Facts & figures
Hasselt has 80,351 inhabitants, making it the largest municipality in Limburg in terms of inhabitants. The area is 102.69 km2, which makes it the second largest municipality in the province in that respect.
Hasselt is the smallest provincial capital of Flanders. This creates a particularly charming and cozy character, while you still enjoy all the benefits of living in a lively city center. You will find numerous nursery, primary and secondary schools, two colleges (PXL and UCLL) and even a university (UHasselt). The cozy center has numerous shops, a vibrant evening and nightlife, an extensive cultural offering and several museums.
Would you also like to explore the rest of the country? Hasselt is conveniently located along the E313 Antwerp-Liège motorway. You can be in Liège or Maastricht in 30 minutes, in Antwerp or Eindhoven in 50 minutes, and in Brussels in an hour.
The highlights
Hasselt is a very green city where – in addition to the many green areas on the outskirts of the city and the beautiful Herkenrode Abbey – you can also visit various parks in the center. The ultimate highlight in that regard? The Japanese Garden, the largest of its kind in Europe. This beautiful garden is an absolute must-see, especially during the cherry blossom season.
But Hasselt is of course also the capital of gin. Evidence of this includes the Jenever Museum, the handsome statue of the Borrelmanneke and the annual Jenever festivals in October, when the entire city center turns upside down in honor of this delicious drink.
The party hats will also be on in Hasselt in mid-August, when the famous Pukkelpop festival pitches its tents in the Kiewit district. In mega discotheque Versuz there is a party every weekend, with thousands of visitors from home and abroad.
Would you prefer a non-alcoholic visit to Hasselt? Hasselt is also the shopping capital of the province, and is home to the famous Fashion Museum with a collection of no fewer than 18,000 items of clothing and accessories from 1750 to the present.
(Z)immo in Hasselt
As the capital of Limburg, with its central location, Hasselt is of course one of the more expensive municipalities in Limburg to live in. On average you pay €305,000 to buy a house in Hasselt. Buying an apartment in Hasselt costs an average of €233,500. Would you rather rent in Hasselt? Then last year it would cost you an average of €811.
