River Cruises in Hasselt

Unlike its more touristed counterparts, Hasselt offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience along the Demer River, nestled within a web of navigable Belgian waterways that include the Meuse and Scheldt. With easy access to storied destinations such as Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges, Hasselt’s location is both strategic and inspiring. Meandering past medieval villages, Gothic cathedrals, and green pastoral scenery, your cruise will feel like stepping into a Flemish oil painting.

As your ship glides past weeping willows and under stone-arched bridges, the unique rhythm of river cruising reveals itself. In Hasselt, that rhythm is flavored with genever tastings, bike tours through blooming heather fields, and visits to open-air museums and sculpture parks. A river cruise here is more than a mode of travel—it's an immersion into a lifestyle shaped by water, culture, and time.

The Waterways of Hasselt: Cruising the Demer and Beyond

The Demer River

The Demer River may be modest in scale, but it is rich. Originating in Tongeren and flowing through Diest and Aarschot before joining the Dijle, it winds through the Limburg countryside like a silver thread. As it passes through Hasselt, the river connects cruisers to the rhythm of Flemish life, where tranquil waters reflect historic facades and gentle hills frame the scene. The Demer flows into a larger network that includes the Albert Canal, providing access to Belgium’s major rivers and cities.

Hasselt

Hasselt is the cultural anchor of the Demer Valley. Known as Belgium’s capital of taste, it offers a mix of culinary delights, boutique shopping, and historic sites like the St. Quentin Cathedral and the Jenever Museum. The town center is easily walkable, and many cruise itineraries include a guided walking tour, complete with tastings of the local juniper-based spirit.

Liège

Accessible via the nearby Meuse River, Liège is a dynamic urban stop that contrasts with the pastoral charm of Hasselt. The city’s mix of industrial heritage and vibrant nightlife makes it a popular excursion. Visit the striking Liège-Guillemins railway station and the historic Palace of the Prince-Bishops before enjoying the city’s famous waffles and meatballs.

Namur

Further downstream on the Meuse, Namur welcomes visitors with its imposing Citadel, panoramic viewpoints, and artistic atmosphere. The city lies at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, making it a navigational hub and a scenic highlight for medium- and long-distance cruises departing from or passing through Hasselt.

Huy

A charming riverside town on the Meuse, Huy is best known for its steep rock fortress and Romanesque architecture. The town’s cobbled streets and flower-filled quays make it a favorite stop for travelers seeking authenticity and beauty. Art lovers will enjoy the Wallonian Museum of Religious Art.

Antwerp

Downstream via canal connections and the Scheldt River lies Antwerp, a cosmopolitan port city. Known for its diamonds, fashion, and the legacy of painter Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp is a feast for the senses. Architecture buffs can marvel at the Cathedral of Our Lady, while gourmets enjoy Belgian chocolates and seafood fresh from the North Sea.

Bruges

Often described as a fairytale city, Bruges is easily accessible via the canal and river networks from Hasselt. The city’s perfectly preserved medieval center, horse-drawn carriages, and glistening canals offer an atmosphere of timeless romance. Stop at the Groeningemuseum or sample handmade lace in a quiet shop just off the Markt.

Brussels

The Belgian capital, Brussels blends European bureaucracy with old-world charm. Cruise stops include the iconic Grand Place, the comic strip museum, and visits to chocolate ateliers. Brussels also serves as a transfer hub for travelers embarking or disembarking in Hasselt.

Ghent

Ghent captivates visitors with its youthful energy and medieval flair. Its riverside quays, ivy-draped buildings, and the towering St. Bavo’s Cathedral form the backdrop for cultural cruises focused on art, architecture, and local life. Don’t miss the chance to taste a local cuberdon or Flemish stew.

Themed and Length-Based Itineraries

Short Itineraries (3–5 Days)

Perfect for weekend getaways, short cruises often focus on the Demer Valley and the nearby Albert Canal. A popular loop visits Hasselt, Diest, and Aarschot with a culinary theme. Highlights include jenever tastings, gourmet picnics, and guided walking tours through baroque town squares and tranquil nature parks.

Medium Itineraries (6–9 Days)

These cruises combine the Demer, Meuse, and parts of the Scheldt. A mid-length journey might sail from Hasselt to Namur and back, stopping in Liège, Huy, and Antwerp. These cruises often offer a mix of city tours, scenic cycling routes, and excursions to abbeys and vineyards.

Long Itineraries (10+ Days)

Extended cruises explore the full breadth of Belgium’s waterways and may venture into the neighboring Netherlands. Routes include Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Hasselt, Liège, and Maastricht. Guests enjoy in-depth cultural immersions, with time to explore UNESCO sites, attend concerts, or savor multi-course dining paired with wine from Belgian and French cellars.

Special Interest Cruises

• Wine Cruises: Tour Belgian vineyards near Haspengouw and pair local wines with fine cuisine aboard a floating restaurant.
• Christmas Market Cruises: Celebrate the festive season with stops in Hasselt, Liège, and Bruges, complete with mulled wine, handmade gifts, and twinkling lights.
• Art & Architecture: Follow the footsteps of Flemish masters from Ghent to Antwerp and Bruges, with guided museum tours and sketching classes on board.
• Culinary Cruises: Enjoy themed menus curated by Belgian chefs, genever tastings, and visits to local producers and chocolate workshops.

The Onboard Experience

Ship Sizes and Ambiance

River cruise ships navigating the Demer and surrounding waterways are typically intimate in size, accommodating 30–150 guests. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with spacious decks, panoramic lounges, and personalized service fostering a boutique hotel feel on the water.

Cuisine and Wine

Belgium’s culinary excellence shines aboard every voyage. Expect seasonal menus featuring Belgian classics—carbonnade flamande, shrimp croquettes, and waffles—paired with regional beers and wines. Daily meals are served in elegantly appointed dining rooms, with open seating encouraging new friendships.

Excursions and Enrichment

Excursions are the heart of the cruise experience. Choose from bike tours, culinary workshops, museum visits, castle tours, and local markets. Onboard, lectures by art historians and chefs provide deeper context, while language lessons and dance evenings offer playful engagement.

Target Traveler Types

Whether you're a couple seeking romance, a solo traveler chasing inspiration, or a multigenerational family looking for connection, there’s a cruise that suits your style. Many lines cater to luxury travelers with premium suites, while others embrace family-friendly excursions and flexible dining to accommodate all ages.

Experience Hasselt by River: A Journey for the Senses

“In Hasselt, the waterways whisper stories of artists and artisans, of abbeys and age-old spirits. On a river cruise through this elegant Flemish haven, time slows to the rhythm of lapping water and clinking glasses. Each bend of the river reveals a new facet of Belgium—intimate, rich, and unforgettable.”