7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Hasselt

As a digital nomad living in Hasselt, you have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of fascinating destinations on your weekends. While the city itself offers a peaceful environment with its charming streets and cafes, the urge to explore beyond the city limits can be quite compelling. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, there are plenty of places within a short distance that are perfect for a quick getaway. Here are seven destinations that offer a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, ensuring that your weekends are as enriching as your workdays.

Bruges

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is a picturesque medieval city that's just a train ride away from Hasselt. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and serene canals, Bruges offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy a boat tour of the canals, visit the Belfry of Bruges, or simply indulge in the famous Belgian chocolate and waffles. The city's well-preserved medieval architecture provides a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks or bike rides.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Bruges from Hasselt is by train, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours, including a transfer in Brussels or Ghent.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to climb the Belfry of Bruges for a panoramic view of the city. The 366-step climb is well worth the effort for the breathtaking vistas.

Where to Stay: Hotel De Orangerie offers a luxurious stay with views of the canal, while the Hotel Fevery is a more budget-friendly option with a cozy atmosphere.

Where to Eat: For a memorable dining experience, visit De Stove, a small restaurant known for its intimate setting and exquisite local cuisine. Their seafood dishes are particularly renowned.

Maastricht

Just across the border in the Netherlands, Maastricht is a vibrant city with a rich history and a lively cultural scene. The city is known for its beautiful squares, historic churches, and the impressive Maastricht Fortress. Art lovers will enjoy the Bonnefanten Museum, while foodies can explore the local markets and indulge in Dutch specialties. Maastricht is also a great place to shop, with a mix of high-end boutiques and quirky independent stores.

How to Get There: Maastricht is easily accessible by train from Hasselt, with a journey time of about 1 hour.

Travel Tip: Explore the underground tunnels of the Maastricht Fortress for a unique historical experience. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the city's past.

Where to Stay: Kruisherenhotel Maastricht offers a unique stay in a converted monastery, complete with modern amenities and a central location.

Where to Eat: Café Sjiek is a local favorite, offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with traditional Maastricht dishes like zuurvlees (sour meat).

The Ardennes

For those seeking a nature-filled retreat, the Ardennes region offers lush forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. It's the perfect destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. The area is also dotted with charming villages and castles, like the feudal Castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne, which adds a touch of historical intrigue to the scenic landscape.

How to Get There: The Ardennes can be reached by car from Hasselt in about 1.5 hours, making it an ideal destination for a weekend road trip.

Travel Tip: Visit the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse for an underground adventure. The cave system is one of the largest in Europe and features stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Where to Stay: Auberge du Sabotier offers a rustic experience in the heart of the Ardennes, with the added bonus of a renowned restaurant on-site.

Where to Eat: Le Moulin de Daverdisse provides a picturesque dining setting with a menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional Ardennes cuisine.

Leuven

Leuven is a vibrant university city with a youthful spirit, just a short train ride from Hasselt. It's famous for its historic architecture, such as the stunning Town Hall and the University Library. The city is also known for its lively bar scene, with the longest bar counter in the world at the Oude Markt. For a dose of culture, visit M-Museum Leuven, which showcases contemporary art in a striking modern building.

How to Get There: Leuven is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Hasselt taking around 1 hour.

Travel Tip: If you're a beer enthusiast, don't miss a tour of the Stella Artois brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample one of Belgium's most famous beers.

Where to Stay: The Martin's Klooster is a stylish hotel set in a former monastery, offering modern comfort in a historic setting.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, try EssenCiel, which offers a rooftop view and a menu that creatively combines Belgian and international flavors.

Hoegaarden

Hoegaarden is synonymous with the famous Belgian white beer, but this small village has more to offer than just its brewery. The quiet streets, traditional houses, and surrounding countryside make for a peaceful weekend escape. Beer enthusiasts can visit the Hoegaarden Brewery to learn about the history and production of the iconic brew, while nature lovers can enjoy the numerous walking and cycling paths in the area.

How to Get There: Hoegaarden is a short drive from Hasselt, taking about 40 minutes by car. Public transport options are also available, with a combination of train and bus services.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Hoegaarden Gardens, which are not only beautiful but also educational, showcasing various herbs used in the brewing process.

Where to Stay: The B&B Klein Paradijs offers a cozy stay in the countryside, with the added charm of a home-cooked breakfast.

Where to Eat: 't Nieuwhuys is a local favorite, serving hearty Belgian dishes and, of course, a selection of Hoegaarden beers on tap.

Chimay

Chimay is a small town in the Walloon region, famous for its Trappist monastery and the exquisite beers and cheeses produced there. The Château de Chimay offers a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past, while the surrounding forests provide ample opportunity for hiking and wildlife spotting. A visit to Chimay is not complete without tasting the local products, which are among the finest examples of monastic craftsmanship in Belgium.

How to Get There: Reaching Chimay from Hasselt requires a combination of train and bus travel, with a total journey time of around 3 hours.

Travel Tip: Attend a tasting session at the Espace Chimay, where you can learn about the production of Chimay beers and cheeses and sample them in a guided tasting.

Where to Stay: Le Petit Chapitre offers charming bed and breakfast accommodations in the heart of Chimay, with easy access to local attractions.

Where to Eat: L'Atelier de Bossimé is a must-visit for foodies, offering a farm-to-table experience with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The High Fens

The High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) is a unique natural reserve in the east of Belgium, offering a landscape that is rare in the country. With its raised bogs, heathlands, and forested areas, it's a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The area is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, and the Signal de Botrange, which is the highest point in Belgium. The High Fens is particularly magical in the winter when it's covered in snow, but it's a beautiful destination year-round.

How to Get There: The High Fens is best reached by car from Hasselt, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: For an unforgettable experience, visit the High Fens during the winter months when you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the snowy landscape.

Where to Stay: Domaine des Hautes Fagnes offers comfortable lodging with the added benefit of a wellness center, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Where to Eat: La Menuiserie de Champagne provides a cozy atmosphere and a menu that showcases the best of regional cuisine, with a focus on seasonal and local products.