Eeklo

A charming medieval town with a well-preserved historic center featuring a striking church and traditional Flemish architecture. Eeklo serves as a gateway to the rural East Flanders countryside and offers authentic local character away from tourist crowds.

Things to do

• Saint Laurens Church — A stunning Gothic church dominating Eeklo's central square with intricate stonework and a soaring interior that showcases Flemish religious architecture.
• Eeklo Town Square (Markt) — The historic heart of Eeklo lined with traditional guild houses and cafés where locals gather, perfect for soaking in authentic Flemish small-town atmosphere.
• Sint-Laureins Museum — A local museum housed in a historic building displaying Eeklo's heritage, religious art, and artifacts related to the town's medieval past.
• Cycling through East Flanders countryside — Rent a bicycle and explore the rolling rural landscape surrounding Eeklo with quiet farm roads, polder views, and charming hamlets typical of the region.
• Waterloo Mill (Waterloose Molen) — A restored historic windmill in the surrounding area representing the region's agricultural heritage and offering insight into traditional Flemish milling.
• Eeklo Market — A traditional market held on certain days in the town center where local farmers sell fresh produce, cheese, and regional specialties to residents and visitors alike.

Food to try

• Gentse Stoverij — A slow-cooked Flemish beef stew from nearby Ghent that appears on local menus, made with Belgian beer and pearl onions for deep savory flavor.
• Waterzooi — A creamy Flemish vegetable and meat broth considered comfort food in East Flanders, often featuring chicken or fish with fresh seasonal vegetables.
• Local Gouda and Edam cheese — Regional Dutch-influenced cheeses available at markets and local shops that reflect Flanders' proximity to the Netherlands and dairy farming tradition.
• Flemish asparagus (when in season) — White asparagus from the surrounding countryside celebrated in spring at local restaurants and markets as a prized seasonal delicacy.
• Belgian frittes with mayo — Crispy hand-cut fries served with Belgian mayonnaise from local frituren stands, representing the national passion for this simple perfected snack.
• Local Abbey beer — Regional Trappist or Flemish ales available in cafés around the Markt, reflecting Belgium's renowned brewing heritage and medieval monastic traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace cycling culture — Eeklo and East Flanders are deeply bicycle-oriented communities; rent a bike to get around like locals and understand how the region truly moves.
• Visit cafés like a local — Spend unhurried time in small cafés around the Markt, order a beer or coffee, and settle in for conversation—rushing is considered impolite in Flemish culture.
• Respect quiet hours and church traditions — Flanders maintains strong Christian traditions with respect for Sunday observance; many shops close and noise should be kept minimal during evening hours.
• Learn basic Dutch/Flemish greetings — While English is spoken, locals deeply appreciate visitors who attempt 'Hallo' or 'Dank u' in Dutch—it shows respect for Flemish regional identity.

Nearby

• Ghent (East Flanders) — 19 km
• Knokke-Heist (West Flanders) — 20 km
• Sluis (Northwest Flanders) — 20 km
• Damme (West Flanders) — 21 km