Top Five Popular Attractions to See on a Trip Between Antwerpen and Aarschot

If you're looking for a picturesque and enjoyable trip in Belgium, why not travel between Antwerpen and Aarschot? Along the way, there is no shortage of fascinating and beautiful attractions to see, making it a great journey for travel enthusiasts. Here are the top five popular attractions that you must see during this trip.

Berlaar, VAN: The Perfect Halfway Point

Berlaar, a small Flemish town, is a perfect midpoint between Antwerpen and Aarschot. Here, you will find a charming and historic location with cozy cafes, a market square, and boutiques. Walking through the town, you may feel like you have stepped back in time, with buildings and infrastructure dating back several centuries. The town also boasts a historic church, Saint Pieter's Church, that features striking Gothic architecture. This picturesque location is the perfect place to have a break on your trip and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a Flemish town.

Top Five Places to See

1. St. Rumbold's Cathedral, Mechelen

Located on the banks of the Dyle river, the historic St. Rumbold's Cathedral is a must-see attraction. This stunning church has an ornate Gothic façade with intricately carved details and spires. The view from the church balcony is quite impressive, with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The church's interior features beautiful stained glass windows, impressive paintings, and sculptures. If possible, attending a mass or a performance here can be an enlightening experience.

2. The Toy Museum, Mechelen

For those who love nostalgia and toys, the Toy museum in Mechelen is sure to captivate you. This fascinating museum showcases a variety of childhood playthings, rare and vintage toys, and dolls. Visitors can reminisce about old favorites like action figures, board games, and rocking horses, and even see some unique antique toys that are no longer in production. It is a great place for kids and adults both to educate themselves and have a good time.

3. ZOO Planckendael, Mechelen

Located in the heart of the Mechelen region, Planckendael is a popular and modern animal park. Visitors can admire a diverse range of wild animals in their natural habitats. The park is much more than a traditional zoo, the large park offers a safe and educative trip for all ages. Endangered bird species, exotic aquatic animals, furry mammals can be seen here. This park is very well-built and offers great visitor-facilities that let you spend a whole day exploring the animal kingdom.

4. The Beer Museum, Leuven

For beer lovers, the exhibit at the Beer Museum in Leuven is a fascinating and refreshing experience. Located inside a historic brewery, the museum walks you through the process of beer brewing and gives an insight into different beer styles. It is an interactive museum and is fairly modern and well-maintained. Leuven is a haven for beer enthusiasts, and this is one museum you shouldn't miss.

5. Het Gasthuis, Aarschot

Located in Aarschot, Het Gasthuis is a historic, preserved building that now functions as a cultural center. In the past, this ancient building served as a hospital, charity center, and a clinic. The structure is as historic as it is beautiful, the building itself is now a standout museum featuring contemporary installations of modern art, painting, sculpture and photography. There are also a few workshops which are held to inspire creativity.

The Best Route

During this trip, the best route for visitors is to follow the E19 highway from Antwerpen to Mechelen, located in the middle of the journey between Antwerpen and Aarschot. Mechelen is a beautiful and historic location with attractions that even modern travelers will enjoy. From there, continue along E19 to Leuven. The Beer Museum is an ideal destination for lovers of the brewing history of Belgium and beyond. To end the journey, the historic location of Aarschot should be in your bucket list, specifically Het Gasthuis, a well-preserved building with cultural offerings in art, music, and theater. By following this suggested route, visitors to Belgium will enjoy a rich and culturally defined trip, more importantly without missing the key highlights of the journey.