Things To Do
in Halen
Halen is a quiet, historic town in Belgian Limburg known for its rural charm and the site of the 1914 Battle of Halen (the “Battle of the Silver Helmets”). The town offers low-key cultural sights—memorials, a parish church, and well-maintained village streets—set amid farmland and river valleys. Halen is popular with cyclists and walkers who enjoy gentle rolling countryside, small lanes and riverside scenes.
It’s a good base for day trips to larger nearby towns such as Diest and Hasselt and for exploring the greater Limburg and Hageland regions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Halen and settle into your accommodation, enjoying the cozy atmosphere of this small Belgian town. Grab a fresh croissant and coffee from a nearby bakery to energize your day. Stroll around the quaint streets, taking in the local architecture and environment.
Visit the local historical museum to learn about Halen's rich history and its significant role in both World Wars. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Belgian café, sampling local specialties like stoofvlees (beef stew) with fries. Wander through the town square, indulging in some shopping at local boutiques.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant where you can experience authentic Belgian cuisine, paired with local beers. Post dinner, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Demer River as the sun sets. End your night with a nightcap at a cozy bar, reflecting on your first day in Halen.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading to the beautiful nature reserve, De Demerbroeken. Spend the morning hiking along the trails, immersing yourself in the picturesque landscapes and observing local wildlife. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of nature, breathing in the fresh air.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the scenic surroundings of the nature reserve, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. After lunch, continue exploring the reserve or try birdwatching, as this area is home to numerous species. Capture memorable moments with your camera as you hike through stunning trails.
Return to Halen and unwind with dinner at a local pizzeria, indulging in delicious wood-fired pizza. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the town in the evening, perhaps with a stroll through the peaceful streets. You may also want to check if there are any local events or markets happening during your visit.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer (local, at a bar) | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train/bus ticket (short trip) | $3-9 |
| 🛌Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Flemish small-town atmosphere
- Excellent cycling and countryside access
- Rich WWI historical interest (Battle of Halen)
- Close to larger towns for day trips
- Limited nightlife and restaurant variety in town
- Public-transport connections are less frequent than in bigger cities
- Fewer tourist services and multilingual signage than major destinations
- "Hallo / Goeiedag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u (wel)" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Halen
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic monuments and interpretive signage surrounded by open fields—good for atmospheric landscape and commemorative photography, especially at golden hour.
Tranquil riverside scenes with reflections, reeds and traditional footpaths ideal for nature and early-morning shots.
Picturesque lanes, stone houses and the church steeple make for classic small-town compositions and detail shots.
Wide agricultural panoramas, hedgerows and country roads—great for wide-angle landscapes and seasonal colors (rapeseed, harvest time).
Food in Halen
Halen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew in a beer-based sauce; widely available at local brasseries and ideal with fries or mashed potatoes.
Must-Try!
Thick-cut fried potatoes served with a variety of sauces; try them at cafes and snack bars in town or at weekend markets.
Limburg is known for good asparagus in spring—often served simply with hollandaise or butter and ham at local restaurants when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market days offer regional cheese, breads, seasonal produce and pastries; larger markets in nearby Diest or Hasselt provide a wider selection of street-food snacks and specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language—use simple Dutch greetings like 'Hallo' or 'Goeiedag'; locals appreciate polite attempts even if you speak English.
Be polite and reserved in public, respect quiet hours in residential areas and avoid loud behavior late at night.
Belgium has strict recycling rules—follow local bins and separate waste where required. Respect private farmland and follow marked public paths.
Safety
Tipping in Halen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated; small tips to café staff are fine. Taxi drivers and hotel porters also appreciate modest rounding up.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted, though small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash; ATMs are available in nearby larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with frequent rain showers; countryside comes alive—ideal for cycling and seeing asparagus season. Pack a light rain jacket and layers.
Warm but rarely very hot; long daylight hours make it excellent for outdoor activities, cycling and festivals in nearby towns. Expect occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make for beautiful walks and photography; some businesses reduce hours outside peak tourist season—bring warmer layers.
Cool, damp and overcast with occasional frost or light snow; quieter tourist scene and lower prices, but some rural services may have limited hours.
Halen at Night
Hiking in Halen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside walks following the Gete river—gentle terrain, good for birdwatching and seasonal flora; several loop options of varying length.
A longer rural route following stretches of the Demer River and connecting small villages—excellent for full-day hikes and landscape photography.
Walking routes in the nearby Hageland region feature rolling hills, vineyards, orchards and historic village scenery—nice for varied terrain and local character.
Airports
How to reach Halen by plane.
The main international gateway for Belgium (about 60–90 km depending on route). Accessible by car or train connections via Brussels; expect roughly 1–1.5 hours travel time by road.
Smaller international airport to the east (approximately 50–70 km); useful for certain European flights and cargo connections—reachable by car in under 1.5 hours.
Low-cost carrier airport to the south (around 75–100 km); car or shuttle connections are available but travel times can be 1.5 hours or more depending on traffic.
Regional airport northwest of Halen (about 80–100 km); fewer scheduled services but an option for regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Dutch-speaking Flemish residents, including families, farmers and small-business owners.
Many residents commute to nearby towns and cities for work (e.g., Hasselt, Diest), creating a mixed daytime/evening rhythm.
Like many rural communities, Halen has a noticeable proportion of older adults, with active local associations and volunteer groups.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is hugely popular locally—both recreational and competitive—thanks to flat-to-rolling terrain and dedicated bike paths.
Local amateur football clubs are common and community-focused; weekend matches are a social fixture.
Tennis clubs and running groups are typical in smaller towns and provide community sports opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Halen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but not as abundant as in big cities; look for salads, cheese-based dishes, omelettes and vegetable stews, or ask restaurants for off-menu vegetable plates.
Vegan and gluten-free options are easier to find in larger nearby towns; in Halen, contact cafés ahead of time or visit supermarkets for packaged options and plant-based alternatives.