Hechtel-Eksel(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For historic charm, Hotel de L'Abbaye stands out as a former 12th-century Benedictine abbey turned boutique hotel. Its stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and original cloister garden offer an immersive medieval atmosphere. Each room blends antique furnishings with modern comforts, and the on-site restaurant specializes in regional dishes like Flemish beef stew with dark beer sauce. Located steps from St. Nicholas Church and the Limburg Museum, it’s ideal for culture seekers. The hotel also hosts seasonal events such as candlelit poetry readings and heritage walks through the old town. For guests wanting authenticity, book a stay in the "Cloister Wing" for a truly unique experience.

Stay in the Town Center Pedestrian Zone—it’s the most convenient base for exploring Echtel-Ekseel’s highlights. Within a 5-minute walk, you’ll find St. Nicholas Church, the Town Hall, and the Limburg Provincial Museum. The area is quiet, lined with cobbled streets and 17th-century facades, perfect for evening strolls. Local cafes and artisan shops add charm, while public buses connect easily to nearby cities like Maastricht and Hasselt. This central location ensures you’re never far from history, culture, or a good cup of Belgian coffee.

Don’t miss the annual Limburg Folk Festival (Limburgse Volksfeest) held in summer at the Town Square. It features traditional costumes, live folk music, craft markets, and the iconic Flemish lantern parade. Every Saturday morning, visit the Local Farmers Market on Main Street for fresh cheeses, cured meats, and homemade jams. History buffs should book a guided tour of the underground ruins of the old abbey, where archaeologists have uncovered Roman-era artifacts. These experiences provide deep insight into Limburg’s rich heritage and community spirit.

Yes, Familiehotel De Vlinder is a top choice for families. Nestled in the greenbelt near the town, it offers a children’s playground, a mini farm with goats and chickens, and weekly hands-on workshops like pottery-making and baking. The hotel provides interconnecting rooms, baby cots, and kid-friendly meals featuring local ingredients. Nearby, Echtel Nature Park invites bike rides and birdwatching along the Waar River. Monthly "Family Archaeology Days" let kids dig for replica artifacts using real tools—an engaging way to learn history through play.

Start your day at Bakkerij van de Hooch, a century-old bakery famous for freshly baked Belgian waffles served with house-made strawberry jam and warm chocolate sauce. Alternatively, Café de Stad offers a French-inspired breakfast: flaky croissants, smoked salmon toast, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Some boutique hotels, like Hotel de L'Abbaye, provide a "Country Breakfast Basket" with local bread, honey, cheese, and vanilla cream—perfect for enjoying in the garden or by the river. These options highlight the region’s love for quality, homemade flavors.

Explore three scenic routes: the Waar River Trail (8 km) follows the riverbank past wooden bridges and wild iris fields; the Ardennes Edge Loop winds through forest edges toward Hoornbeek Village, passing ancient stone cottages and meadows; and the Circular Heritage Route connects St. Nicholas Church, the Old Mill, and the Limburg Botanical Garden. All paths are well-marked, with rental bikes available at select stops. Many hotels offer free maps and hydration packs. Perfect for a half-day adventure with nature and history.

Echtel-Ekseel offers a peaceful, low-key nightlife. Café de Klok, housed in a centuries-old timber-framed building, hosts live Flemish folk music every evening, serving Belgian craft beers and homemade liqueurs. Le Petit Jardin, tucked behind the old abbey, is a hidden outdoor lounge with ambient lighting and non-alcoholic cocktails under the stars—ideal for couples or small groups. Additionally, the monthly Candlelight Concert at the Town Hall Auditorium features performances by local music students, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s a place where relaxation meets culture.

Capture stunning photos at St. Nicholas Church, especially during golden hour when sunlight filters through its stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the stone floor. The abbey’s exterior wall with intricate carvings and ivy-covered arches makes a dramatic backdrop. The cobblestone Main Street, lined with 17th-century shopfronts and wrought-iron signs, is perfect for candid street photography. Don’t miss the canal bridge and old watermill ruins at dawn—its reflection in the still water creates a dreamlike image. For human interest shots, visit the Sunday Farmers Market, where vibrant stalls and smiling vendors tell the story of daily life in Limburg.

While not a spa destination, Spa & Wellness Oase in the converted old mill is the town’s premier wellness center. It offers aromatherapy, mud wraps, and thermal baths, including a signature "Limburg Forest Energy Treatment" using pine essential oils and natural soundscapes. Some boutique hotels, like Hotel de L'Abbaye, feature private saunas and meditation corners. For a more natural approach, try forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) along the Waar River trails—listening to birdsong, touching tree bark, and breathing in fresh air can deeply restore mental clarity and calm.

The Sint-Jansfeest (Saint John’s Festival) on June 24th is the most distinctive event. It centers around a massive bonfire lit in the town square, symbolizing the end of winter. Locals gather for traditional dances in folk costumes, carrying lanterns and ringing bells in procession. After the fire, enjoy fireworks, an open-air dinner with roasted pork and potato stew, and live music. During the festival, temporary craft booths teach visitors to weave straw hats or paint Easter eggs. It’s a rare celebration that unites history, community, and magic in one unforgettable night.