Hasselt

🎭 Activities

Winterland Hasselt – January: A festive winter wonderland filled with an ice rink, cozy chalets, and a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, warm drinks, and the seasonal charm of the city center during the winter months. 

Hasselt Fashion Festival – February: The city showcases its fashion scene with runway shows, pop-up boutiques, and designer exhibitions. Fashion lovers can experience the latest trends, attend workshops, and see designers’ work on display. 

Spring Garden Festival – March: A celebration of all things gardening, this festival features flower displays, gardening advice, and plant sales. Visitors can find inspiration for their own gardens and discover new plant varieties. 

Hasselt Jazz Festival – April: The city becomes a hub for jazz music with concerts, performances, and jam sessions. It’s a great opportunity to experience both well-known and emerging jazz artists in a variety of venues. 

Hasselt Beer Festival – May: A paradise for beer enthusiasts, this festival offers tastings from local and international breweries. Visitors can sample unique brews, enjoy live music, and learn about the craft of brewing. 

Hasselt City of Design – June: This event celebrates creativity and innovation with design exhibitions, workshops, and interactive installations. It highlights the intersection of design, art, and technology, offering a chance to engage with cutting-edge work. 

Hasselt Summer Festival – July: A lively summer festival with music performances, street food, and outdoor activities. It’s a family-friendly event with something for everyone, from music lovers to foodies to those seeking outdoor fun. 

Hasselt Carnival – August: One of the city’s most vibrant and colorful events, featuring parades, costumes, and lively celebrations. It’s a time for the entire city to come together in a festive and spirited atmosphere. 

Heritage Day – September: A day dedicated to the city’s history, with free entry to museums, guided tours, and historical reenactments. It’s an excellent chance to explore Hasselt’s rich heritage and learn about its cultural evolution. 

Hasselt Christmas Market – December: The festive market transforms the city center into a magical holiday destination, offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and a warm atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional Christmas music, delicious food, and festive shopping. 

Hasselt International Film Festival – October: A celebration of cinema, this festival screens international films, including independent and award-winning works. It’s an opportunity to watch diverse films from around the world and engage with filmmakers. 

Hasselt Food Festival – November: A celebration of local and international cuisine, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and tastings. Foodies can discover new flavors, learn cooking tips, and enjoy the culinary diversity of the region.

🔹 Small Facts

Hasselt’s Historical Role as the Capital of the Limburg Region: Hasselt has been the capital of the Limburg province since the creation of the Belgian state in the 19th century. As such, the city has long been at the heart of regional development and cultural growth in Flanders. 

The Evolution of Hasselt’s Street Names: The street names in Hasselt offer a window into the city’s past. Many streets are named after historic figures, events, or places, and reflect the rich history of the city, which includes influences from Roman and medieval times. 

Future Plans for Green Spaces: The city has ambitious plans to further expand green spaces as part of its “Green City” initiative. This project aims to make Hasselt more sustainable, reducing traffic congestion while improving public health through nature-based solutions. 

Hasselt’s Role in Jenever Production: Hasselt is often called the “capital of jenever” in Belgium. The city has been the home of traditional gin-making for centuries, with a unique local recipe for jenever that was passed down through generations. 

City’s Influence on the Limburg Dialect: Hasselt plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Limburgian dialect. Local dialects vary across the region, but Hasselt’s accent is widely regarded as the most authentic and clear version of Limburgian. 

The Former Role of the Herkenrode Abbey: The Herkenrode Abbey, now a popular historical site, was once a center of spiritual and agricultural activity in the Middle Ages. It provided resources for the surrounding community, including religious services and crops. 

Hasselt’s Tradition of Chocolate Making: While not as famous as Belgium’s larger cities for chocolate, Hasselt has a long-standing tradition of high-quality chocolatiers, dating back to the 19th century. Many small local businesses continue this tradition today, using artisanal methods passed down through generations. 

Hasselt as a Fashion Hub: Historically, Hasselt has always been a center for fashion and textiles. In the 20th century, the city was home to many fashion designers, and even today, it continues to attract fashion-forward retailers and shoppers. 

The Hasselt Cultural Development Plan: Hasselt has launched an extensive cultural development plan that will see more public art installations, cultural events, and performance spaces in the coming years. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to make the city an important cultural destination in Belgium. 

Hasselt’s Green Riverbanks and Cycling Routes: The city’s cycling infrastructure is rapidly growing, and the municipality plans to further integrate green cycling paths along the riverbanks. This will help encourage sustainable travel and make it easier for cyclists to navigate the city while enjoying nature. 

The City’s Early Role in Education: Hasselt was one of the first cities in Belgium to establish formal education in the 16th century. The city is known for its role in fostering academic learning, and today, Hasselt University continues this tradition by providing world-class education. 

Hasselt’s History with the Textile Industry: In the 19th century, Hasselt became a center for textile production, especially wool. The city’s strategic location allowed it to prosper economically and grow rapidly, with textiles playing a major role in its early industrialization. 

Hasselt’s Music Scene: Hasselt has a rich musical history, with a focus on jazz, blues, and rock. The city’s music scene continues to thrive today with frequent live performances and festivals, especially during the summer months. 

Hasselt’s Role in Belgian Independence: During the Belgian Revolution of 1830, Hasselt played a crucial role in the movement for independence from the Netherlands. The city supported the Belgian cause and was one of the key cities in Limburg that became part of the newly formed country. 

The Future of Hasselt’s Urban Development: Hasselt is planning to redevelop its city center, focusing on pedestrian-friendly zones and sustainable public transportation options. Future projects aim to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and make Hasselt a more accessible, green city to live and work in.