BeNeLux region Travel Guide

Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by Johan

Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg form the Benelux region in north-western Europe. These three countries share borders with France and Germany while the Netherlands also meets the North Sea. Luxembourg lies inland with forested valleys and Belgium stretches from the Ardennes uplands to the sandy coast. Together they represent a compact yet diverse part of Europe with strong cultural and economic ties.

Explanation of the name: Benelux

The Benelux countries are: BElgium, NEtherlands LUXembourg.

The name Benelux is a blend of the first letters of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. It was first used in 1944 when the governments of the three countries signed a customs union agreement in London. In 2008 the partnership was renewed under the official title Benelux Union. Today the name symbolises cooperation in trade, justice and sustainable development while also serving as a model for wider European integration.

History: Benelux

The Benelux Union began as a customs union in 1944 to abolish import duties between the three countries. By 1948 the agreement came into effect and laid the groundwork for free movement of goods and people. Over time the union expanded into areas such as transport, education and policing. In 2012 a new treaty came into force strengthening cross-border cooperation. The Benelux remains a testing ground for European Union policies and continues to inspire integration across Europe

What does the Benelux yield?

The Benelux works on everyone’s safety, prosperity, sustainability and transport. How? A few examples:

  • The Benelux also makes it a bit safer in the three counties. For example, because the police of the three countries can simply follow a criminal across the border. And in case of emergency, ambulances and the fire brigade can also be deployed across the border.
  • The Benelux makes working across the border easier. Higher education diplomas from the Benelux are accepted in each of the countries. Even in the European Union this is not the case (for the time being).
  • Together, the Benelux countries are committed to water issues, for example to predict and prevent flooding.
  • In the Benelux, the three countries join their political and economic forces. This allows them to save costs (including on sustainability) and exert more influence together. For example, in the European Union (EU), in the United Nations (UN) or during joint visits to other countries.

Tourist information: Benelux

Visitors to the Benelux region can explore a wide range of attractions. In Brussels the Atomium is a striking steel structure built for Expo 58 with panoramic views from 92 metres high. Nearby Mini-Europe offers a miniature park with replicas of European landmarks. The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the famous Manneken Pis statue adds humour to the city. Ghent’s Gravensteen castle is a preserved 10th-century fortress with an armoury museum. Bruges features the Burg square with Gothic buildings and the Belfort tower with 366 steps leading to a carillon of bells. Liège’s Montagne de Bueren is a staircase of 374 steps offering views over the city. Antwerp’s historic centre showcases the Cathedral of Our Lady with works by Rubens. Families enjoy Plopsaland Belgium in De Panne with rides and shows based on local television characters.

Fun things for children

Children will find many activities across the region. Mini-Europe allows them to discover Europe’s landmarks in miniature. Train World in Brussels offers interactive exhibits with locomotives. The Atomium fascinates with its futuristic design. Plopsaland Belgium provides themed rides for all ages. Parks such as the Sonian Forest near Brussels are ideal for cycling and walking. Seasonal events like Christmas markets in Bruges and Brussels add festive fun.

Practical information

The Benelux Union covers Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg with a combined area of about 75,000 square kilometres and a population of over 30 million. Each country has its own government yet they cooperate on economy, sustainability and justice. Dutch, French and German are official languages across the region. The currency is the euro. Local events in 2026 include the Ommegang festival in Brussels, the Gentse Feesten in Ghent and cultural programmes in Luxembourg City. Culinary highlights include Belgian waffles and chocolate, Dutch cheese and Luxembourgish wines. Cycling routes in Flanders and walking trails in the Ardennes attract outdoor enthusiasts. Museums such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Koninklijk Belgisch instituut voor Natuurwetenschappen, the Bastogne War Museum and the Illusiemuseum Brussel provide cultural depth. In Luxembourg the Musée National d’Histoire et d’Art, the Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean, the Luxembourg City History Museum and the Nationales Militärgeschichtliches Museum showcase art and history.

More information about the Benelux

Want to know more?  Read about the various institutions of the Benelux , such as the Committee of Ministers, the Benelux Court of Justice, the Benelux Interparliamentary Consultative Council (‘Benelux Parliament’) and the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) based in The Hague .

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