Things To Do
in Lommel
Lommel is a green Limburg town in Belgium near the Dutch border, set amid heathlands and sandy dunes. It serves as a gateway to the De Groote Heide and the famed Lommel Sahara, a unique dune landscape perfect for long walks and photography. The town center offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with markets, cafés, and heritage churches.
Throughout the year Lommel blends outdoor adventure with Belgian hospitality, making it a versatile base for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at the Lommel Sahara, a unique area with sandy dunes and rich flora. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature as you explore the pathways that wind through this extraordinary environment. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes surrounded by pines and lakes.
After a delightful hike, grab lunch at a local café and savor some traditional Belgian cuisine. Once recharged, visit the nearby Starreeft Visitor Centre to learn more about the ecology of the area. Engage with interactive exhibits that highlight the importance of conservation in this beautiful region.
As the sun begins to set, head to the Lommel City Center for a delightful evening stroll. Explore the charming shops and cafes that fill the streets, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at a cozy restaurant, where you can enjoy local specialties.
Kick off your day at the Lommel Municipal Museum, where you can delve into the town's rich history. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that highlight local culture and traditions, ensuring an enriching experience. Take your time to appreciate the artworks and artifacts that tell the story of Lommel.
For lunch, find a quaint bistro nearby and treat yourself to a culinary delight. Post-lunch, venture to the nearby Neolithic burial mounds at the Dommel Valley, a site of archaeological significance. Walking among these ancient structures, you'll gain a sense of the historical importance of the area.
As night falls, visit a local bar to enjoy some authentic Belgian beer and chat with friendly locals. Alternatively, check if there are any live music events or cultural shows happening in the city that evening. End your day by indulging in some delectable Belgian chocolates from a local chocolatier.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧃Soft drink or beer at a café | $3-6 |
| 🚆Public transit (day pass) | $6-8 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to unique heath and dune landscapes within a short distance of town
- Relaxed pace with friendly local hospitality and good value for money
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities; best enjoyed with nearby towns for more options
- Some attractions are seasonal and weather-dependent; plan around daylight hours
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Lommel
Visit one of these nice places.
A charming hub with historic facades, morning light, and local activity—great for street photography and architecture shots.
Golden dunes and pink-tinged heath in late summer; expansive skies offer dramatic landscape photography angles.
Peat bogs, lakes, and boardwalks provide atmospheric reflections and bird photography opportunities.
Open horizons and sweeping views over the heathlands during sunrise or sunset.
Food in Lommel
Lommel Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fruit-filled pie from the Limburg region, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee and found in many bakeries around Lommel.
Must-Try!
Belgian Flemish stew (sweet-and-sour meat) typically served with thick fries, a comforting classic in this area.
Mussels with fries, a staple when fresh mussels are in season, often prepared with local beer or white wine.
Crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles topped with fruit, cream, or chocolate—great for a sweet treat after a day outdoors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where you can taste regional cheeses, breads, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat snacks from local vendors.
Several stalls around the Markt and main streets offer classic Belgian fries with a variety of sauces and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone; use polite forms like 'alstublieft' (please) and 'dank u wel' (thank you) in Dutch.
Smoking is less common indoors; keep noise moderate in residential areas, especially at night near homes.
Belgian and Dutch-influenced punctuality; plan ahead for market days and train schedules.
Safety
Tipping in Lommel
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in casual dining.
Most places accept cards (debit/credit) and cash; small vendors and markets often prefer cash; ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Trees bloom and wildlife becomes active; ideal for floral photography and moderate hiking. Weather is mild with occasional showers.
Warm days with long daylight hours; perfect for dune walks, outdoor markets, and photography at golden hour among heathland.
Colors flare in the heath as shrubs turn amber; often cooler and drier, with crisp mornings ideal for landscape photography.
Quiet landscapes with potential frost; pack layers and be prepared for wind; indoor cafés provide cozy breaks.
Lommel at Night
Hiking in Lommel
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive dune and heathland trail network suitable for day hikes and longer walks with varied scenery.
Boardwalks and loop paths around peat bogs and lakes, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Wooded loops around the Keiheuvel area with gentle climbs and forest shade.
Airports
How to reach Lommel by plane.
A short drive from Lommel with domestic and some regional connections; convenient for European travel.
Major northern European hub within a one-hour drive; frequent international flights.
Smaller but practical option for regional travel; good access to Belgium and neighboring countries.
Largest Belgium airport; more international flights and wide range of connections; about 1.5–2 hours by road depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Dutch-speaking Flemish families and retirees with a growing number of international visitors and residents attracted by nature tourism.
Outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers drawn to the heath lands and dune landscapes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Road and mountain biking are popular due to the flat to rolling terrain and heathland scenery.
A common sport across communities with local clubs and youth programs.
Many scenic routes around the heath and along canal paths attract runners of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lommel.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose plant-based dishes at many places; look for veggie burgers, cheese plates, seasonal salads, and egg-based dishes. When in doubt, ask for vegetable sides or pasta options and request sauces on the side to avoid hidden animal products.
Many restaurants offer gluten-free bread or pasta; inform staff about gluten intolerance and look for dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contamination at places serving fried foods.