Weekend getaway Diest
City trip Diest with EuroCity or Eurocity Direct
- Starting at € 35 one-way with Eurocity Direct
- Sarting at € 24 one-way with EuroCity
- In 3.01 hours in the heart of Diest with Eurocity Direct and regional train
- Travel comfortably and arrive well-rested
What to do in Diest? A two-day excursion full of culture, nature and flavour
Day 1: Culture and heritage in the historic centre
City Museum De Hofstadt
Start at City Museum De Hofstadt, in the heart of the city. This historic building was once the residence of the Lords of Diest. Today, it houses an impressive art collection. A highlight is 'The Annunciation' by Hendrick ter Brugghen, a gem from the Utrecht school.
The Beguinage
From the museum, walk towards the Beguinage. This part of Diest is full of tranquillity and history. A World Heritage Site, the Beguinage is filled with charming alleys and centuries-old buildings. The Beguinage Church, which is made of ironstone and is dedicated to St Catherine, is a fine example of regional religious architecture.
If you're in Diest on the first Sunday of the month, be sure to visit the book and antiques market. It's a great place to browse the stalls and find a special memento.
Local produce and flavours
After exploring the city's culture, take a break at one of its welcoming restaurants. The local produce served here is a real point of pride. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee from the Stroobants distillery, a Diests Halve Maantje, or something sweet from Biscuiterie Stuckens.
On Wednesday mornings, you can also stroll past stalls full of local produce at the Hagelandmarkt between 08.00 and 12.30 hrs.
Day 2: Nature and rest and breweries
Webbekoms Broek
On day two, you will go trekking in the countryside. The Webbekoms Broek, which covers 240 hectares, is just a stone's throw from the centre. This wetland nature reserve features reed beds, grasslands and pools. From the old city walls, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area.
At the visitor centre, you can find out more about the area's function as a natural flood plain for the River Demer. We highly recommend the Webbekoms Broek walk for those who enjoy walking. It forms part of the De Merode walking network. Please bear in mind that the terrain can be swampy, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is advisable.
Homegrown beers
After the walk, it's time for a well-deserved break. Diest has a rich beer history and several local breweries. Be sure to try the Diesterse Gildebier or one of the craft brews by De Loterbol and Enigma. In an atmospheric café or restaurant, combine these with a stew or a cheese platter.
Historical finale
Finish your visit with a trip to the impressive St Sulpicius Church. This example of Demer Gothic architecture was constructed using iron sandstone and white limestone. Philip William of Orange-Nassau is buried here, highlighting the connection between Diest and the House of Orange-Nassau. In 1830, the city council solemnly welcomed King William I of the Netherlands here.
Tip: Blue-bike, rent a bike cheaply
If you have ever used OV-fiets in the Netherlands, you will know how easy it is to rent a bike from a train station. Belgium has its own version of this: the Blue-bike. As well as being an alternative travel option for Belgians, it offers numerous advantages for Dutch people who regularly visit Belgium. You can also collect a Blue-bike at Diest station.
To Diest by train
Going to Diest for a day or weekend? Then travel comfortably by train.
Are you traveling with Eurocity Direct or EuroCity? Then you will travel to Antwerp. There you can catch a train to Diest. Starting at Amsterdam, the travel time is 3.01 hours. The price is from € 35 for a one-way tip for an adult with Eurocity Direct. You can book your tickets as early as 180 days in advance. Sometimes, it is cheaper to travel with EuroCity, the starting price for a one-way trip is € 24. That train runs between Rotterdam and Brussels. Book your ticket in time, as the availability of the lowest Saver fare is limited.
You can also take the Eurostar to Antwerp and catch a train to Diest.
Weekend getaway Diest
Train to Diest
You can easily visit Diest by train. It is a pretty town located next to a nature reserve.
Blue-bike in Belgium
Join Blue-bike and you can easily and for a little money collect a bike at the station.