That Belgium as a country did not exist until the middle of the 19th-century masks a truly rich cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Divided into three main political spheres, the Cities of Flanders, the Dukes of Brabant, and the Prince-Bishops of Liège, they competed among each other for centuries, united only by their Catholic faith. Each region has its own history, its own monuments, and styles, and makes Belgium uniquely fascinating to explore.

Some trips are more adventurous than others, and Bulgaria is a country that offers adventure. A large country with a relatively small population, Bulgaria balances some of Europe’s most spectacular natural landscapes with one of the highest densities of preserved Roman ruins. However, between the poor quality roads and communication challenges, travel requires advanced planning and patients. The guides below can offer some insights into how to explore Bulgaria.

The Kingdom of Denmark once stretched across the Baltic Sea at its height. Copenhagen served as a center of Renaissance art, exporting great monuments to all corners of the Danish realm. Today, the Nation of Denmark only covers a portion of its former cultural sphere. With this historical definition of Denmark, I hope to guide you to interesting destinations relevant to Danish history.

Germany can be a difficult place to travel through. Unlike France or Italy, not every place to visit is worth your time. Devastated by WWII, there was not a single German city that was spared, and most do not have any old-town other than a couple of reconstructed buildings. However, Germany was not a centralized state until the 20th century, and rich history of regional powers makes Germany’s many towns and villages the high point of any trip.

Luxembourg sits at a strategic intersection of the French and German-speaking worlds. Indeed, by the 19th century, it was one of Europe’s most heavily fortified regions. At the center of European conflict for centuries, the region is a distinctive combination of German, French, and Walloon, offering a glimpse into a more multi-cultural past and the nation-state of the future.

North Macedonia sits at the intersection of nearly every Balkan ethnic group, making it a fascinating place to visit but one constantly mired in politics. Few interesting places left in Europe offer such a mixing of ethnic identities. A visit to North Macedonia will be quite an adventurous tour of some of the most beautiful sights in the Balkans, especially its pristine and untapped natural beauty, dotted with the countless ruins of bygone empires.

In contrast to Belgium, the Netherlands was an under-developed region for most of the Middle Ages. Only with the Renaissance and a revival in trade and urban development did the lowland states feel prepared to fight for their independence. Though dominated by Holland, the most powerful state, the rest of the Netherlands has a diverse history that can make leaving Amsterdam worth your time.