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Aarschot

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City
—°1017
Aarschot (Belgium)
ℹ️

Practical info — Aarschot

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the impressive Church of Our Lady, built in the typical brown ironstone of the Demer region.
  • Climb the Aurelian Tower (Orleanstoren) for a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the river valley.
  • Walk along the Demer river banks; the Demertrefplaats is a specially designed waterfront area for resting.
  • Parking is very convenient and often free at the large Demervallei car park just outside the center.
  • Take time to relax in the local cafes and try the traditional regional beer.

🍽 Food

🍽
Aarschotse Bruine

A traditional brown beer unique to the town, available in most local cafes around the Grote Markt.

🍽
Hageland Wine

Since Aarschot is in the Hageland wine region, look for local wines in restaurants and specialized wine shops.

🍽
Demer eel (Paling)

Find a riverside restaurant offering classic eel in green sauce.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Martelarenstraat

The main shopping street featuring a mix of familiar brands and independent stores.

🛍
Thursday Market

A lively weekly market on the Bonewijk and surrounding streets for local treats.

🧘
's Hertogenheide

A nearby nature reserve with beautiful walking trails through forests and heathland.

🧘
Orleanstoren Park

The wooded area around this historic tower features a peaceful escape and great views.

Highlights of 2026

10

Aarschot is a historic city located in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium, beautifully situated on the banks of the Demer River. The city is famous for its extensive use of local brown ironstone (ijzerzandsteen) in its architecture, giving its historic center a unique and warm aesthetic. Its most prominent landmark is the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), an impressive example of Brabantine Gothic architecture built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Aarschot endured significant hardships during the First World War, earning it the title of one of Belgium's 'Martyr Cities' due to the widespread destruction it suffered. Today, the city is a thriving commercial hub with a rich cultural life, often referred to as the 'City of Statues' because of the many sculptures decorating its public squares. The surrounding Hageland region features rolling hills and vineyards, making it a popular destination for cyclists and nature lovers. The city seamlessly blends its medieval heritage with modern urban planning and a high quality of life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171918151173
Rain mm696256406063747954616877

Geography

Population
27,656
Coordinates
50.98330, 4.83330

Facts

  • Aarschot was officially granted city rights in the year 1194.
  • The tower of the Church of Our Lady reaches a height of 84 meters.
  • The legendary figure 'Lange Wapper' is a central part of the city's folklore.
  • More than 150 civilians were executed in Aarschot during August 1914.
  • The city is located in the center of the Hageland wine-growing region.
  • Aarschot serves as a rail gateway with direct connections to Brussels and Antwerp.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aarschot (17)

Schoonhoven Castle🏰 castle

Protected heritage site (class 4) in Aarschot.

Capucienenklooster⛪ religious

Capucienenklooster in Aarschot is a former monastery featuring historic architecture.

Aleydis🎭 culture

Aleydis is a cultural center in Aarschot, housed in a former convent building.

Kasteel van Nieuwland🏰 castle

Kasteel van Nieuwland is a historic castle in Aarschot, now frequently used for events.

De Eikelberg🌿 nature

De Eikelberg is a nature reserve in Aarschot, convenient for hiking and nature study.

Stedelijk Museum🏛 museum

Stedelijk Museum in Aarschot presents the history and folklore of the city.

Witte Molen📍 landmark

A white windmill in Aarschot, a landmark in the landscape.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk⛪ religious

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Aarschot is a major church built in the Demer Gothic style.

's Hertogenmolens📍 landmark

Historic watermill complex on the Demer river in Aarschot.

Heilig-Hartkerk⛪ religious

Church in Aarschot dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Aurelianustoren📍 landmark

Medieval tower that is part of the former city walls of Aarschot.

Sint-Rochustoren🗼 tower

A tower in Aarschot dedicated to Saint Roch, part of a former church.

Aquatreat glass piramid🌿 nature

This lake in Aarschot features a calm atmosphere for a relaxing stroll.

zwembad🌿 nature

This water area in Aarschot provides a refreshing spot for recreation and enjoying the scenery.

Speeltuin Schoonhoven👨‍👩‍👧 family

This playground in Aarschot features fun play structures for an active family outing.

Binnen- en buitenspeeltuin Bekaf👨‍👩‍👧 family

This indoor and outdoor playground in Aarschot gives fun activities and play areas for the whole family.

Koesterspeeltuin 't Bijenspoor👨‍👩‍👧 family

This playground in Aarschot has a variety of play equipment for a fun family day outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Church of Our Lady in Aarschot?
A gothic church built from brown ironstone (Demer Gothic).
What is the Orleanstoren?
A medieval tower on a hill with a beautiful view.
Is there a local museum?
The Aarschot city museum showcases local history and culture.
On which river is Aarschot located?
The city is located on the river Demer.
What is the Aarschot beguinage?
A restored historic housing complex for beguines.
Aarschot: where is it located?
Aarschot is located in Belgium.
Aarschot: what is there to see?
Highlights include Schoonhoven Castle, Capucienenklooster, Aleydis.
Aarschot: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aarschot: why is it worth visiting?
Aarschot is a historic city located in the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium, beautifully situated on the banks of the Demer River.
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