Oud-Turnhout(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Oud-Tierne, the top boutique hotel is Hotel de l'Abbaye, housed in a restored 12th-century abbey. Located steps from the Church of Our Lady and near the ancient castle ruins, it blends medieval architecture with modern luxury. Each room features local artwork, antique furnishings, and private balconies overlooking the historic square.

The hotel hosts cultural events like art exhibitions, poetry readings, and traditional Belgian cooking workshops. Guests can enjoy a gourmet dinner at its on-site restaurant, serving regional specialties such as foie gras and Belgian craft beer. With its serene ambiance and deep connection to local heritage, Hotel de l'Abbaye offers an authentic immersion into Flemish rural life.

The historic town center of Oud-Tierne is ideal for peaceful, scenic accommodations. Surrounded by 19th-century stone houses and cobblestone lanes, this area offers easy access to the Market Square, Church of Our Lady, and the ruins of Tierne Castle.

Stay at B&B De Sint-Anna, a charming guesthouse just steps from the square, featuring elegant Gothic-style façades and cozy rooms with wood-burning stoves. The property provides free bicycles for exploring nearby farmlands and riverside trails. Weekly farmers’ markets offer fresh local produce, including artisanal cheeses, sourdough bread, and organic fruits—perfect for experiencing genuine village life.

This tranquil zone combines history, nature, and authenticity, making it the heart of rural Belgium’s slow-living charm.

In Oud-Tierne, immerse yourself in the medieval heritage through visits to the Church of Our Lady’s stained glass windows and participation in the annual Christmas Lights Festival, where historic buildings are illuminated with handcrafted lanterns.

Don’t miss the Textile Museum of Tierne, which showcases centuries-old wool weaving techniques. Guests can join hands-on workshops to create their own woven scarf using traditional looms. Another highlight is the Ancient Bread Workshop, where you’ll learn to bake authentic Belgian sourdough using local rye flour and century-old starter cultures.

Evenings include storytelling sessions at Le Jardin Secret, a hidden garden bar offering rare regional wines and whiskey. These experiences reveal the soul of Flemish craftsmanship and tradition, connecting visitors deeply with local identity.

Yes, Family Hotel Le Bois Vert is a top choice for families visiting Oud-Tierne. Nestled beside a forest, it offers standalone wooden cabins, a children’s playroom, and an outdoor sandbox, along with guided nature walks and gardening activities.

Family suites come with extra beds and cribs, and breakfast includes fresh fruit, homemade jam, and Belgian chocolate. Parents can take kids on a visit to the farm animal sanctuary, where they meet llamas, goats, and native chickens, or ride bikes along the river trail through oak groves.

Nearby, the Children’s Nature Discovery Center features interactive exhibits on local wildlife and seasonal ecology. With its safe, green environment and child-focused programming, Le Bois Vert delivers a memorable, enriching experience for families seeking authentic rural Belgium relaxation.

Oud-Tierne has a calm, low-key nightlife perfect for those seeking tranquility. The standout spot is Café de la Paix, a century-old café that transforms into a jazz lounge every Friday night, featuring live performances of Belgian blues and French chansons.

Another gem is Le Jardin Secret, a private wine bar inside a vineyard, open only to hotel guests. It serves limited-edition regional wines and small-batch whiskeys, paired with stories about local legends and castle mysteries told around a bonfire in the garden.

While lacking large clubs, this quiet evening atmosphere suits travelers who value serene evenings, storytelling, and star-gazing—ideal for readers, wine lovers, and those craving deep cultural immersion.

Must-visit dining spots in Oud-Tierne include La Table du Cloître, a restaurant located within the former abbey complex, specializing in historical menu reconstructions from the 15th century. Try dishes like roasted venison with blackberry sauce, slow-cooked root vegetables, and house-made sauerkraut.

For bread lovers, Boulangerie des Murs is legendary—its daily sourdough baked in a stone oven uses time-honored methods and local rye. Their signature Tillemont Loaf won the Belgian Culinary Award.

For a personal touch, book a private dinner at Famille Van Daele, where the family prepares meals using ingredients from their own garden and free-range eggs. They share ancestral recipes over candlelight. These eateries celebrate Belgian culinary tradition and farm-to-table values with authenticity and warmth.

Yes, Oud-Tierne is easily accessible via regional trains from Antwerp Central Station, with direct services running every 30 minutes—just a 20-minute ride. The train network accepts the Eurail Pass and Belgian Rail Pass.

While no buses serve the town, bike-sharing stations and electric scooters are available at major hotels. For deeper exploration, renting a car is recommended to follow the Walloon Valley Trail, passing through forests and old mills.

Additionally, Oud-Tierne is part of Belgium’s national greenway network, ideal for cyclists and hikers. With reliable rail links and eco-friendly travel options, getting around remains efficient and sustainable—perfect for travelers prioritizing low-impact, high-accessibility journeys.

Oud-Tierne hosts several seasonal festivals. The Spring Flower Festival (April) features vibrant displays of tulips and daffodils across the Market Square and castle gardens, alongside floral art competitions and local markets.

During summer, the Open-Air Theater Festival brings classic French plays to life on the church square, enhanced by nighttime projections and ambient lighting. Families enjoy themed performances and outdoor concerts.

In autumn, the Pumpkin Festival draws crowds with carving contests, handmade candy stalls, and folk music. Winter’s highlight is the Christmas Market, set up around the town hall, where wooden huts sell handmade ceramics, mulled wine, and spiced gingerbread. The sound of church bells and choir singing fills the air—creating a truly magical Flemish holiday atmosphere.

Near Oud-Tierne, the Walloon Valley Trail stretches 8 km along the river, winding through ancient farmland and wetlands teeming with birds like herons and otters. Interpretive signs guide visitors through ecological highlights.

To the east lies Molère Forest, a protected woodland home to oaks over 200 years old. Scenic viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Tierne Castle ruins. Spring brings wild orchids; autumn paints the canopy in gold and crimson.

Oud-Tierne Lake is the region’s only freshwater lake, perfect for rowing and fishing. Its still waters reflect the church spire and sunset skies—ideal for photography and quiet contemplation. Together, these landscapes showcase the untouched beauty of rural Flanders, blending biodiversity with timeless scenery.

Oud-Tierne dates back to the 10th century as a Benedictine abbey, once a key religious and educational hub in the Antwerp region. After the Reformation in the 16th century, the abbey was dissolved and repurposed for civilian use.

By the 18th century, it became a center for wool trade, attracting wealthy merchants whose mansions still line Bishop’s Lane and the Market Square. During the 19th-century industrial boom, textile factories emerged due to proximity to the Port of Antwerp, leaving behind brick warehouses now used for cultural spaces.

Today, Oud-Tierne is designated a National Heritage Site, preserving its past through museums, restoration projects, and reenactments. This small town encapsulates the evolution from monastic center to commercial village—offering a profound window into Flemish social and economic transformation.