Essen

Essen, population 16,000, lies at the far north of Belgium, on a "peninsula" of sorts protruding into Dutch territory. Surrounded on three sides by the Netherlands, Essen's only Belgian neighbor is the commune of Kalmthout.

Museums in Essen include the Farmstead-Kiekenhoeve-Cart Museum, which examines life around the beginning of the 20th century, a steam engine museum, and a baker's museum. The Horendonk Woods and the Wildert Dunes are excellent hiking territory -- like Kalmthout to the south, Essen has an abundance of open heathland.

See more Cities and Towns.

Other upcoming events include: