Hasselt, Provincial capital in Limburg, Belgium
Hasselt is a provincial capital in the province of Limburg in eastern Belgium, known for its pedestrian zones, museums and connection to textile history. St. Quentin's Cathedral provides a landmark in the centre, while narrow lanes and several squares spread around it, housing shops, cafés and public facilities.
The settlement formed in the 7th century along a tributary and grew into a market town within the medieval county of Loon. Later centuries brought industry based on textile production and distilleries that shaped the city's economic profile.
The city takes its name from the Germanic word for hazel shrub, and today the town centre revolves around several interconnected squares used for markets and social gatherings. Locals often travel by bicycle, and the pedestrian zones fill with visitors from across the region during weekends.
The city operates a zero-fare system for local buses, making it easy for visitors and residents to move around the urban area. Most sights lie within the centre and can be reached comfortably on foot or by bicycle.
The National Jenever Museum documents traditional production of Belgian grain spirit through historical distilling equipment and occasional demonstrations. The spirit was a major trade commodity in the region for centuries and continues to be produced today in local distilleries following old recipes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
