Hoogstraten, municipality in Antwerp, Belgium
Hoogstraten is a town in northern Belgium in the Flanders region that sits on an elevated route once important for trade and travel. It features traditional brick buildings, quiet streets, and is surrounded by green fields that characterize the simple Flemish countryside.
The town received the status of a 'free town' in the early 1200s, which gave it independence and opportunities to grow over the centuries. It was known for textile trading and farming, which shaped its economic development during the Middle Ages.
Hoogstraten takes its name from the Dutch words meaning 'high street', referring to the elevated trade route on which it sits. The town expresses its Flemish identity through traditional bakeries, local markets, and cafes where neighbors gather and spend time together.
The town is easily reached by car, bus, or train from nearby Antwerp and invites walking or cycling at a leisurely pace. Visitors find small inns and hotels for comfortable stays, and local cafes and shops for exploring the streets.
The town is famous for its strawberries and hosts the world's largest strawberry auction center, where over 30,000 tons are sold each year. This center has made Hoogstraten an important hub for fruit and vegetable trade in Europe.
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