Beernem(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Beernem, the top boutique hotels with authentic local charm are De Vlierhof Hotel & Restaurant and Hotel de Huis. De Vlierhof, housed in a restored 18th-century farm complex, blends Flemish architecture with modern comfort, offering handcrafted furniture, organic breakfasts, and a garden terrace overlooking the Aa River. Its restaurant features seasonal dishes like slow-cooked beef stew with local ale—true Flemish soul.

Hotel de Huis, originally a noble estate, exudes historical elegance with antique décor, private gardens, and personalized service. Guests enjoy guided walks through nearby meadows and workshops on traditional jam-making using local berries. Both hotels emphasize sustainability and cultural immersion, making them ideal for travelers seeking genuine regional experiences beyond standard tourism. They’re also just 15 minutes from Bruges, combining quiet authenticity with urban access.

The best area in Beernem for peaceful, scenic stays is the Aa River Valley region, especially near the old town center and the nature trail. This zone offers serene countryside views, tree-lined paths, and proximity to wetlands teeming with birds and wildflowers.

Hotels here, like De Vlierhof Hotel & Restaurant, are nestled among orchards and meadows, providing tranquil mornings with bird songs and fresh air. The area is ideal for cyclists, walkers, and photographers—especially at sunrise when mist rises over the river. It’s also less touristy than Bruges but still accessible via short train rides or bike paths. Staying here allows guests to disconnect while enjoying easy access to both natural beauty and cultural highlights, creating a perfect balance between relaxation and discovery.

Visitors to Beernem can enjoy several unique cultural experiences rooted in Flemish tradition. Join the annual Flemish Agricultural Festival, where locals demonstrate heritage farming techniques, handcraft bread, and produce artisanal cheeses and jams using heirloom recipes.

At Church of Beernem, explore medieval frescoes and sacred relics that reflect centuries of Catholic devotion. Participate in a family-style cooking workshop hosted by a local innkeeper, learning to make traditional dishes like stoofvlees (Flemish stew) and speculaas cookies using family recipes passed down generations.

On weekends, visit the local market square to browse handmade pottery, woven textiles, and wooden carvings—each piece crafted by resident artisans. These immersive activities offer an intimate look into daily life, craftsmanship, and community spirit in this quiet West Flanders village.

Near Beernem, the top attractions include Bruges (Brugge), just 15 minutes away by train—a beautifully preserved medieval city with cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and the iconic Belfry. Don’t miss the Chocolate Museum and canal boat tours.

Also worth visiting is Ostend, a seaside resort with a long promenade, Royal Naval Museum, and beachside cafes. For nature lovers, the Aa River Nature Trail offers scenic biking and walking paths through forests and wetlands, home to herons, kingfishers, and deer.

Further afield, Gelderen Forest provides quiet hiking trails and secluded picnic spots. These diverse attractions—from historic cities to rural landscapes—make Beernem an ideal base for exploring the rich tapestry of West Flanders’ culture, history, and natural beauty.

Families in Beernem will love the breakfast experience at De Vlierhof Hotel & Restaurant and Hotel de Huis. At De Vlierhof, breakfast is served in a sunlit greenhouse overlooking the Aa River, featuring homemade sourdough bread, local butter, fresh fruit from nearby orchards, and house-made jam made with wild strawberries.

Children enjoy special treats like mini pancakes with syrup and warm milk, while parents savor Belgian coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Hotel de Huis offers a more intimate setting with a rustic dining room and a family-friendly menu—complete with baby chairs and high chairs.

Both hotels provide breakfast baskets for picnics along the riverside trail, making it easy to start the day with wholesome, locally sourced food. These experiences combine flavor, warmth, and fun—perfect for creating lasting memories with kids.

Yes, Beernem has several family-friendly hotels designed for comfort and engagement. De Vlierhof Hotel & Restaurant features a dedicated children’s playroom, a small swimming pool, and outdoor sand pits. They offer family packages including kid-sized bicycles, themed activity kits (like birdwatching tools), and evening storytelling sessions.

Hotel de Huis, a converted 18th-century farmhouse, provides spacious family rooms, connecting suites, and a large garden with swings and a hopscotch grid. Kids can participate in farm animal feeding sessions or join hands-on workshops like making clay pots.

Both hotels prioritize safety, accessibility, and fun, ensuring parents can relax while children explore. With easy access to the Aa River cycle path and nearby parks, these accommodations make Beernem a welcoming destination for multi-generational travel.

Beernem’s cuisine reflects the rich traditions of West Flanders. Must-try dishes include Flemish stew (Stoofvlees)—slow-cooked beef with onions and dark beer, served with mashed potatoes. Another highlight is Belgian fries (frites), made from locally grown potatoes and fried to golden perfection, often enjoyed with a variety of sauces like mayonnaise, garlic, or cheese sauce.

Don’t miss the local berry jams sold at the weekly market—crafted from wild strawberries, blackberries, and cherries. Pair them with fresh dairy products like creamy cow’s milk cheese and butter from nearby farms.

For drinks, sample regional craft ales and fruit beers, particularly cherry or raspberry brews made using traditional methods. These flavors are deeply tied to the land and seasons, offering a true taste of Flemish hospitality and sustainable agriculture.

Getting from Beernem to Bruges is quick and convenient. Take a direct NMBS/SNCB regional train from Beernem Railway Station, which runs every hour and reaches Bruges Central Station in just 15 minutes. Trains are punctual, affordable, and offer scenic views of the Flemish countryside.

For a more active option, rent bikes from De Vlierhof Hotel or local shops and ride along the Aa River Cycle Path, a well-maintained greenway stretching about 12 km. The journey takes roughly 40 minutes and passes through lush meadows, bridges, and small villages—ideal for families and nature lovers.

Taxis and e-scooters are also available but pricier. Whether by rail or bike, reaching Bruges from Beernem is effortless, allowing seamless exploration of both towns' cultural gems.

Beernem hosts several lively annual festivals. The Beernem Music Festival in June brings live performances by local jazz, folk, and classical ensembles in the town square, followed by open-air cinema screenings and a bustling market.

In autumn, the Harvest & Taste Festival (Oogst & Smaken) celebrates regional produce: visitors can pick apples, make jam, sample artisanal cheeses, and enjoy craft beer tastings. It’s a celebration of farm-to-table living.

During December, Sint-Nicolaas Festival transforms the village with festive lights, costumed figures, and gift-giving by Saint Nicholas and his helper Black Peter. Children receive sweets and small presents, creating a magical atmosphere.

These events foster community spirit and give tourists an authentic glimpse into Flemish traditions, making Beernem a vibrant destination throughout the year.

The unique natural scenery around Beernem centers on the Aa River Nature Trail, a protected green corridor stretching 10 km through wetlands, forests, and meadows. This habitat supports diverse wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, and deer, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and photography.

The surrounding landscape features ancient oak and beech trees, wildflower fields in spring, and golden hues in autumn. Unlike crowded tourist areas, this region remains peaceful and unspoiled, with minimal light pollution—perfect for stargazing.

Local conservation efforts ensure no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, preserving ecological balance. Visitors can walk, cycle, or HopeGoo along the river, experiencing Belgium’s commitment to sustainable rural development. This blend of tranquility and biodiversity makes Beernem’s natural environment truly special.