Aalst is an industrial heart in a predominantly green environment. It is a city along a waterway that takes you past medieval villages. The Dender Valley flows into the Scheldt. The Waasland surrounding the Scheldt, just like the Dender Valley, borders on the Pajottenland situated to the east of Aalst. To the south, you’ll find the Flemish Ardennes, each of these areas has retained its rural character. Those who wish to experience a city without being overwhelmed will surely find what they are looking for in Aalst, with countless shops, famous coffee houses, markets, and more. But if you’re looking to explore the region, you might quickly find that you run out of energy. Hiking and cycling routes abound, with nature reserves and forests in the immediate vicinity. Tower Hotel is eager to work with you to create your perfect holiday.

Also, visit the website of Aalst

 

Carnival

Are you coming to Aalst during the three-day carnival? Then you can fully immerse yourself in the unique carnival atmosphere. The Aalst carnival is a cultural shock and an experience in itself. For three days, you won’t see the city as it normally is, but the people in a way you would otherwise never see them. Since food and drink are virtually at the center of our culture, you’ll find them in abundance.

Aalst Carnival takes over the entire city center of Aalst for three days. Shops, exhibitions, and many hospitality venues in the city center close their doors during this festive period and often also close a little earlier on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, it is traditional for the original carnival procession to wind its way through the center of Aalst, where the Aalst groups present their own humorous take on the events and characters of the past year.

The procession departs at 1:00 PM from Station Square and follows a fixed route through the streets of Aalst, with the last floats passing by the Grote Markt at around 8:30 PM. If you want to see the entire spectacle, which is highly recommended, be sure to set aside some extra time.

The Pikkeling

The city of Aalst owes its origins to agriculture, which is still celebrated to this day in the UNESCO-recognized Pikkeling, located to the north of the city. A "pikkeling" is a harvested bundle of crops left to dry on the stubble field. During the festival, the Faluintjes, which takes place in the Aalst districts of Baardegem, Herdersem, Meldert, and Moorsel, the agricultural life of the past is brought back to life each year since 1970. The harvest is particularly highlighted. It is a beautiful collection of agricultural elements, some of which may have disappeared over time. Various activities are presented in the historic farmhouses of the region.

The gastronomy also receives the attention it deserves. Oven-baked cookies, sausages, grain gin, and other local specialties are a real treat during the festival. Additionally, there are walks, "wipschieten" (a traditional game), "vinkenzetting" (a bird-setting competition), a flower carpet, and exhibitions. The festival concludes with a large bonfire. Every year, the event is held at a different location in one of Aalst's districts. The exact location of the annual harvest festival is always announced well in advance on the website of the organizing committee.

For similar authentic festivals, visit the website: histories.be

Art and literature

In the years of industrialisation Realism arose in Aalst from the dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the way in which people become tools of the capitalist. In words, Louis Paul Boon interpreted what De Saedeleer showed in painting. Long before that we see the figure of Daens appearing, born and raised in Aalst. The city likes to turn this wealth into a lasting memory. A statue of Daens adorns the administrative gem of the city. Both Boon and De Saedeleer are immortalised in bronze. The books of the world-famous writer are revived along the walking and cycling routes. Tourism Aalst will be happy to put you on the road with plans and explanations. 

Local products

Thanks to the rural character of the region, you can still enjoy a visit to authentic breweries such as the Glass Tower and brewery De Ryck. You can taste and buy beers from the region in the neighbouring local shop: Ambarosa.