July 21 - The day King Leopold I took the oath of allegiance to the Belgian Parliament of 1831.


• November 15 - Royal Dynasty Day - 1866


• July 11 is a holiday of the Dutch Cultural Community


• September 27 is the holiday of the French-speaking cultural community


• May 25 - Ascension Day


• January 1 - New Year


• May 1 - Workers' Day


• November 1 - All Saints Day


• November 11 - Armistice Day

Traditional cuisine

Belgian cuisine has many components based on the standards of French and German culinary traditions - meat, seafood, vegetables, potatoes, butter, cheese, cream, beer and wine are actively used, while the influence of medieval cooking can still be traced to this day - mustard, herbs, spices and mixing sweet and sour or sweet and salty.

Traditional appetizers include shrimp with tomatoes with "la tomato-crevette" mayonnaise, croquettes made from raw shrimp and melted Parmesan cheese, served with fried parsley leaves "croquette-au-Parmesan", Flemish-style asparagus with butter sauce, beaten raw egg and chopped parsley "asperge à la flamande", a variety of sandwiches with slices of white cheese, garnished with radishes and onions, salads and light snacks of potatoes and pickled vegetables, as well as savory cheeses "le Herve", "le fromage de Bruxelles" or "mara" etc.

The first course is most often represented by fish soup, as well as oysters in celery broth. Everywhere they will offer fried steak with various sauces, with which you can order “frits” - golden slices of potato. Very popular are “Flemish carbonade” - boiled pork or tenderloin fried in beer with prunes, Ardennes ham “jambon d’Ardenne”, rabbit in beer “le lapin à la bière”, salted cheese pies “la tarte al jote” and "flamiche" - stewed chicken with grapes, meat with honey and mustard in a spicy fruit sauce, eels with vegetables and herbs "lez-anguilleaux ver", fried mussels "le-moule frite superstar" and raw mussels "le-moule parke" ", Ardennes trout "la trouite ardennese", stuffed with smoked ham and slices of lard, as well as Mechelen cuckoo "la coucou de malin" or Brussels fowl "la poulard de Brussels", etc.

For dessert, each city offers its own dishes, such as creamy meringues in Malmedy, sweet “kook” sponges in Dinan, almond cakes and caramel sponges in Bruges, “corrugated” waffles, small dry cakes from Ghent - “gentse mokken” and, of course, the famous Brussels "praline". Chocolate is considered a truly Belgian product, its most famous brands are Corn la Tucson d'Or, Godiva, Neuhaus and white chocolate Leonidas.

The national drink of the Belgians is beer. Today there are more than 1,000 brands in the country, and new beers are created almost every day. The most famous are Gueuse, Jupiler, Maes, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Lambic and Trappist. You can even find beers with the addition of cherry (“krik”) and raspberry juice (“framboise”), as well as sweet and sour beer “gooden band”. Grapes are grown on the slopes of the Sambre, in Torny, Hainault and in the vicinity of Brussels, so the country has a lot of its own high-quality wine, but a lot of it is also imported from abroad.

Tips

When paying for services, it is not necessary to leave a tip because the percentage for them and VAT are already included in the cost of services in restaurants and hotels. But if you're happy with the level of service, it won't hurt to leave a little more on your bill. Attendants in cinemas and theaters expect a tip of around 0.50 euros, and in public toilets it is customary to leave 0.25 euros for the attendant.

Useful contact information

The police telephone number is 101, accidents and ambulance - 100. In large cities there are 24-hour pharmacies (usually one per area - information by calling 02/479-1818). If your nearest pharmacy is closed, there should be a poster on its windows with the address of the nearest open pharmacy.

From a telephone booth in Belgium you can call anywhere in the world, and thanks to digital communication the quality will be excellent. Based on the payment method, payphones are divided into three types: those that accept payment in the form of coins, those that accept payment by telephone cards, and those that accept payment by credit cards. As a rule, the machines also have telephone directories.

You can buy a calling card at any newsstand.

Depending on the time limit, the cost of calling cards ranges from 3 to 25 euros. The most expensive tariff is from 8.00 to 12.00 on weekdays. Reduced tariff - from 18.00 to 08.00 on weekdays and all weekends. You can also call from the post office through an operator or from a hotel room, but this will cost much more.

There are quite a few Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Belgium. GSM 900/1800 standards. Major Russian operators have roaming.

The international dialing code for Belgium is 32.

In order to call from Russia, say, to Brussels, you need to dial the following combination of numbers: 8-10-32 (Belgium code) - 2 (Brussels code) - subscriber number.

In order to call Moscow, you should dial the international line access code - 00, then the Russian code - 7, the city code and the number of the called subscriber.

Embassies and consulates

Embassy of Belgium in Moscow
Address: 121069 Moscow, Mal. Molchanovka, 7
Phone: (+7 495) 937-8040
Fax: (+7 495) 937-8038

Consular Section: (+7 495) 937-8049
Fax: (+7 495) 937-8039, (reception: Mon.-Fri. 10-12)
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Embassy of the Russian Federation in Belgium
Address: 1180, Bruxelles, avenue de Fre, 66, Belgique
Phone: (8-10-322) 374-3400, 374-5738, 374-6886
Fax: (8-10-322) 374-2613
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Transport

Belgium's transport system is modern and well developed, although quite inexpensive. At the same time, the vehicles are comfortable and well equipped. However, even despite the huge network of bus routes, renting a car is still the best option for traveling around Belgium.

The whole country is covered by the railway, the structure of which is very well thought out and efficient. The fastest transport is intercity trains, followed by interregional ones and then local ones. Large cities such as Brussels and Antwerp have the metro and other forms of public transport, including trams, etc. Taxis, which crowd around all central bus stations and airports, are expensive and operate exclusively on a meter. You can also hire a boat to travel along the rivers and canals.

Domestic airlines, due to the small size of the country, are quite short, but the number of flights connecting both Belgian and other European cities and countries is quite large. The current arrival tax in Belgium is payable immediately upon purchase of air tickets. Brussels National Airport in Zaventem (8 km from the city center) is connected to the city center by train, which reaches the city in 15 minutes, as well as by minibuses and buses. All types of transport run approximately every 20 minutes.

In order to rent a car in Belgium, you must have a standard set of documents: license, passport, credit card, sufficient funds to pay for insurance. Roads throughout the country are free, well lit at night, and the quality of the road surface is amazing. The maximum permitted speed on highways is 120 km/h, on national roads - 90 km/h, in populated areas - 50 km/h. For any violations, the fines are simply huge - so it’s better to drive according to the rules.

In the warm season, the ideal means of transportation in Belgium (as well as in other Benelux countries) is a bicycle. Bicycle rentals are available in every city. In addition, hitchhiking is popular - people here take on fellow travelers quite willingly.

Work of institutions

On weekdays, banks are usually open from 9.30 to 15.30 or 16.00. Some banks are closed at lunchtime. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Many currency exchange offices are open on weekends.

The day off for museums is usually Monday. In Bruges, museums are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Tournai - on Tuesday.

Standard store opening hours are from 10.00 to 18.00. Shops are closed on Sunday. Flea markets and junk markets are open on Saturday and Sunday.

Time

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Climate

Moderate marine, quite soft. The average annual temperature is about 12 C, January - from +3 C on the coast to -1 C in the Ardennes, July - 14-18 C. At the same time, there are often periods when the weather “stands out” of the seasonal rhythm - cool weather often comes in summer humid winds from the Atlantic, bringing persistent rain and relatively cold weather, and in winter these same sea cyclones bring warm and damp weather. Precipitation falls mainly in the autumn-winter period in the form of rain (from 700-900 mm in flat areas to 1200-1500 mm in the mountains). Relative humidity is quite high all year round.

Politic system

The Kingdom of Belgium is a federal state, a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. The Belgian Constitution is in force from February 7, 1831 with the latest amendments from July 14, 1993, when the Belgian Parliament approved the constitutional reform of the country's government, completing the process of its federalization, which began in the 70s.

The current version of the constitution was published on February 3, 1994. The federal state consists of three regions with broad autonomy - Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussel) and three linguistic communities: Flemish, French and German (Flemish, French, German). The competence of communities and regions is delimited.

The head of state is the king. His power is limited by the constitution, Article 106 of the constitution states: “No act of the King is valid unless it is signed by a minister, who thereby alone assumes responsibility.” Article 102 states that “in no case shall an oral or written order of the King relieve a minister of liability.” This ensures the principle formulated in Article 88: “The person of the King is inviolable; his ministers are responsible.”

Population

The country's population is 10.2 million people, the average population density is one of the highest in Europe. The ethnic composition of the country's population is quite diverse. Ethnic groups: Flemings - 55%, Walloons - 33%, French, Germans. About 1 million thousand people permanently live in Belgium. foreigners (Italians, Moroccans, French, Turks, Dutch, Spaniards, etc.).

Official language

According to the constitution, the population of Belgium is divided into 3 linguistic communities: French, Flemish and German-speaking. The official languages ​​are French, Dutch (Flemish) and German. The region where the Dutch language is spoken (Flanders) is located in the north of the country and has a population of 5.86 million. (58%), French (Wallonia) - 3.29 million (32.2%), population of Brussels - approx. 80%, Francophones and 20% Flemings. In the east of Wallonia, the region where the German language is spoken is home to 67 thousand people.

Money

Euro (EURO), 1 EURO = 100 EURO cent. Banknotes: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. Coins: 2 and 1 euro; 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Visa

For short-term entry into Belgium (no more than 90 days within 6 months), Russian citizens must have a foreign passport and a Schengen visa obtained on the basis of an invitation or a tourist voucher.

Customs

The following goods can be imported into Belgium without customs duties:

For those arriving from EU countries with dutiable goods: 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars and 1 kg of tobacco; 90 liters of wine (including up to 60 liters of sparkling wines); 10 liters of alcohol; 20 liters of fortified wine; 110 liters of beer; 250 ml perfume;

For those arriving from other countries: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco; 2 liters of wine; 1 liter of alcohol or 8 liters of Luxembourg wines (except Luxembourg border); 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette; other goods worth up to 2000 Belgian francs.

Prohibited items: non-canned meat. Other non-canned food products must be declared.

Medical care and insurance

For emergencies, as in most countries, international health insurance is sufficient. Medical services are of high quality and quite expensive, but first aid is provided free of charge. But you will have to pay for all subsequent visits to the doctor.

Geographically, Belgium is divided into:

• low – coastal zone, formed mainly by dunes and polders;
• middle - the most fertile and flat region of the kingdom;
• high – the least populated part of the country, a tourist region characterized by an abundance of forests.

The climate in this part of Europe is mild and corresponds to the temperate maritime type, while the concept of “good weather” in Belgium is understood in its own way. In particular, the local July “delights” the local inhabitants with high humidity and an average temperature range from +14 °C to +18 °C. Winters in the kingdom are rainy, but cool due to the constant winds blowing from the sea. Snowfalls are an extraordinary phenomenon for the Belgians, so skiing is only possible in the Ardennes (high Belgium) and almost never in flat areas.

Money

Since 2002, the Belgian franc has finally left the currency arena, transferring its “powers” ​​to the euro.

Exchange offices in Belgium are located in the most crowded places - airports, train stations, malls. You should use the services of these offices only in case of emergency, since the commission and rate they offer are not the most pleasant. The best way to avoid unnecessary expenses is to exchange money before departure. Just keep in mind that it is better to stock up on banknotes of smaller denominations, because banknotes worth 500 euros will not be accepted in any Belgian store. Change also has its own subtleties: if its amount is more than 20 euros, then enterprising Belgians have the right to regard this as currency exchange, for which they are required to charge a commission of 1-3 euros.

A relatively favorable rate, compared to classic exchangers, is offered by bank branches and post offices in Belgium. The former are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00, the latter are also open on Saturdays (until noon). If for some reason you come to Belgium with dollars instead of euros, you can exchange them at special ATMs installed in city hotels. It is almost impossible to find classic ATMs on Belgian streets: they are all hidden under the roofs of airports, train stations and shopping centers.

As for “plastic”, it is accepted only in large restaurants and malls - the rule applies to “Visa” and “Mastercard”. To pay a taxi driver or pay for a purchase at some small retail outlet, you will have to prepare cash.

Language

Each region of Belgium has its own language. For example, in the south of the country they speak French and are extremely reluctant to switch to English, which few people here speak at a decent level, so tourists who can construct even the most primitive sentence in Hugo’s language will definitely not be lost in Wallonia. In Flanders, it is customary to glorify the Flemish speech, the ancestor of which was one of the Dutch dialects (however, the Flemings themselves prefer not to focus on such “minor” details).

The starting point of most trips is often. The Belgian capital is incredibly photogenic and is perfect for both architectural relic hunters and partygoers traveling around Europe in search of a pleasant place for a carefree holiday. Among other cities in the kingdom, gourmets especially stand out, and even the French, who are generally quite ironic towards everything Belgian, like to indulge in gluttony in local restaurants.

The second most important city in the country, it is known for its port, abundance of large shopping centers and nightlife establishments. It is in Antwerp jewelry factories that the notorious “girls’ best friends” are polished, for whom even world celebrities are not shy to come here.

Promoted by British director Martin McDonagh and forever stuck in its postcard-glossy Middle Ages, it occupies an honorable third place in the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium. Be sure to visit the Grote Markt, where the famous Belfort Tower is located. In between visits to Gothic churches and museums, you can still stock up on exquisite lace and at the same time try unimaginable chocolate desserts.

It’s worth dropping into the third most populous city in Belgium and also the administrative center of the province of the same name to appreciate the luxurious architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral and St. Bartholomew’s Church. Ghent and Louvain have their fans - typical student cities with their cheerful, carefree atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

Beach holiday

You most likely will not be able to tan until black on Belgian beaches. The swimming season here is quite short and lasts from mid-June to mid-August. But you can relax on the soft sand and frolic in the invigorating waves of the North Sea here.

In search of cozy and civilized places for swimming, it is better to go to the main resort of Belgium - Ostend, famous for its free and, what is even nicer, clean beaches. An alternative option, designed for true snobs, is the Knokke-Heist resort, where everything is very glamorous and downright expensive. De Panne is full of noisy fun, an endless string of gastronomic festivals and an amazingly wide coastline covered with soft yellow sand. For surfing or yachting, try getting to Nieuwpoort. Well, for those who miss solitude and quiet family beaches, there is a direct road to De Han.

Sights of Belgium

The main attraction of Belgium is its diverse architecture. Ascetic Romanesque motifs, elegant and at the same time prim Gothic, Brabant style replete with intricate decor, elegant Baroque and, finally, His Highness Art Nouveau - 99% of Belgian buildings correspond to at least one of these trends.

To return to the distant past, be sure to visit, which, with its cozy houses and tiny bridges, long ago became a single open-air museum.

The cathedral with an altar painted by Van Eyck himself, the castle of Gerard the Devil, shrouded in dark legends, and the impregnable Gravensten castle-fortress await all fans of medieval flavor in Ghent. In the cultural capital of Wallonia, it is worth visiting to admire the Cathedral of St. Paul (the epitome of eclecticism, so adored by the Belgians), the Town Hall with its plaque in honor of the venerable detective Maigret and the Church of Saint-Jean, where the priceless image of Our Lady is kept. The seat of the Belgian bishop, Mechelen, is famous for its Gothic (St. Rumold's Cathedral) and Baroque (St. John's Church) churches. Well, the champion in the number of ancient buildings still remains with its Grand Place, the Hôtel de Ville town hall, the palace of Charles of Lorraine, St. Michael's Cathedral and countless nameless, but no less ancient buildings.

Belgium is also a small art treasure of Europe. Bruegel, Bosch, Rubens, Meunier, Finch - all these comrades kept their workshops on the territory of the kingdom. In the 20th century, the country was covered by a wave of surrealism, which gave impetus to the emergence of such extraordinary figures as Rene Magritte and Paul Delvaux. Of course, most of the masters’ paintings were scattered throughout the art galleries of Europe, but some also settled in Belgian museums. In particular, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels boasts an impressive collection of paintings by Pieter Bruegel and other Flemish painters of the 14th century. The House of Rubens received paintings by the master that were not subject to sale. At the Ghent Museum of Fine Arts, tourists can admire the symbolic creations of Hieronymus Bosch, and at the Mayer van den Bergh Museum, Bosch’s legendary “Mad Greta” is located.

For travelers who do not fall into cultural ecstasy at the sight of art, Belgium has its own pleasures. Drop by the Chocolate Museum and follow the entire process of creating this delicacy. Buy a ticket to the Museum of French Fries to get acquainted with the history of the emergence of this truly Belgian - and not American, as is commonly believed - fast food. Take a walk through the historical center of Brussels and appreciate the most popular symbol of the Belgian capital - the Manneken Pis, then arm yourself with a guidebook and go in search of two more “pissing” sculptures of the city.

National cuisine

Belgian cuisine is a hodgepodge of German, Dutch and French dishes, complemented by regional culinary traditions, without which there is nowhere in this country. In particular, you should look for solid village food and gigantic portions in Flanders, because the abundance of food in the still lifes of Flemish painters is by no means a figment of idle imagination. By the way, the vast majority of Michelin-starred restaurants are located in Flanders. The more impulsive Wallonia is heading for the French culinary school, so they know a lot about the right Ardennes hams and cheeses.

The queen of the local table is French fries. They eat this delicacy both as a side dish and just like that. The most popular option is fries with mussels, topped with beer or hot sauce. A true Belgian will not refuse the traditional “waterzoi” - vegetable soup with cream and egg yolk. Meat is also respected in Belgium: rabbit stewed in beer or cream, Flemish beef goulash, Liege meatballs, Brabant-style pheasant - all these dishes are still included in the menu of local cafes. On the coast, they pay tribute to seafood and fish, which are often cooked here in beer. Vegetables in the kingdom are eaten only when they are in season and grown in their native fields. The top 5 most actively consumed gifts of the earth by Belgians include potatoes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, beans and endive salad.

Confectionery shops in Belgium are the dream of any sweet tooth! All of them are filled with dozens of varieties of chocolate and pralines, cakes, the famous Ghent “cuberdons”, which, due to their specific composition, are extremely difficult to transport and, accordingly, impossible to buy anywhere except Belgium, and, finally, waffles – fluffy Brussels and crispy Liege.

Hotels and inns

The comfort of Belgian hotels is determined in accordance with a classification developed specifically for the Benelux countries. Of course, in Brussels you will find both pompous Hiltons and no less pretentious Marriotts, but if you come to the kingdom in search of national flavor, try to find an unpretentious mini-hotel from the bed & breakfast category.

Gold card holders can get their share of the surroundings by checking into a real Belgian chateau. Usually these are aristocratic mansions and medieval castles, among which the palaces of Wallonia are especially rated. For budget tourists, it is wiser to rent a room from one of the locals. The only drawback of such housing is its location (no one usually rents out rooms in the historical center).

If the desire to save money exceeds the dependence on comfort, you can go to city hostels, whose prices are much more humane than hotel prices. In addition, in most of these establishments it is customary to treat guests to breakfast. Campsites are popular on the North Sea coast, and in Belgium they also have a five-star system. An option for those who like low risk, spartan conditions and free overnight accommodation are couchsurfer sites where you can contact Belgians who are ready to provide overnight accommodation to a homeless backpacker.

Good to know

• Before checking into a hotel, it is recommended to check information about discounts. Often, the cost of a room is affected by the day of the week (prices on weekdays and holidays vary), the presence of a shower instead of a bath, and the view from the window.
• The vast majority of Belgian hotels require you to confirm your room reservation with a credit card.
• In 4 and 5 star hotels there are special “bonuses” for small guests. In particular, warm formula bottles, bassinets and baby car seats are provided for them.

Transport

Most branches of rental companies are located right at airports, and finding them is not difficult. As for the quality of roads, it is high in Belgium, and all highways are free. Only those who move through the Lifkenshock tunnel, located not far from, will have to make their modest contribution to the local budget. The amount of the fee directly depends on the payment method and the height of the vehicle and ranges from 3.56 to 19 euros.

The system of fines in Belgium is harsh and hard on the pocket: parking in the wrong place - from 150 euros, not raising the window glass - 50 euros, deprivation of a license, as well as forced towing of a vehicle for speeding by more than 40 km/h.

Safety

The further you are from major cities in Belgium, the less likely you are to run into trouble. In the deep provinces they have almost forgotten what crime and delinquency are. Relatively calm situation in the same or Dinante. In Brussels, things are a little worse, although if you don’t look into ethnic neighborhoods and don’t arrange night promenades in the area of ​​the North Station and Molenbeek, problems can be completely avoided.

As for street theft, Brussels train stations take the lead here, and local sly people like to rummage not only in pockets, but also in car interiors - now it’s clear why Belgian police love to fine drivers for unclosed windows. Local law enforcement officers also often check tourists’ documents. So, if your passport is left at the hotel and you have nothing to show the police, a room key will do. If necessary, a representative of the law can call the hotel reception, where he will be provided with information about the guest.

When communicating with local residents, you should also adhere to certain rules so as not to provoke a conflict. Belgians truly hate two things: when the royal family is criticized (only the Belgians themselves have the right to do this) and when their homeland is compared to neighboring France. You should also be careful with garbage: fines for mistakes like throwing away a candy wrapper or a bottle in this country are prohibitive - 50-150 euros.

Belgium is a country of feminists, so pretending to be a knight in front of local young ladies is more expensive. Politeness norms like holding the door or letting them go ahead here can even be regarded as an attempt to humiliate one’s dignity, so feel free to take all the free seats on public transport, allowing Belgians to enjoy the coveted equality.

Just in case: you can call the police in Belgium by number: 101, and an ambulance by number: 100.

Connection

The most popular mobile operators in Belgium are Base, Proximus and Mobistar, whose SIM cards can be easily purchased in most supermarkets or at official company offices. You can buy any of the prepaid tariffs for an average of 10-15 euros without presenting a passport. Proximus has an interesting offer for travelers: the Pay&Go International tariff provides its subscribers with 200 MB of Internet and a significant discount on calls with Russian operators (30 euro cents/min).

You will have to search for free Wi-Fi in Belgium for a long time and, most likely, to no avail. In almost any local cafe, the local network is under a password, which is secretly communicated only to customers who have previously made an order.

Shopping

Belgium is not a country where you should go for crazy discounts and new items in the fashion industry. Yes, the main fashion brands are represented here and there are seasonal sales (July, January), but, compared to neighboring Germany, updating your wardrobe in Belgium is not very profitable. The only way to more or less satisfy your passion for shopping is at the Maasmechelen outlet, where boutiques of the main European clothing manufacturers are concentrated. If mainstream fashion is no longer impressive, try visiting designer galleries that display original collections by local couturiers. In addition, this is the diamond capital of the kingdom, so if you are looking for the perfect diamonds, you are welcome to visit the city’s jewelry factories.

When it comes to antiques and all kinds of vintage items, Belgium gives a good head start to its neighbors: there are flea markets (“brokants”) in almost every locality in the country. But Belgium has become a real promised land for gourmets and those with a sweet tooth, since not a single tourist leaves here without cheeses, beer, waffles and chocolate. By the way, about chocolate: it’s not the cheapest here, but it’s incredibly tasty. The most common manufacturers: Godiva, Leonidas, Neuhaus, Corne Port Royal and the supplier of the royal court - Mary Chocolatier. Things are even more luxurious with beer: there are about 600 varieties of foamy drinks in Belgium.

The classic opening hours of Belgian stores are from 10:00 to 18:00. On Sunday, most retail outlets are closed, and on Saturday all shops operate with reduced hours. In supermarkets, the working day is longer: from 8:00-9:00 to 20:00-21:00, and once a week, mainly on Fridays, stores are open an hour longer.

Paying for purchases also has its own subtleties. For example, most stores will refuse to accept your card if the purchase amount is less than 10 euros. In addition, local terminals are not always satisfied with the “plastic” of Russian banks.

Belgian stores support the Tax free system. You can request a receipt at a retail outlet that allows you to return part of the amount from your purchases if the amount of your purchases was more than 125 euros. When leaving the country at special points of the international Global Refund system at airports, seaports, and train stations when crossing the border, you must present a passport, a receipt, purchases in sealed packaging (branded or store-bought) and a special completed form received at the store. The procedure for processing a VAT refund is quite lengthy - in case of departure by plane, you must allow at least an hour for it.

Visa information

A visa and health insurance are required to enter Belgium. The best option for a tourist “pass” is a short-term visa issued for 90 days. Its cost is 35 euros. To obtain a visa you will need to provide the following package of documents:

• completed application form;
• international passport and copies of its first pages;
• hotel reservation confirmation;
• health insurance policy;
• air ticket;
• certificate of employment and certificate of leave;
• credit confirmation.

In some cases, the embassy may request additional documents, for example, a certified copy of a parental travel permit for minors or a birth certificate.

Customs

In Belgium there are no restrictions on the amount of currency imported and exported, however, amounts over 10,000 euros are subject to mandatory declaration. Otherwise, the same rules apply as when entering other Schengen countries. Uncanned meat, plant seeds, honey, fruits and vegetables, drugs, porn products (videos, magazines) and weapons are considered strictly prohibited for import.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Belgium is by plane. There are several international airports in the country: 2 in the capital of the kingdom Brussels Antwerp St. Petersburg. The duration of such a trip will be about 48 hours.

Is it the only country in the world where about 400 different types of beer are produced? We offer you some more interesting information about this country.

Belgium is a beautiful Western European country that borders France, the Netherlands and the North Sea. The capital of Belgium is the city of Brussels, and the currency in force in this country is the Euro. The climate of Belgium is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Belgium is known for its medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals. The Port of Antwerp is considered the fourth largest seaport in the world, and Antwerp is also one of Belgium's most famous art cities. Other popular cities of art include the cities of Bruges and Ghent. It should be noted that Belgium is a multicultural and multilingual state. The official languages ​​of Belgium are French, German and Dutch. Ordinary people most often communicate in French and Dutch.

Some interesting historical facts about Belgium

In 496 AD, Belgium was part of a kingdom founded by King Clovis.

Ancient Belgium was inhabited by Celtic tribes called the Belgae.

In 1555, Maximilian's grandson, Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold, gave Belgium to his son, Philip II.

The saxophone was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Sax. Another interesting fact is that Herge, the author of the famous Tintin comic book series, is also from Belgium.

The people of Belgium love animals, so every Belgian home has at least a cat or a dog.

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// 28.03.2009

Germany has always been considered a rich and progressive state. This country has made a great contribution to the development of humanity. It also gave the world people who managed to change the world, among them Adolf Hitler and Albert Einstein. We invite you to meet

Most often, tourists do not consider Belgium as a main tourist destination. As a rule, a transfer is made at a Belgian airport and departs on the Benelux route, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Nevertheless, Belgium is an interesting country worthy of attention.

The standard of living here is close to that of prosperous Switzerland. A huge number of medieval castles and other historical monuments have been preserved throughout the country. In addition, thematic trips are very popular among tourists - some come to try the famous chocolate, some are attracted by diamonds, and others are attracted by the comfortable beaches and spa centers of the Ostend resort.

general information

The Kingdom of Belgium is located in Western Europe. The capital is Brussels. On an area of ​​30.5 thousand sq. km. Home to about 11.6 million people. The word “Belgium” comes from the name of the ethnic tribe of the Celts, the Belgians, who were the first to settle in this part of Europe.

Neighboring countries:

• Germany – eastern border;
• Netherlands – northern border;
• Luxembourg – southeastern border;
• France – southern and western border.

The northwestern border of the state is washed by the North Sea.

Belgium is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, the current ruling monarch is Philip I, however, the country is actually ruled by the prime minister - since 2014, the position has been held by Charles Michel.

Taking into account the geographical features of the state and the relief, three zones are distinguished:

• plain (regions bordering the North Sea);
• Ardennes Heights;
• plateau.

The main water resources are the Meuse and Scheldt rivers. Mount Botrange (approximately 695 meters) is the highest point.

In accordance with the administrative division, the territory of the state is represented by three regions:

• Flemish;
• Walloon;
• Brussels.

There are also 10 provinces.

Belgium is a multi-religious country - 70% of the population are Catholics, 200 thousand residents profess Islam, 40 thousand attend the Anglican Church, 35 thousand profess Judaism and only 20 thousand residents are Orthodox.

Historical excursion

The first tribes in Belgium appeared approximately 400 thousand years ago. Information about them, unfortunately, has not been preserved. In the 1st millennium BC. Western Aryan tribes settled in Belgium. Around 300 BC. The Belgians occupied Belgian lands and formed a new state.

Street in the town of Duruy

In 57 BC. two nationalities appeared in the country. The southern part of Belgium is captured by the Roman Empire. Residents gradually forgot their native language, since Latin speech predominated in everyday life, and the Walloon language arose on its basis. Germanic tribes settled on the territory of Northern Belgium, laying the foundation for the Flemish people. In the period from the 5th to the 9th centuries, the state was ruled by the Franks, who were replaced by the Roman Empire.

From the 12th to the 14th centuries, craft workshops actively developed in the country. Belgium attracted the attention of Germany and France, but in the 16th century the Spaniards firmly settled on its territory and ruled here for one and a half hundred years. In the 18th century, power passed to the Austrians, and in the first half of the 19th century, by decision of the Congress of Vienna, the country became part of the Netherlands. From the united state they wanted to form a powerful barrier against the troops of Napoleon and France.

Episode of the Belgian Revolution of 1830

In 1830, an uprising took place, the goal of which was the independence of the country. A year later, Belgium became a constitutional monarchy. Since then, industry has been actively developing here, Belgium has been conquering colonies. However, the further prosperity of the country was prevented by wars. In the post-war years, the Belgian government defined a state program for external development.

Events that became the basis for the economic development of Belgium:

• Benelux was created in 1944;
• in 1945 Belgium became an EU member;
• in 1949 the state became a member of NATO;
• in 1949 Belgium joined the Council of Europe;
• in 1954 the country became part of the Western European Union.

Language

According to the Belgian constitution, the country's inhabitants are divided into three linguistic groups:

• French - Wallonia, about 32% of the population;
• Dutch (Flemish) – northern regions, about 58% of the population;
• German-speaking - the eastern part of Wallonia, about 67 thousand people.

Residents of Brussels speak French (80%) and Dutch (20%).

Good to know! The Flemish dialect has dialects characteristic of Belgium. French and German are notable for their special pronunciation. Almost all Belgians speak fluent English.

Population

The total number of inhabitants of Belgium is 11 million 600 thousand people. Of them:

• Flemings – 60%;
• French – 25%.

Interesting fact! Belgium is an open country; as a rule, there are no problems with obtaining citizenship. 15% of Belgian residents are immigrants. The largest communities are Portuguese and Italian.

Economy

Belgium is a country with an actively developing industrial complex, intensive agriculture and an extensive network of foreign economic relations. According to statistics, almost half of Belgian products are exported.

Main export items:

• automobiles and machinery;
• diamonds;
• metal products;
• chemicals;
• Food.

Export partners: Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Italy, USA.

Import partners: Netherlands, France, Ireland, Germany, UK, China.

City of Charleroi

The industrially oriented regions of Belgium are concentrated towards the north of the country, around the capital and in Flanders. Liege and Charleroi are also considered industrial.

Agriculture is developing rapidly in regions where the Dutch language predominates.

Good to know! The state leads in Europe in terms of the density of railway lines.

Regions and major cities

Walloon region

This part of Belgium is often compared to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. The spirit of the Middle Ages is especially felt here, which is harmoniously complemented by amazing landscapes and dilapidated palaces. The people of Wallonia know an endless number of legends and myths.

This is interesting! They serve the most delicious ham and the best live beer.

The capital of the region is Namur, a fortress that protected from enemy raids. Wallonia is best explored on foot or by bike. Tourists are offered an unforgettable hot air balloon flight. In addition to sightseeing, you can play golf and climb mountain peaks.

Good to know! One of the best resorts in the region is the city of Spa.

Flemish region

Part of the province of Flanders belonged to France, but after 1830 the region completely became part of Belgium, and today it unites cities such as Antwerp and Ghent, famous for their architectural attractions and amazing historical facts.

Brussels

For more than 50 years, the largest international organizations have been concentrated in the capital of Belgium. The city with a population of 1 million 850 thousand people is the center of the French and Flemish communities, which is why most of the residents speak French. Brussels is located inside the second city walls. concentrated on Avenue Louise, Grand Place.

Antwerp

The second settlement after the capital. The city is the capital of the region of the same name, built on the banks of the Scheldt River. The headquarters of the world's largest banks are located here, fairs and international exhibitions are held here. In addition, the best diamond workshops operate in Antwerp. The craftsmanship of jewelers is recognized all over the world. It is very difficult to list everything; there are many museums, palaces, fountains, parks and, of course, a zoo.

The main settlement of West Flanders and a popular trading center during the Middle Ages. located in the area between the station, the central square and the market.

The city has many museums, cathedrals, temples and basilicas, palaces. A unique historical site is the Lace Making Center. An ancient mill has been preserved in Bruges, and the number of bridges is more than 80.

A city-museum, the church and sacred life of the country is concentrated here. Liege is the main settlement of the province of the same name, located at the place where the Ourthe and Meuse rivers connect. It’s comfortable to explore during a river cruise – water transport here works properly.

It is located 65 km from the capital and is the main city of the French-speaking part of the country. The history of Namur is quite tragic, since a lot of blood was shed here. For many decades in Namur there was a struggle for possession of the city, because from a geographical point of view the settlement was of great strategic importance. To protect Namur from attacks, a fortress was built, which, after numerous reconstructions and fortifications, turned into a work of serf art. The citadel, together with the adjacent park, covers an area of ​​70 hectares. Another famous Namur attraction is the Royal Theater. .

The second name of the city is Queen of the Belgian Coast, because the settlement is located on the shores of the North Sea. The main attractions of Ostend are comfortable beaches, casinos, vibrant nightlife and horse racing at the hippodrome.

A famous historical site is the Peter and Paul Church, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Another attraction of Ostend is the three-masted sailing ship Mercator. The city's five beaches are connected by a tram route. See an overview of the city and attractions of Ostend.

The city is the capital of eastern Flanders and is based on the banks of the Scheldt River. There is a large seaport and the Ghent-Terneusen canal here. In addition to its large number, it is revered as the largest educational center, where students study at the oldest university. Historical architectural monuments are concentrated along the embankment - the Lys Canal, the cloth market, Gravensteen Palace. There are many theaters and museums in Ghent; people come here to try the famous bacon and Ghent cheese with herbs.

The city of students is located on the banks of the Deila River. The university, founded at the beginning of the 15th century, is located here. The educational institution is divided into two parts - the Flemish part is located in Leuven, and the Walloon part is in Louvain-la-Neuve. The town hall, built in the Gothic style, attracts the attention of tourists.

The production of beer under the Stella Artois brand was founded in Leuven in the mid-14th century. The university even has a Faculty of Brewing Academy. Every year the city holds a competition to choose the best bartender. Read .

The city is located between the capital and Anterpen, built on the banks of the Deila River. The settlement was swamped, water was pumped out through special canals. After the Second World War, Mechelen was completely restored, and now it is one of the most beautiful Belgian cities. It was here that the first railway in Europe was put into operation at the beginning of 1835. The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Rumold and the Church of Our Lady.

Charleroi

Located 50 km from Brussels. Initially it was a fortress, but gradually its territory increased. The city is named after the Spanish monarch Charles II. The second name of the settlement is the Black Country; coal mining was actively carried out here in numerous mines, and the metallurgical industry developed. Tourists are attracted by the town hall, decorated in neoclassical style, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Basilica of St. Christopher. Detailed.

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Culture, holidays and festivals

The Belgians are a unique people who combine the punctuality of the Germans, the prudence of the Dutch and the politeness of the British. Perhaps this is why it is impossible to describe the inhabitants of Belgium in one word. Here lies the border dividing Europe into the Germanic north and the Latin south. The division is felt in culture, linguistic characteristics, everyday life, and politics. From time to time, news appears around the world about the collapse of Belgium into two parts, but the rumors are clearly exaggerated. Numerous wars that tore the state apart from the inside taught the Belgians to value peace and tranquility.

Good to know! Residents of Belgium are proud of their Walloon and Flemish roots, while at the same time revere family values.

In Europe, Belgium is considered a boring country; the myth probably appeared against the backdrop of the extravagant French, Dutch and Germans who know how to advertise themselves. The natural modesty of the Belgians is due to the fact that over many centuries the country was conquered and ruled by different states. That is why local residents prefer not to attract attention to themselves and remain in the shadows.

Characteristic features of Belgium and its inhabitants:

• culture is based on contradictions;
• society respects traditions, but tries to take an active part in the formation of a new Europe;
• there is a developed state bureaucracy here;
• there are a huge number of laws in force in the country;
• Belgians are capable of eating and drinking all day long, but still find time to get all the work done.

Formality, politeness, capitalist and medieval values ​​coexist in one Belgian. Residents of the country know how to earn money in order to live, if not luxuriously, but with dignity.

The Belgians love to relax; in terms of the number of holidays and special days, the state is ahead of many European countries.

The most interesting events:

Kitchen

Based on three powerful pillars - the standards of French, Dutch and German cuisine. That is why the Belgian menu is rightfully considered the most diverse in Europe. Meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables are excellently prepared here. All products are grown in the country.

First courses are usually puree soups and fish soups. The famous Flemish carbonate, rabbit in beer, mussels and oysters are valued all over the world. As for desserts, it is impossible not to fall in love with the delicate, incredibly tasty Liege waffles and Belgian chocolate.

Interesting fact! The Belgian airport sells more chocolate every year than the entire country.

Belgium is a country of beer; the drink is prepared according to unique, ancient recipes, some of which add non-standard ingredients - cherry or raspberry juice, honey or rice. Another popular national product is cheese. The country produces more than 140 varieties of cheese according to different recipes.

Geography

Belgium is located in the northwestern part of Europe, mainly on a flat area that stretches from two lowlands - the Campines and Flanders to the Ardennes Mountains.

Village in the Ardennes Mountains

In the north of Belgium there are the North Sea dunes. Here, on the coast of the Scheldt, the city of Antwerp, recognized as the largest port in the world, was built.

In addition to the Scheldt, there are other waterways in the country:

• the rivers Meuse and Leie;
• Albert, Ghent-Ostend and Scheldt-Maas canals.

The highest point in Belgium, Mount Botrange, is located in a rather picturesque place - on a swampy plateau, which was formed as a result of tectonic forces. The height of the point is almost 695 meters. The special location of the plateau has created a unique climate here, reminiscent of pristine places untouched by man.

In the middle of the last century, this part of the country was recognized as a nature reserve to preserve the amazing microclimate, flora and fauna. A fir forest was planted on the plateau. The park is open to the public and has hiking trails with signs to guide travelers through the marshy areas.

Helpful information! There are many legends and myths associated with the plateau. There are known cases when people died in the quagmire, this is confirmed by crosses and stones installed along the excursion trails. At the end of the 16th century, the merchant Pierre Panhouse disappeared here, and a high column was erected in his memory.

The coastal zone is formed by a lowland that stretches along the North Sea through Flanders and Campina. Sand dunes form Flanders' natural flood protection.

The Ardennes area is represented by low hills scattered throughout the valleys. To the northwest of the mountains rise central plateaus 200 meters high. The area looks like frozen waves. The Ardennes zone and the plateau are separated by the Meuse and Sambre rivers.

It is important to know! In summer, Belgian time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour, and in winter - by 2 hours. On the last Sunday in March, clocks are set forward 1 hour, and on the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back 1 hour.

Climate and weather

Considering that Belgium occupies a fairly modest territory in Europe, there is not a large temperature spread here.

• winter temperature in mountainous areas is about -1 degrees, in the central part of the country - +2 degrees, and in coastal regions - +3 degrees;
• in summer the temperature varies from +16 to +20 degrees depending on the region.

The warmest months are from the second half of spring to September, but even in hot weather the temperature almost never rises above +30 degrees.

Belgium is considered quite rainy, with up to 1000 mm of precipitation falling throughout the year. In the mountains, precipitation levels reach 1500 mm. The weather in the cold season is windy, snow falls, but not too much.

On a note! The weather in Belgium is mostly cloudy, with the most sunny days in April and September.

The water in the North Sea is +5 degrees in winter, and +18 degrees in summer.

Currency, plastic cards

The main monetary unit is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged in banks, hotels, post offices and exchange offices. The most favorable rate is presented in banks and post offices. Hotels have ATMs that also provide currency exchange services.

Helpful information:

It is important! ATMs (Geldautomat) are installed in separate booths; only one person can be inside.

A VAT refund can be issued provided that the goods were purchased in a store that is part of the TAX FREE system, the purchase amount must be more than 125 euros. The client signs two receipts for the amount of tax, the documents are presented upon leaving the country and must be sent to the store within three months. Otherwise, the tax will be debited from the bank card.

A is a topic for a separate article.

Transport

The easiest way to travel in Belgium is by train. This country has the best railway connections, connecting all Belgian cities. Each train has two classes of carriages. There are three types of trains:

• expressways;
• intercity traffic (stops in big cities);
• regional services (stop at all stations).

Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices, from special machines, as well as from conductors, in which case you will have to pay an additional 7 euros.

Approximate prices for tickets from the capital:

• to Antwerp – 8.00 euros;
• in Bruges – 15.00 euros;
• to Ghent – ​​9.50 euros.

Helpful information! Before purchasing, it is better to check the cost of tickets on the official website of the Belgian railway. To save money and time, you can purchase an Interrail Benelux Pass - a ticket that gives you the right to an unlimited number of trips for 3 to 8 days. The cost is 90 euros for tourists from 12 to 27 years old and 120 euros for adults.

There is a bus service, but it is not very common in Belgium. Travel takes longer.

The largest Belgian bus operators:

• Eurolines (website – www.eurolines.fr) – flights depart from the capital and other major cities to European capitals, tickets cost from 15 to 35 euros, the journey takes from several hours;
• De Lijn (website – delijn.be) – the company is engaged in commuter transportation in Flanders;
• TEC (tec-wl.be) - the company is engaged in commuter transport in Wallonia;
• STIB (stib-mivb.be) is a company engaged in commuter transport in Brussels and the capital's suburbs.

Helpful information! Bus transportation is most popular in mountainous regions where there is no railway connection.

Water transport

Comfortable liners regularly cruise along Belgian rivers. From Vilvoorde to Brussels you can take a boat ride; a ticket costs from 2 to 5 euros.

Ferry service:

• P&O (website – poferries.com) – ferries run from Zeebrugge to Hull, the journey takes 14 hours, you will have to pay 162 euros for two people and a car;
• TransEuropa Ferries (website – transeuropaferries.com) – ferries run from Ostend to Ramsgate, the journey takes 4 hours, you need to pay 60 euros for a car with all passengers.

Please note that the schedule changes frequently due to weather conditions.

Transport within cities

All cities have buses and trams, and the capital and Antwerp have a metro. All public transport operates from 6-00 to 00-00. There are night routes in large cities.

Fare:

• Brussels – 2.10 euros;
• Antwerp – 3 euros.

If you are planning an active holiday and will often use public transport, buy a ticket for all types of transport worth 5 euros for 1 day.

Those who love comfort are better off taking a taxi. There are parking lots in all cities, there are many of them. You can also order a taxi by phone. Taxi rates:

• landing – from 2 to 2.50 euros;
• 1 km – 1.15 euros.

It is important! Cycling in Belgium is not very convenient as the roads in the historical areas are paved with cobblestones. If you still dare to travel by bicycle, renting will cost from 3 euros for 2 hours.

Rent a Car

Belgian roads are some of the best in Europe. Local drivers are attentive and polite. Tourist cities are located quite close to each other, so renting a car is a great way to travel around the country.

Rental points are located at the airport and big cities. Foreign tourists can rent transport from the following companies:

• Avis;
• Hertz;
• Buget;
• Europcar.

List of documents:

• international passport;
• driver license;
• card with the required amount.

Car rental prices (per day):

• passenger car – 45 euros;
• SUV – 85 euros;
• minivan – 110 euros.

Deposit – from 600 to 1000 euros. The cost of gasoline varies from 1.30 to 1.40 euros per liter.

In general, Belgian highways are free. You will only have to pay for travel through the tunnel under the Scheldt.

Note! In Belgium, compliance with traffic rules is strictly controlled; violations of them are subject to large fines, including deprivation of rights.

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Visas

Belgium is a Schengen territory, so you will need a visa to cross the border. Residents of Ukraine who have received a biometric passport can visit Belgium and other Schengen countries without a visa.

What kind of visas are issued:

• short-term - necessary for tourists, foreigners to visit relatives and friends, for business trips (stay period - up to 90 days);
• long-term – issued for training, entrepreneurial activity, work in Belgium, treatment and marriage;
• transit – issued when a tourist remains in a transit zone in Belgium, valid for no more than 5 days.

A package of documents is submitted to the Belgian embassy. The application is processed from 3 days to two weeks. If a representative of the embassy submits a request to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, the period for processing documents increases.

It is important! Documents must be submitted at least three weeks before departure.

The Belgian Border Guard has the right to refuse entry into the country for the following reasons:

• there is no amount required for travel;
• there is no confirmation of hotel reservation, official invitation or letter from the employer.

Customs requirements and regulations:

• import and export of any amount is permitted;
• Duty-free import applies to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, a liter of strong alcoholic drinks, 2 liters of wine, 0.5 kg of coffee, 100 g of tea, 50 g of perfume;
• the duty is not paid on personal use products in the amount of less than 64.45 euros per person (amount for a child under 15 years old - 24.79 euros);
• Jewelry weighing more than 0.5 kg is subject to declaration upon entry into the country.

Note! The import of meat, dairy products, canned food, and chocolates is prohibited.

Pets must be vaccinated before travel; there must be a corresponding certificate issued ten days before travel.

Communications and Wi-Fi

cellular

Roaming is available to subscribers of Beeline and Megafon operators. If it is important for you to be constantly in touch, it is better to purchase a SIM card from a Belgian telecom operator. The most common provider is Belgacom. Rates for 4G:

• 2 GB – 15 euros;
• 4 GB – 25 euros;
• 8 GB – 35 euros.

There are many Wi-Fi access points in Belgium, they are in cafes and in all hotels. As a rule, connecting to the Internet does not require a password; access points are open. The connection speed is high.

The country code in the international directory is 32. In Belgian cities there are telephone booths from which you can call outside Belgium. There are reference books inside. There are several ways to pay for calls:

• coins - there are almost no such machines left;
• telephone cards - the cost varies from 3 to 25 euros depending on the number of minutes;
• credit cards.

The most expensive time to call is from 8-00 to 12-00, the cheapest calls are from 18-00 to 08-00.

Belgium is a state where the best chocolate, original cheeses, hundreds of types of beer, bureaucracy, delicate lace, rich oil paints, and medieval castles are miraculously mixed. In ancient times, Walloons and Flemings lived on the territory of the state, who determined the individuality of the Belgians.

Professional video with views of the main cities of Belgium - interesting and pleasant to watch!