Among travellers, Hasselt isn’t as well known as some other Belgian cities. Hasselt is a small town that serves as the capital of Limburg, a province in Belgium. But that’s what makes it such a fun place to explore is its unbeaten path, impressive Medieval buildings, blooming cherry blossoms, infinite street art, and of course Herkenrode Abbey. It’s the real Belgium, and as you’d expect, it’s got plenty of charm, history and interesting sights. The town is mostly car-free which allows many visitors to roam around and view the sights of some of the oldest but most beautiful buildings. It is up to you which corner you would like to turn.
Location to Reach The Main Centre
Here’s a Guide to The Top Things to Do in Hasselt
See the Beauty of Lavender Field
In this life full of the hustle and bustle, sometimes all we need is a relaxing weekend break to enjoy the spring flowers and the glorious sunshine, the buzzing of bees and watching the colourful butterflies.
In the treasures of Belgium, there is a small field of lavender hidden in Limburg, waiting to be discovered. Lavender Field is around 7 to 8 kilometres away from Hasselt; the more you cover the distance, the opulent scent of lavender will carry you. The best time to visit Lavender fields in Limburg is between July to August, when the flowers are in full bloom.
You will enjoy the rows of lavender around you along with colourful butterflies, which are simply perfect for Instagram pictures. Besides, the farm consists of a rose labyrinth, herb garden and another garden filled with modern art sculptures. You can also relax on the terrace of the café, overlooking the rows of lavender. Lavender Field is something perfect for a day well spent.
Address: Olmenbosstraat 25, 3511 Hasselt
Visit Bokrijk – A Weekend Getaway
Hasselt is the capital of Limburg which is locally known as a cycling paradise. Bokrijk is a fantastic place for weekends with family and friends. You can experience nature here to its fullest. You can walk, ride a bike or picnic. Rent-free bikes are available at city hall and explore both town and countryside easily on two wheels. Maps and guides are available at the tourism office in the city centre.
You can chill out in the restaurant in the fresh air, grab a beer and cool down your soul—a highly recommended place after lockdown.
Enjoy the Tea at Japanese Garden
Get totally zen among the babbling waters and the cherry trees; Hasselt is home to the largest Japanese Garden in Europe, which is a symbol of friendship between Hasselt and its Japanese twin city. It has a koi pond, plants, flowers, and everything you have dreamt of a beautiful place to be.
That takes you a step closer to nature. Even the Ceremonial House is built from traditional materials like bamboo, stone and clay. The garden is at its most spectacular in the spring when dozens of cherry trees bloom.
Hanami, the annual cherry blossom festival. It is another place for you to relax. Not only that! They also provide a tea demonstration or a Japanese flower arrangement class, and there’s a chrysanthemum festival too in the autumn. So this place is not to be missed!
Visit Fashion Museum
Get acquainted with the museum that the entire fashion world is talking about. Fashion addicts should stop in at Hasselt’s museum dedicated to the art of clothing. Hasselt Fashion Museum dived into five themes or ‘codes’ that are form, material, vanitas, identity and stories.
The museum was established in 1988 and showcased the evolution of fashion through around 18,000 garments, shoes, handbags, and accessories.
The museum is majorly known for its innovative temporary exhibitions; the museum pays homage to Hasselt’s history as a centre of the textile industry. The permanent collection is particularly strong in Belgian designers and designers from Hasselt and the surrounding area. Fashion fans can never miss a place like this.
Drive Through The Street of Art in Hasselt
If walls could talk? Well, in Hasselt, they can! Not with actual words, but with the artwork. Admire the real Street art; in recent years, Hasselt has become a showcase for street art.
Every year, the Street Art Festival welcomes new works to the city’s public spaces; there are around 80 facades in the city centre. Even the tourism office has even put together a cycling and pedestrian route to help you see it all. Pick up a map at the tourism office in the city centre or check this route guide from the official street art website and take a self-guided tour, either on foot or by bike.
Enjoy the Adventure at Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
If you love adventure with fun, then you must visit Plopsa Indoor Hasselt. Belgium’s first indoor theme park opened in Hasselt, which provides activities in and out of the venue. This is one of seven amusement parks in four different nations, established by the theme park division of Studio 100. Most visited place in the province and should be on your list of things to do in Hasselt.
It has more than 20 attractions; There is something here for children of all ages with soft play, slides, a ball pool, a carousel, spinners, an indoor rollercoaster, bumper boats, a band many more. Therefore you will never get bored in this place!
Every corner that you look at, there is always something going on! It’s the perfect place for families and children to spend time together. The park opening time is around 10 to 10.30 and the closing time is 16.30 & on the weekend it is 17.30. The ticket range from € 12,99 for individual ( ≥ 85 cm – ≤ 99 cm ) to € 23,50 for individual ( ≥ 1m ).
Pro Tip: Book your ticket online in advance to avoid a long queue.
For more detail, visit their official website: www.plopsaindoorhasselt.be/en
Visit Herkenrode Abbey – Monastery of Cistercian Nuns
Step back in time to the largest female abbey in Hasselt. The Herkenrode Abbey has been the monastery of Cistercian nuns since 1927. For decades this abbey had seen many ups and downs, but after almost a century, the building still stands strong and is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.
Today, the site contains a visitor’s centre that tells the story of the women who lived here. Even their symbol is a unicorn! Explore the place during the Unicorn Sage Family shows on Pentecost day! Use the walking and cycling paths to explore the countryside surrounding the ancient brick buildings.
There are many things to do in Hasselt, but I have picked some of the off-beaten and remember lifetime places for you. Must visit these unique and adventurous places on your visit to Hasselt.
Plan your visit by keeping all the travel checklists in place; if you are planning to visit Belgium, then you must explore these offbeat places in Antwerp to uncover the timely beauty of nature.