Diest //
Public Road

The pleasant, appealing little Demer city, Diest, is situated in the northeast of Flemish-Brabant. It boasts captivating landscapes, a rich past, plenty of folklore and is nowadays renowned for its recreational, artistic and gastronomic character.

Diest goes back to the Carolingian times and was bestowed the city charter in 1229. Due to its location on the trade route between Bruges and Cologne, on the banks of the river Demer, Diest really flourished. Over the centuries, it was occupied by the French, Austrians, Dutch and Germans, just like most other Flemish cities. 

Athlete Marleen Renders and top soccer players Timmy Simons and Bruno Versavel were born here. Diest also has a beautiful and well-preserved beguinage.