Ghent: UGent Volkssterrenwacht

Ghent straddles the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers in Flanders, a waterside position that helped it grow into one of medieval Europe’s leading cloth-trading cities. Canals, quays and former merchants’ houses still shape the historic centre, while the late-12th-century Gravensteen castle recalls the power of the Counts of Flanders. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral holds the Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432 by Hubert and Jan van Eyck and celebrated as a landmark of Early Netherlandish art. Ghent also remains an active university city, with a busy port connected to the North Sea by the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal. View additional webcams nearby to better understand how Ghent and Flanders relate to the surrounding waterways and North Sea coast.

Flanders occupies the low-lying northern half of Belgium. Its terrain runs from the North Sea coast and reclaimed polders to fertile river plains, with the Scheldt linking cities and ports before reaching the sea in the Netherlands. Dutch is the principal language, and the region's historic towns retain a strong civic identity: Bruges is known for its medieval centre, while Antwerp developed into one of Europe’s major port cities and a global diamond-trading centre. Flemish painting, lace-making and beer brewing remain central to the cultural story, alongside a contemporary design and food scene. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Flanders.

Belgium occupies a low-lying North Sea coastline and river plain in northwestern Europe. Dutch-speaking Flanders lies largely to the north, while French-speaking Wallonia reaches south towards the wooded Ardennes; Brussels is officially bilingual. The Scheldt and Meuse have long connected Belgian cities with the North Sea and continental Europe. Brussels’ Grand-Place, framed by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Medieval Bruges retains canals and merchant architecture, while Antwerp remains a major port on the Scheldt. Belgian beer culture is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. See how Belgium connects with the North Sea coast and neighbouring regions by browsing webcams nearby.