Leuven

Flemish Brabant is a Dutch-speaking province in central Belgium that surrounds the Brussels-Capital Region. Its capital, Leuven, is one of the country's most historic university cities, while the wider province mixes green countryside, small towns and busy business areas around Brussels Airport.

The province was created in 1995 when the old Province of Brabant was divided, but its roots reach back much further. Leuven's ornate Gothic Town Hall and the rebuilt University Library reflect centuries of learning, while beguinages, castles and abbeys across the region recall its medieval and religious heritage.

Leuven's centre combines the famous Oude Markt, the Groot Begijnhof and the M Leuven museum. Beyond the city, the Hallerbos bluebell forest draws spring visitors, Gaasbeek and Horst castles sit in the Pajottenland and Hageland countryside, and the botanical garden in Meise is among the largest in the world.

Flemish Brabant is also an important economic hub. The Zaventem area around Brussels Airport hosts international companies, while KU Leuven, imec and research campuses make Leuven a centre for knowledge and technology. The region's food and drink identity ranges from Pajottenland lambic and geuze beers to Hageland wines and Leuven's lively café scene.

For travellers, Flemish Brabant works as a practical base close to Brussels: fast rail links, a major international airport, historic cities, countryside cycling routes and strong business infrastructure. It suits short city breaks, countryside day trips, conferences and corporate travel alike.