Belgium: The best hiking trails for your holidays!
The neighboring country of Belgium, with its flat landscape, numerous forests, charming villages, and picturesque coastal sections along the North Sea, is a true hiking paradise. Here you will find ideal conditions for active holidays all year round and a wide selection of interesting routes for both people and their four-legged friends. The legendary Way of St. James from Bruges is considered a highlight.
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Belgium - 8 special hiking trails
Tour along the Ninglinspo from Nonceveux
What makes the Ninglinspo special is its character as a mountain river, which is unique in the region. The stream meanders as a romantic wild brook through a hilly forest landscape with romantic cascades, refreshing water basins, and small waterfalls. Follow the watercourse on various hiking trails for every level of athletic ambition. A popular starting point for a circular hike is the village of Nonceveux. From there, you turn east into the hiking area along the Ninglinspo. You overcome about 440 meters of elevation on a circular tour along the stream of about 18 kilometers. It is a challenging hike that requires surefootedness and stamina.
Solwaster Waterfall
The scenically enchanting hiking trail to the Cascade des Nûtons, also known as the Waterfall of the Trolls, starts in the quaint mountain village of Solwaster. At the beginning, you walk on a paved road along green meadows and historic stone houses. In the shady forest area, you then follow the mountain river, which cascades down the mountainside. You march on rocky paths and cross several wooden bridges until you reach the Bilisse rock wall, towering over 50 meters high. Above it lies the sought-after Cascade des Nûtons, which roars impressively, especially after snowmelt and rainfall. On the way back, you pass further natural highlights such as the Pierrier rock fields and the mysterious dolmens of Solwaster.
Tour through the Les Cascatelles Nature Reserve
Particularly recommended is the 7.7 km long circular route on the Cascatelles, which takes you a good two hours. You walk over small hills and cover 220 meters in altitude. The hiking trail is well signposted, well maintained, and accessible in all seasons, although it is particularly popular during the transitional periods. You stroll through wide landscapes, between fields, and in green forests. A highlight is the passage along the Maas, which makes its way through nature. Small waterfalls not only offer spectacular photo opportunities but also invite you to relax and rest comfortably in the open air.
Hoëgne Walk
Since the 19th century, the Promenade de la Hoëgne has been considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Belgium. The terrain is characterized by deep gorges through which the Hoëgne rushes at a rapid pace. In some sections, the route coincides with the old Belgian-Prussian border, marked by several boundary stones. A highlight of the hike through the Hoëgne Valley is the Cascade des Nutons waterfall. From here, the trail continues to the imposing Bilisse rock, covered with stone lichens, whose peaks rise 20 meters high. Before reaching Solwaster, you pass by more waterfalls.
Walk through Archennes
A popular and well-signposted route leads around Archennes and measures about 11 km. Thanks to the flat terrain, the entire circuit can be easily completed in about two hours. You only cover a little more than 150 meters in elevation and also encounter occasional cyclists. Generally, the well-prepared path is not very busy, so dogs are allowed to walk off-leash during the hikes. You pass through some fields and meadows, but also denser forest groups and smaller hills, from which you can overlook the otherwise flat landscape. The hike is recommended year-round.
Grand Lys Promenade Route
The hiking trail begins at the parking lot of the Gileppe reservoir. You walk a short distance along the blue shimmering water before entering the dense Hertogenwald. In the shade of tall deciduous and coniferous trees, you hike over gentle hills and through deep valleys. Sometimes cheerful mountain streams accompany you. Besides the magnificent natural idyll, the Promenade du Grand Lys route delights with great viewpoints and sights. In the middle of the forest area, you discover, for example, remnants of a small railway. At the peak of the hiking tour, the Grand Lys observation pavilion offers you a breathtaking view over the Gileppe Lake and the imposing lion statue.
Around the Bois de Viné
The popular hiking area Bois de Viné is not even 5 km from the center of Durbuy. Close enough to relax in the large forest area every day. The tour goes through the magnificent nature in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. You don't need to bring excessive fitness for the round. The start of the round is in the picturesque village of Tohogne, which is situated in the greenery. You walk through dense forests and over lush meadows. Many idyllic streams run through the Bois du Viné. Plan about three hours for the tour. Blooming wild plants can be seen along the route in summer.
Circular hike from Falaën to the ruins of Montaigle
Falaën is a charming village in the Belgian region of Wallonia. Old limestone houses and green meadows characterize the idyllic village scene. The most striking building is the castle farm from the 17th century with its imposing corner towers. Another attraction is the nearby Montaigle Castle ruins, which you can discover on a beautiful hiking tour. The circular route leads through a dreamy landscape of forests and meadows. In the middle, on a rocky outcrop, you will discover the moss-covered wall and tower remains. You can learn interesting facts about the 14th-century fortress in the castle museum. It is also worth pausing to enjoy the fantastic view over the Molignée Valley.