Belgium’s Fairy Tale Towns | An Epic Road Trip Through Storybook Villages
- Pack Lense
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Why Belgium is Perfect for a Fairy Tale Road Trip
Belgium is the ultimate destination for a road trip through fairy tale towns. Compact yet diverse, it offers storybook scenery, rich history, and effortless travel—all within short driving distances.
Fairy tale atmosphere: Think cobbled lanes, castles, canals, cozy cafés, and medieval villages like Bruges, Durbuy, and Dinant.
Easy to navigate: Short drives (often under 2 hours), excellent roads, multilingual signage (Dutch, French, English).
Flexible for all travel styles:
Solo road trip – safe, friendly, and peaceful
Couple’s road trip – romantic inns, scenic walks, wine & waffles
Family road trip – castles, caves, riverside towns kids will love
Perfect for a road trip itinerary: Each stop feels magical, yet the journey is smooth and stress-free.
Belgium makes it easy to live out your own fairy tale—one charming town at a time.
7 Magical Towns You Must Visit in Belgium
No Belgium road trip is complete without exploring its most enchanting destinations—villages and small cities that feel like pages from a fairy tale. Whether you're planning a family road trip, a couple’s escape, or a solo road trip, these seven towns are must-stops on your road trip itinerary.
1. Durbuy
Nestled in the Ardennes, Durbuy is tiny in size but huge in character. It’s a favorite stop on any Belgium road trip for its fairy tale feel and artisan spirit.
Cobbled alleys, ivy-covered stone houses, and a medieval town center
Visit the Topiary Park with over 250 whimsical hedge sculptures
Try local delights: Durbuy’s famous cheese, honey, and craft beers Perfect for: families, romantic getaways, and food lovers.
2. Crupet
Crupet feels like a secret village from a children’s book—peaceful, pretty, and completely unspoiled.
Explore the Grotto of Saint Anthony, a surreal cave with carved statues
Admire the moated Crupet Castle, a small 13th-century tower house
Surrounded by forested hills and farmland—ideal for scenic walks Ideal for: off-the-beaten-path adventurers and peaceful solo trips.
3. Celles
Regularly named one of Belgium’s most beautiful villages, Celles is the definition of timeless.
Stone cottages, a 12th-century Romanesque church, and peaceful lanes
Just minutes away: Château de Vêves, a turreted fairytale castle open to visitors
A perfect picnic or photography stop in the heart of the Walloon countryside Great for: family photo stops, history buffs, and castle lovers.
4. Torgny
Torgny, Belgium’s southernmost village, has a unique microclimate and French flair.
Golden limestone homes with red-tile roofs, sunlit vineyards, and lavender-filled gardens
Taste local wines and Gaume-style cuisine in family-run restaurants
The landscape and slower pace make it feel worlds away from city life A must for: couples who love wine, sunsets, and slower travel.
Bruges is like a movie set brought to life. It’s romantic, walkable, and packed with history.
Winding canals, medieval churches, and the iconic Belfry of Bruges
Visit the Markt square, take a boat tour, and indulge in world-famous Belgian chocolate
Magical at night when the streets glow with lanterns and reflections Perfect for: everyone—especially first-time visitors on a Belgium road trip.
6. Dinant
Set against a sheer cliff and split by the Meuse River, Dinant looks almost unreal.
Take the cable car to the hilltop Citadel for sweeping views
Visit the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame with its iconic bulb-shaped tower
Birthplace of Adolphe Sax—check out saxophone-themed art around town Great for: families with kids, photography lovers, and cultural travelers.
7. Veurne
A peaceful town near Belgium’s western coast, Veurne is full of Flemish charm without the crowds.
Explore the elegant Grote Markt, lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings
Visit the Saint Walburga Church and local museums
Less touristy than Bruges, making it perfect for a calm overnight stay Best for: relaxed travelers, couples, and those wanting a slower pace.
The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary to See Belgium’s Fairy Tale Towns
Suggested Route
Start and end in Brussels, making a scenic loop through Belgium’s most beautiful storybook towns:Brussels → Durbuy → Crupet → Celles → Dinant → Torgny → Veurne → Bruges → Brussels
Each leg is around 1 to 2 hours of driving, offering plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Recommended Duration
Plan for 7–12 days, giving you time to enjoy each destination at a relaxed pace.
7 days: Ideal for a tighter itinerary with shorter stays
12 days: Perfect for slow travel, deeper exploration, and a more relaxed schedule
Where to Stay
Belgium offers cozy and character-filled places to stay that fit the fairy tale vibe:
Boutique hotels in Bruges and Dinant
Charming B&Bs in Durbuy, Crupet, and Celles
Castle stays or countryside inns in Torgny or Veurne
Book in advance, especially in summer and during school holidays.
Driving Tips & Car Rental
Renting a car: Easy from Brussels Airport or city center—choose a compact car for narrow village streets
Road conditions: Well-maintained highways and scenic secondary roads
Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze—signs are in Dutch or French, but easy to follow
Parking: Old towns often have paid or peripheral parking—look for “P” signs and park-and-walk options
Optional Detours & Add-Ons
Add a little flexibility to your road trip itinerary with a few bonus stops:
Tips for Planning a Fairy Tale Road Trip in Belgium
For the most magical experience, plan your Belgian road trip during spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when the countryside is at its most picturesque and the tourist crowds are thinner. These shoulder seasons offer mild weather ideal for strolling through cobblestone streets, castle gardens, and scenic hilltop villages.
While Belgium is compact and easy to navigate, renting a car allows you to access remote gems like Crupet or Torgny at your own pace—perfect for spontaneous detours and photo stops. If you're driving, be mindful that speed limits can vary between regions and are strictly enforced, even in rural areas.
Food is a central part of the Belgian road trip experience, with each village offering regional delights. Sample artisanal cheese in Durbuy, sip authentic Trappist beer near Torgny, and don't miss fresh waffles in Bruges, preferably from a small local vendor.
Dining at lunch instead of dinner is another smart hack; many restaurants offer high-quality, fixed-price menus at midday that are both generous and budget-friendly.
While Dutch is the primary language in the north (Flanders) and French in the south (Wallonia), English is widely spoken—especially in tourist-friendly towns—making communication easy for most travelers.
To keep your trip affordable, consider staying in charming B&Bs or countryside inns, which often include breakfast and personalized local tips.
Who This Belgium Road Trip is Perfect For
Belgium’s small size and excellent road network make it incredibly easy to explore without long drives or complicated planning. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family looking for adventure, or a solo traveler chasing charm and quiet moments, this road trip adapts beautifully to your pace and preferences.
Belgium Couple’s Road Trip
This route is tailor-made for romance, with its scenic countryside, historic villages, and intimate stays. You’ll find charming inns perfect for cozy nights, strolls through candlelit town squares, vineyard visits, and elegant dinners in centuries-old buildings.
Each stop offers moments of connection and beauty, ideal for couples looking to slow down and savor the journey together.
Family Road Trip
Traveling with kids? Belgium makes it easy and enjoyable. The short distances between towns mean fewer hours in the car and more time exploring castles, forest trails, and hands-on museums.
From climbing towers to sampling the best fries and waffles of their lives, kids will be engaged and entertained—while parents will appreciate the safety, comfort, and kid-friendly dining options
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Belgian Solo Road Trip
Solo travelers will love how accessible and welcoming Belgium is. Navigation is simple, locals are warm and often multilingual, and the pace is as fast or slow as you want it to be.
Whether you're chasing sunrise over castle ruins or spending a quiet afternoon in a centuries-old café, there’s space here for reflection, inspiration, and beautiful storytelling through your lens.
Flexible Itinerary
This road trip works on your terms. Only have a long weekend? Hit the highlights. Want a longer escape? Take the back roads and explore lesser-known villages. The itinerary can easily stretch or shrink, making it perfect for travelers with shifting schedules or a spontaneous spirit.
