A Taste of Northern Europe: A 14-day trip from Brussels to Copenhagen

Pause for a Pastry on This 1000-Year-Old Grain Market

Ghent's Korenmarkt, once a bustling grain market that started in the 10th and 11th centuries, is now a lively central square framed by medieval buildings. It offers a mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops. It's a prime spot for starting city explorations, near key attractions like St. Bavo's Cathedral.

Enter the Cathedral to Stand in Awe before Van Eck's "Ghent Altarpiece."

St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent is a splendid example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, but most renowned for housing the masterpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" / "Ghent Alterpiece" by the Jan van Eyck.  This piece is the crown jewel of the Flemish Renaissance, an intricately painted wonderland that attempts to unite heaven and earth.  The artistry of the "Mystical Lamb" alone merits a visit to Ghent and its cathedral.

Storm This Castle For the Sake of Beautiful Views

Lay touristic seige to Gravensteen, located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, a medieval castle that takes visitors on a journey back to the 12th century. Known as the "Castle of the Counts" - indeed, it served as served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders -  this fortress stands as a remarkable example of medieval architecture, complete with moats, ramparts, and a robust keep. Initially built by Count Philip of Alsace in 1180, Gravensteen symbolized wealth and power. Today, it invites travelers to explore its halls, dungeons, and armory, offering a glimpse into the feudal past of Flanders.

Pause for a Pastry on This 1000-Year-Old Grain Market

Ghent's Korenmarkt, once a bustling grain market that started in the 10th and 11th centuries, is now a lively central square framed by medieval buildings. It offers a mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops. It's a prime spot for starting city explorations, near key attractions like St. Bavo's Cathedral.

You Gotta Go to Gouda for Good Cheese

The Gouda Cheese market is a spectacular and historic scene, held every Thursday morning from early April to late August from 10am to 1pm. Farmers negotiate over the price with the traders in front of the Waag (the Weighing House). Deals are still sealed with a handshake, as it has been for centuries. The cheeses are delivered to and from the market on wagonettes and weighed after the sale in the monumental Goudse Waag building. On several dates during the holidays there is also a Gouda children’s cheese market. If after the cheese market you explore the rich history of the city, you will certainly have a chance to try its most famous product.

Visit this Dramatic Example of Gothic Architecture

The spectacular Gouda town hall or Stadhuis is a wonderfully elegant Gothic edifice dating from 1450 with soaring stonework, appealingly spiky towers and winsome dormer windows painted red. If the doors are open (entrance fee 2.50 EUR), you can visit the lovely wedding hall, the mayor's office and the council chamber. Statues of Burgundian counts and countesses decorate the building's facade and on its east side is the jolliest of carillons, where tiny figures perform an elaborate little ritual every half-hour. The leading figure is Floris V, who granted Gouda is town charter in 1272.

You Gotta Go to Gouda for Good Cheese

The Gouda Cheese market is a spectacular and historic scene, held every Thursday morning from early April to late August from 10am to 1pm. Farmers negotiate over the price with the traders in front of the Waag (the Weighing House). Deals are still sealed with a handshake, as it has been for centuries. The cheeses are delivered to and from the market on wagonettes and weighed after the sale in the monumental Goudse Waag building. On several dates during the holidays there is also a Gouda children’s cheese market. If after the cheese market you explore the rich history of the city, you will certainly have a chance to try its most famous product.

Visit this Dramatic Example of Gothic Architecture

The spectacular Gouda town hall or Stadhuis is a wonderfully elegant Gothic edifice dating from 1450 with soaring stonework, appealingly spiky towers and winsome dormer windows painted red. If the doors are open (entrance fee 2.50 EUR), you can visit the lovely wedding hall, the mayor's office and the council chamber. Statues of Burgundian counts and countesses decorate the building's facade and on its east side is the jolliest of carillons, where tiny figures perform an elaborate little ritual every half-hour. The leading figure is Floris V, who granted Gouda is town charter in 1272.

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Examine hundreds of years of stories and histories.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, set in the city's former Jewish Quarter in four 17th-century synagogues, delves into Jewish traditions, religion, and contributions to Dutch society. It features artifacts, personal Holocaust stories, and interactive exhibits, highlighting Amsterdam's Jewish heritage and its impact on the Netherlands. This museum fosters understanding and dialogue, making it vital for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history and culture.

Yes, the Dutch Have Royalty, and You Can Often Visit Their Home.

Amsterdam's Royal Palace, originally built as the city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, stands majestically in Dam Square. Renowned for its classical architecture and opulent interiors, the palace serves as one of the King's official residences and is used for state visits, awards ceremonies, and other official functions. Its rich history and architectural grandeur, including lavish rooms and intricate sculptures, reflect Amsterdam's past prominence and wealth.

Examine hundreds of years of stories and histories.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, set in the city's former Jewish Quarter in four 17th-century synagogues, delves into Jewish traditions, religion, and contributions to Dutch society. It features artifacts, personal Holocaust stories, and interactive exhibits, highlighting Amsterdam's Jewish heritage and its impact on the Netherlands. This museum fosters understanding and dialogue, making it vital for anyone interested in exploring Jewish history and culture.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

A Swell Tower and Church in Zwolle

The Grote Kerk (St. Michael's Church) in Zwolle, notable for its late Gothic architecture, dates back to the 15th century. Though its tower was aimed to outdo Utrecht's Dom Tower, it remains unfinished thanks to a series of lightning strikes. The church's interior features a carved pulpit, an ornate organ, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has indirectly given Zwolle's inhabitants their nickname, Blauwvingers (Bluefingers).  For once, a Dutch story that doesn't reward frugality.

Enjoy a peaceful walk, rent a boat, or take a bike ride around the public parks surrounding the Außenalster Lake just to the north of the old town.

The banks of the Außenalster, or Outer Lake, are the perfect spot for a gentle stroll at any time of the year.  During the summer, make like a real Hamburger and take to the  placid water by boat; there plenty of lakeside rental sites.  In cold winters, you can follow the Hamburgers out onto the ice. The lakeshore is also populated by a number of restaurants and cafes; if you want to go fully native, try the beer garden at the Alsterperle on the eastern side of the lake, though the best food is at either Alster Cliff or Portonovo. But, whatever you do, don't eat the Hamburgers, they're generally quite pleasant people.

Make a quick stop at this small museum showcasing the history of the district.

The Speicherstadt Museum is on the small side and quite edifying. This is where you can find out more about the history of the Speicherstadt district, the reasons for its construction, the industries that were headquartered here, and its reconstruction after WWII. 

Enjoy a peaceful walk, rent a boat, or take a bike ride around the public parks surrounding the Außenalster Lake just to the north of the old town.

The banks of the Außenalster, or Outer Lake, are the perfect spot for a gentle stroll at any time of the year.  During the summer, make like a real Hamburger and take to the  placid water by boat; there plenty of lakeside rental sites.  In cold winters, you can follow the Hamburgers out onto the ice. The lakeshore is also populated by a number of restaurants and cafes; if you want to go fully native, try the beer garden at the Alsterperle on the eastern side of the lake, though the best food is at either Alster Cliff or Portonovo. But, whatever you do, don't eat the Hamburgers, they're generally quite pleasant people.

Make a quick stop at this small museum showcasing the history of the district.

The Speicherstadt Museum is on the small side and quite edifying. This is where you can find out more about the history of the Speicherstadt district, the reasons for its construction, the industries that were headquartered here, and its reconstruction after WWII. 

March Peacefully Through The Park of This Active Military Space

Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress in Copenhagen, stands as one of the best-preserved military bastions in Northern Europe from the 17th century. Though run by the Danish military, today it is a peaceful park blending imposing architecture with natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from its ramparts, explore historical buildings, and visit its notable Church and Commandant's House.

Gaze out at, and with, the Little Mermaid

Where does she look so longingly? The Little Mermaid Statue, perched on Copenhagen's Langelinie promenade, is a bronze representation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale character. Unveiled in 1913, this iconic statue has captured hearts and the timeless allure of Andersen's narratives, making it a compelling attraction for visitors.

A Commune of Palaces for the Danish Royal Family

Their home is small... but there is many of it? The Danish Royal Family residence, Amalienborg is actually made up of four, small, nearly identical palaces facing each other from the octagonal corners of a large square.  It is a key attraction, welcoming the visitor into  Danish royal history and its neoclassical architecture. Highlights include the Changing of the Guard, the Amalienborg Museum with royal artifacts located within one of the palaces, and its elegant octagonal courtyard.

Find a friendly port in Nyhavn

Copenhagen'sNyhavn, or "New Harbor," is a lively district known for its historic canal, colorful townhouses, and congenial atmosphere. Once a commercial port, it's now a popular spot for dining and canal tours, blending maritime history with modern culture. Its unique charm and historical significance make this an imperative to visit.

The Views from the Top Are Almost as Good as the Elegant Walkway inside.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn) in Copenhagen, built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, is Europe's oldest functioning observatory and a notable landmark. Famous for its unique spiral ramp designed for horse-drawn carriages, the tower offers panoramic views of the city. Today, it doubles as a cultural venue for exhibitions and concerts.ITs

Discover the Esthetic Heart of Denmark Inside

The Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) in Copenhagen, Denmark's leading art museum, houses an extensive collection of art spanning seven centuries, including the Danish Golden Age, European classics, as well as modern art. It aims to engage audiences with the evolution of art and culture through exhibitions and programs. The museum's architecture, a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary design, further enriches the visitor experience.

The Views from the Top Are Almost as Good as the Elegant Walkway inside.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn) in Copenhagen, built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, is Europe's oldest functioning observatory and a notable landmark. Famous for its unique spiral ramp designed for horse-drawn carriages, the tower offers panoramic views of the city. Today, it doubles as a cultural venue for exhibitions and concerts.ITs

Discover the Esthetic Heart of Denmark Inside

The Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) in Copenhagen, Denmark's leading art museum, houses an extensive collection of art spanning seven centuries, including the Danish Golden Age, European classics, as well as modern art. It aims to engage audiences with the evolution of art and culture through exhibitions and programs. The museum's architecture, a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary design, further enriches the visitor experience.