Film op wielen: Holly (2023)
This free open-air screening at the Orleanstoren presents the Belgian film 'Holly,' with the bar opening in the evening and the film starting at dusk.
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Aarschot
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City
ℹ️Practical 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.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
5
Berg Op Tegen Kanker
This charity event in central Aarschot combines an endurance cycling challenge with city-center festivities and support for Kom Op Tegen Kanker.
Art and Roots in the Woods
This free family festival in Meetshovenbos combines music, children's activities, workshops, and an art market in a woodland setting.
Runway Fashion Show
On the Grote Markt, fifteen local shops present their latest collections in two free fashion shows in the center of Aarschot.
Waterloop
This flat running event along the Demer and Laak forms part of the Aarschot jogging series and offers 14 km, 9 km, and 4 km distances.
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.
Your journey, your memory
A postcard from Aarschot
Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.
Create a postcard- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Schoonhoven Castle · Capucienenklooster · Aleydis
- Nearby: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem (10 km)
- Population: ~27.656
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 62 | 56 | 40 | 60 | 63 | 74 | 79 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 77 |
Geography
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.
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Sights in the town Aarschot (17)
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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