If you’re planning on studying at GIS Brussels, not only will you find yourself immersed in one of Europe’s great cities, but you’ll also be brilliantly placed to access all of the great sporting action the continent has to offer.
Whether it’s winter or summer, each month in Europe brings a diverse range of epic sporting battles in iconic settings to really set the pulses racing. Below we’ve highlighted just some of what you can expect…
September: Highland Games
Scotland’s Highland Games take place across the short but pleasant Scottish summer on a weekly basis. These one day events usually take place at the weekend and feature traditional Highland sports such as the hammer throw, Highland dancing, the tug o’ war and the caber toss. One of the most famous on the calendar takes place towards the end of the summer in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. The event’s proximity to the Scottish home of the British Royal Family, Balmoral, usually means Royalty is in attendance.
How do I get to Braemar from Brussels? Fly to Edinburgh (1hr, 40mins), followed by a 2hr, 30mins drive to Braemar.
October-December: Premier League, La Liga, Ligue One, Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League
Over the autumn and winter months, football seasons across Europe are well underway, including the UEFA Champions League.
You have the option of catching a short flight to watch Germany’s mighty Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga (1hr, 20mins) or Spanish La Liga and European champions Real Madrid (2hr, 30mins) in action. There’s also the great option of jumping on the Eurostar to France to watch Paris Saint-Germain (1hr, 30min) or to London and any number of its Premier League and Women’s Super League participants (2hr).
Don’t forget to support your new local team too. RSC Anderlecht play their Belgian Pro League games at Lotto Park - the newest campus in the GIS roster.
January: Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)
Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (commonly known as GAA) season usually gets underway in mid-winter. GAA comprises of four games: handball, rounders and its two most popular games - hurling and Gaelic football. Hurling consists of two teams using bats called ‘hurls’ to strike a small ball around a pitch, scoring points if the ball goes in the goal or over the bar. Gaelic football follows a similar concept, but this time using a larger ball that can be kicked, bounced and hand-passed by participants. The All Ireland final for both games take place at a sold out 82,000 capacity Croke Park in Dublin.
How do I get to Ireland from Brussels? We recommend a short flight to Dublin (1hr, 45mins). Onward trips to the likes of Galway (2hr, 30mins bus) and Cork (2hr, 30mins train) are easily accessible by public transport.
February: Six Nations
Rugby Union’s oldest and most famous event, the Six Nations, gets under way each February. France, Italy, England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland battle it out each winter over seven weeks to be crowned the Northern Hemisphere’s best international team. With each nation playing their games in front of sold out stadiums in their respective capital city, the tournament is renowned for great atmospheres, friendly crowds and epic action. The women’s Six Nations then takes place directly after the men’s event, lasting through to the end of April for added drama.
How do I get there from Brussels? To visit Cardiff and Wales, regular trains are available from London (2hr, 20mins). Direct flights are available to Rome (2hrs). London, Paris, Edinburgh and Dublin travel information can be found above.
March: FIS winter championships
Winter in Europe means its snow sport season across the continent's alpine regions, and with it comes championships for all FIS approved winter events. The big ones though are the Alpine World Ski championships and the Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships. The 2025 events will take place in Saalbach, Austria, and Engadin St. Moritz, Switzerland, respectively.
How do I get there from Brussels? With winter events taking place in mountainous regions, travel can sometimes be a tricker. To reach Saalbach, fly to Munich, Germany (1hr 20mins) before getting driving the rest of the way (2hr, 45mins). To get to Engadin St. Moritz, fly direct to Zurich (1hr 15mins), then drive onwards into the mountains (2hr, 30mins).
May-June: French Open and Wimbledon
The red clay courts of Roland Garros, Paris, and the green, green grass of the All England Club, London, are two of the most iconic settings in world sport. With both Paris and London easy to access via the Eurostar, these are two must-see events for any sports fan living and studying in Brussels.
July-August: Formula One and Tour De France
Once in the heart of summer the Formula One circus rolls into Europe, and students studying at GIS Brussels have the luxury of being able to attend races in the UK, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy and Austria with ease. Even better, the Belgian race at Spa-Francorchamps Circuit is just a 90 minute car journey from Brussels. Check out the 2025 F1 race calendar here.
Perhaps the most iconic event of them all each summer is just across the border in France - the Tour de France. This spectacular three-week long race sees the best riders in the world cycle across the country, up and down some of the most demanding terrain in world sport, before the famed finale through Paris and the sprint down the Champs Elysee.
Find out more about GIS Brussels campus and the Postgraduate Diploma in International Football Business.
Article written by Neil Hawkins.
