Mechelen

The landmark of Mechelen is the impressive St. Rombouts Cathedral with its 97-metre-high tower. Climbing the 538 steps will reward you with a spectacular view over the city and the Flemish countryside. The bell tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has shaped the cityscape for centuries. 

The Grote Markt is the lively heart of the city. It is home to magnificent historic buildings such as the Town Hall with its former cloth hall. Cafés and restaurants around the square invite you to enjoy the relaxed Flemish city life. 

The Hof van Busleyden Renaissance Palace is one of the most important historical buildings in Mechelen. Today it houses a museum that brings to life the city’s rich history, art and culture from the period of the Burgundian Netherlands. 

The colourful historic houses on the Haverwerf are amongst the city’s most beautiful photo opportunities. Along the river Dijle, charming facades, bridges and small squares make it ideal for strolling or taking a boat trip through the historic centre.

Today, the Dossin Kazerne is an important Holocaust museum and memorial. It commemorates the deportations during the Second World War and impressively conveys an important chapter of European history.

Mechelen is proud of its beer tradition, especially the beer ‘Gouden Carolus,’ which is brewed here. In cosy bars and breweries, visitors can discover and enjoy the diversity of Belgian beer culture.

Travelling from Switzerland, you can easily reach Mechelen from Basel by train, with two transfers in Cologne and Brussels. The total travel time is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. From Brussels, there are direct trains to Leuven every 15 minutes; the journey takes only 14 minutes and takes you straight to the historic old town without any further transfers. The train journey offers a high level of comfort and is a relaxed, stress-free alternative to driving or flying.