Hoogstraten

Hoogstraten is a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp, located in the Flemish Region. It lies in the northern part of the province, near the border with the Netherlands, in a rural area of the Campine characterized by farmlands and small woodlands.

The municipality comprises the town of Hoogstraten and several surrounding villages and hamlets. It is governed by a mayor and municipal council and forms part of Belgium’s system of provinces and arrondissements. Local administration focuses on services for residents, agriculture, and small-scale industries typical of Flemish rural towns.

Historically, the area has medieval roots and developed as an agricultural community. Over the centuries Hoogstraten experienced the broad regional changes that affected the Low Countries, including shifts in rule and integration into the modern Belgian state. The town retains historical architecture and a traditional Flemish rural character, while adapting to contemporary needs.

The local economy is based on agriculture, small manufacturing, and services. Many residents commute to larger towns in the region for work, and Hoogstraten is connected by regional transport links to nearby towns and to the Dutch border. Cultural life includes local events and Flemish festivities that reflect regional traditions and community life.

Notable features in and around Hoogstraten include a historic town center with traditional houses and a church, as well as natural areas and parks in the surrounding countryside that offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.