Things To Do
in Herzele

A peaceful stream valley with meadows, trees and small footbridges — good for nature photography, especially in spring and autumn.

Rolling hills, winding country lanes and patchwork fields produce classic lowland European landscapes and picturesque cycling scenes.

Traditional brick buildings, the parish church and the market square provide atmospheric town scenes and architectural detail shots.

Scattered farmhouses and tree lines look particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset; easy to reach along quiet roads.

A small local market (check weekly schedule) where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, breads and prepared snacks; a good spot to meet locals and sample seasonal items.

Scattered throughout the town and nearby villages, these stands serve classic fries, croquettes and quick snacks — great for an informal outdoor meal.

Use polite greetings (a simple 'Hallo' or 'Goede morgen/avond') and address people formally ('u') unless invited to use first names.

Belgians value punctuality for meetings and tours; arrive on time for appointments and train departures.

Belgium has strict recycling rules—separate waste where indicated and avoid littering; locals take these practices seriously.

Rural communities appreciate calm behavior and lower noise levels, particularly in the evenings and on Sundays.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in Belgium. For table service, a small tip of 5–10% or rounding up the bill is common if service was good; in cafés and bars you can leave small change.

Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; carry some cash for small frituurs, market stalls and rural vendors that may be card-less.

Mild temperatures, blossoming fields and fewer tourists; muddy trails in low-lying areas after rains but excellent for wildflowers and birding.

Warmer and sunnier, ideal for cycling and outdoor dining; expect occasional thunderstorms and higher humidity on some days.

Cooler, with dramatic foliage and quieter trails; a great time for landscape photography and hearty local cuisine.

Cold and often damp with short daylight hours; some outdoor activities are limited but the region is calm and atmospheric, with cozy cafés for warming up.

The majority are Dutch-speaking (Flemish) families, often with deep local roots, contributing to a community-oriented atmosphere.

Many residents commute to larger towns and cities (Aalst, Ghent, Brussels) for work, blending rural living with urban employment.

A significant portion of the population is middle-aged or older, common for Belgian rural municipalities, maintaining traditions and local clubs.

A modest number of international residents and families who work in nearby cities or in regional businesses; English is often understood in service contexts.

Vegetarian options are generally available but can be limited in rural brasseries; look for salads, seasonal vegetable dishes, omelettes and cheese-based plates. Inform staff and they will usually adapt dishes.

Vegan choices are less common than in larger cities; pack snacks or seek out cafés in nearby towns like Ghent for broader vegan menus. Supermarkets sell staples for self-catering.

Gluten-free options are available but not ubiquitous — ask about cross-contamination at bakeries and restaurants. Larger towns have specialist bakeries and restaurants with clearer labeling.

Staff are generally helpful; carry an allergy card in Dutch (Flemish) explaining your allergy and confirm ingredients in sauces and stews, which often contain beer, butter or flour-based thickeners.