In amongst the big hitters in Belgium’s Flanders region there is Bruges, Antwerp and the nation’s capital, Brussels sat on the doorstep. However, there is a hidden gem, full of the neo-gothic architecture so familiar to the region, a small city with a big identity. It is of course, Leuven.
Capital of the Flanders Brabant province and home to just 90,000 people, Leuven punches far above its weight. Like Sugar Ray Leonard felling Larry Holmes with a right hook or Mick Hucknall with any woman.
Part of that was the effort to regenerate the city of the it sustained some serious punishment in the First World War at the hands of the advancing German forces. Many were killed and the historic university library was burned to the ground. However, it was rebuilt and much of the damaged historic architecture has been restored down the year.
The town itself is centred around its University and brewing. Back in my student days I would have considered the town a dream! A university in the capital of beer brewing!
KU Leuven is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1425. Its buildings are dispersed throughout the small town making it an integral cog in the city and bringing with it a vibrant student population. The Oude Markt – the “longest bar in Europe” – is often a hangout for students with its multitude of various bar in close proximity. Once final exams are over, it’s the place to be.
Alongside its longstanding educational institution is the town’s prominence in brewing beer. Not simply in Belgium, but the world. Leuven – the nation’s beer capital – is the home of Stella Artois and by extension, its parent company, brewing behemoth, AB Inbev. Its likely you’ll find their beer in every bar in town. Don’t fret though, that doesn’t mean you’re lumbered with Stella on tap everywhere. Leffe and Hoegarden are superb beverages and they’ll be plenty of their ranges too.
Moreover, such is the volume of bars in the city – The Oude Markt in particular – there are plenty of local brewers with their produce ready for your pleasure, such as local beer Domus.
AB Inbev are a big deal but they certainly are not the be all and end all.
The centrepiece of the year in Belgium’s beer calendar takes place in Leuven, The Zythos Beer Festival (ZBF). Located at the Brabanthal centre on the outskirts of the city the ZBF is organised by Zythos, Belgium’s equivalent to CAMRA. It is the biggest beer trade fair on the continent for insiders, enthusiasts and those just looking for a good beer in civilized surroundings. In 2017 the festival will take place on the 22nd & 23rd of April as part of Leuven’s ‘Beer Month’ to kick off springtime in style.
As you would imagine, there is plenty to see for a such a historic city. The odd, open air sculptures such as The Fonske – an ode to the city’s longstanding educational institution – and the Fiere Margriet, which tells a story of a tragedy. There is also Museum M, Leuven’s highly regarded museum of the region’s art and design through the centuries
The nightlife is also tremendous for such a small town. Website Beer Tourism states that Leuven has one of the most diverse food scenes in the country, with 1700 cafes and 200 restaurants offering cuisines from every corner of the globe. Plus, this being Belgium there are plenty of great jazz bars, night clubs and beer cellars off the beaten track.
Leuven is one of the growing destinations in Belgium, backed heavily by the Flanders tourist board, along with Ghent and Mechelen. Small wonder, with the many delights the town has to offer. Located so close to Brussels too – around 30-40 minutes by train – it also provides a terrific launch pad to explore the rest of Flanders.
Over the next several weeks we’ll reintroducing our “Friday Fives” blog series giving you the lowdown on everything Leuven. Stay tuned!
Comments are closed.