For athletes around the globe, Gent marks a magical winter finale to the HYROX season, combining race-day rigor with medieval elegance. Flanders Expo delivers the layout and infrastructure for a powerful, fast-paced competition, while Gent’s walkable old town and canalside streets offer a refreshing contrast to indoor intensity.
Extend your stay and you’ll discover a city that blends history and energy seamlessly—cobbled alleys leading to craft breweries, Gothic cathedrals lit under winter skies, and cafés serving thick Belgian chocolate to warm your soul. For visiting athletes, Gent promises a race and an escape wrapped into one unforgettable experience.
As part of the Schengen Area, most non-EU athletes (including those from Australia, Canada, the US, UK, etc.) may enter Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm current rules at your embassy or consulate before traveling.
Landing in Gent—away from home fatigue—means diving into a fairy-tale city where every corner tells a story. After completing your final wall ball unwind along misty canals, browse festive market stalls or settle into a cozy tavern with a Trappist ale. Recharge with a warming bowl of stew or waffles fresh under twinkling lights, then wander through centuries-old squares that glow softly in winter dusk. Gent gives you the rare gift of combining grit and grace; a race week brought to life in historic wonder.
From an international athlete’s perspective, Gent delivers European charm without the premium price tag of capital cities—making for an excellent value weekend race destination.
• Rating: $$ (Moderately priced compared to major Western European cities)
• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels USD 100–150/night; upscale historic or canal-side options USD 180–250.
• Dining: Casual spots USD 12–20; sit-down meals USD 25–40—Belgian cuisine is hearty and high-quality.
• Transport: Local buses or trams USD 2–3 per ride; taxis within city USD 10–15; day passes provide good value.
These options balance venue access with atmospheric recovery zones—charming medieval façades make even cost-effective stays feel memorable.
Gent’s compact, bike-friendly core makes walking often the fastest option. For longer trips, the efficient tram network connects central Gent to Flanders Expo (tram lines 1 or 3), with tickets around USD 2–3 or day passes offering value and flexibility.
Gent is photogenic through all seasons—winter light only sweetens its charm.
Early winter in Gent brings crisp air and high humidity with seasonal mist; great for indoor warm-ups and recovery walks, but layered, moisture-wicking gear is essential. Indoor air quality is excellent; keep an eye on rain forecasts, though Gent’s architecture lets you move seamlessly under cover.
Belgium’s culinary tradition meets Gent’s student-fueled innovation when it comes to eats—rich in flavour, fresh produce, and welcoming to all dietary needs.
Gent’s restorative charm lies in its serene urban spaces and historic wellness traditions.
