Belgian beer is often regarded as some of the best in the world and is certainly a highlight of visiting the country. In order for you to know your wheat beer from your blond and your pale ale from your pilsner, there are so many different varieties to try. But who wants to just sip them in a quiet beer garden if there are alternative sampling systems on offer?

Here are a couple of unique ways discover the best beer Belgium has to offer.

The Great Breweries Marathon

If you have ever completed a marathon and thought ‘that was easy’ then why not make it slightly more challenging by adding alcohol into the mix? The Great Breweries Marathon will be held for the first time on June 5th this year in the small town of Breendonk, halfway between Antwerp and Brussels, and will give runners the chance to taste beer from three different breweries during the 26 mile long course. Starting at the Duvel Moortgat brewery and visiting Bosteels and Palm along the way too, competitors can choose to run or walk the distance. You can also opt to take on the half marathon instead; however this will only take you through two of the brewing establishments.

As well as the small tastings that you can consume on the way round, you will be given the chance to try beers from each of the three breweries once you cross the finishing line. In addition, everyone who manages to finish the race (presumably those that don’t get side-tracked at the tasting stations) will receive a beer basket full of beverages from around the world.

Beer Walks

If, however, you like to savour your Belgian beer and could do without travelling 26 miles in the process, VisitFlanders has a range of different beer walks that can introduce you to the history of the country as well as its hops. Starting in Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, with plans to launch more in other cities, these guided beer walks will feature the chance to learn about the brewing process, sample the product and try some traditional Belgian food that can be paired with each beer.

The walk will also include a city tour, on which you will learn stories about the destination you are in and find out how Belgium became so renowned for its beer. There’s a choice between small, medium and large walks, offering a different number of stops in cafes and restaurants around the city. Those taking part will also receive a traditional beer glass and a goodie bag to take home with them at the end of the tour.

If you would like more information on either of these events, or you would like to book your trip to Belgium, please contact our helpful team today. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us online through our contact form.