Where is Aalst, Belgium?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 09, 2026 14:15 ET

Aalst sits in the Flemish Region of Belgium, within East Flanders, positioned along the Dender River roughly halfway between Brussels and Ghent. It lies just west of Brussels, with nearby towns like Dendermonde to the north and Ninove to the south.

Location Map of Aalst, Belgium

About Map: The map showing location of Aalst in Belgium.

Where is Aalst Located?

Aalst sits in the Flemish Region of Belgium, within East Flanders, positioned along the Dender River roughly halfway between Brussels and Ghent. It lies just west of Brussels, with nearby towns like Dendermonde to the north and Ninove to the south.

The city spreads across about 78.1 square kilometers (30.1 square miles) and has a population of around 89,000 residents. Population: 89,000 (Census 2023).

Aalst carries a lively character shaped by its history and annual festivities, especially its famous carnival. Popular spots include Aalst Carnival, Belfry of Aalst, St. Martin’s Church, Hopmarkt Square, City Park, and the Dender River promenade.

Aalst Facts

CountryBelgium
Province/StateEast Flanders
CountyN/A
Settlement TypeCity
RegionFlemish Region
Population89,000 (2023)
Area78.1 sq km
Time ZoneCET
Postal Code9300
Dialing Code+32
Major RoadsE40, N9
Nearest AirportBrussels Airport
Nearest Major CitiesBrussels, Ghent
Famous ForCarnival festival
Main AttractionsBelfry, St Martin Church
TransportRail, road, bus
Official LanguageDutch
CurrencyEuro

Distance from Aalst to Major Cities in Belgium

  • Aalst to Brussels - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Aalst to Ghent - 19 mi (30 km)
  • Aalst to Antwerp - 31 mi (50 km)
  • Aalst to Bruges - 40 mi (65 km)
  • Aalst to Leuven - 28 mi (45 km)
  • Aalst to Mechelen - 25 mi (40 km)
  • Aalst to Dendermonde - 12 mi (19 km)
  • Aalst to Sint-Niklaas - 25 mi (40 km)
  • Aalst to Kortrijk - 43 mi (70 km)
  • Aalst to Ostend - 53 mi (85 km)
  • Aalst to Hasselt - 56 mi (90 km)
  • Aalst to Genk - 62 mi (100 km)
  • Aalst to Namur - 50 mi (80 km)
  • Aalst to Charleroi - 40 mi (65 km)
  • Aalst to Mons - 43 mi (70 km)
  • Aalst to Tournai - 44 mi (71 km)
  • Aalst to Ninove - 6 mi (10 km)
  • Aalst to Zottegem - 13 mi (21 km)