The Top 3 Hikes In The Ardennes, Belgium

Stretching across Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, the Ardennes is one of the most popular gateways for adventure lovers. The Belgian part on the south makes it an inspiringly beautiful region expanding through leafy forests and mountainous hillsides with some of the most picturesque villages and towns in the between. If you happen to be here, make sure you follow one of these magical hiking routes to its most scenic parts.

The High Fens © Ioanna Sakellaraki/Flickr

The High Fens Natural Reserve

Lying between the Ardennes and the Eifel highlands, this upland area of 4,501.2 hectares is the largest natural reserve in Belgium. With a unique flaura and fauna, it makes it for various beautiful hiking routes, particularly impressive for autumn or spring walks through the Trô Maret valley. Paved with small wooden bridge spans it gives way to the rugged wilderness landscapes which stretch east from the German border. Some of the paths rise sharply upstream providing clear views over the windswept heathland.

Maison du Parc Naturel Hautes Fagnes-Eifel: Botrange 131, Robertville, Waimes, Belgium +32 (0) 80/44 03 00

View to Semois Valley © Ioanna Sakellaraki/Flickr

Crossing The Semois Valley

This is a large circuit characterized by rocky passages, dense forests and clear waters situated near the picturesque, ‘Pearl of the Semois valley’, town of Bouillon. Small hardwood paths nudging into the heart of the valley offer a magnificent view on the landscape and the Abbey of Clairefontaine. As you continue walking through the pine tree woods by the riverside, some breathtaking views over the valley are awaiting for you, especially when reaching the two main points of Vue de l’épine and Pic du diable. A great destination for enthusiastic season walkers willing to discover the valley and its hidden gems.

Tourism Office of Bouillon: Esplanade Godefroid 1, Bouillon, Belgium +32 (0) 61/46 62 57

La Roche à l’Appel Geological Park

This is a short but great hike in the protected natural area, Ardenne et Gaume, where the geological formation where park Roche à l’Appel is situated. A composition of woods and valuable botanical nature make this area remarkably rich and diverse. Geology lovers can spend a very instructive day around the ancient village of Muno before reaching the center of the geological park which offers two different footpaths plunging into a dense mixed forest offering breathtaking panoramic views of Southern Ardennes, a few steps away from the French border.

Tourism Office of the Semois Country between Ardenne and Gaume : Esplanade du Panorama 1, Florenville, Belgium +32 0 61 31 12 29