10 incredible hikes in Belgium for every hiker

Apart from the world-renowned chocolates and beers, Belgium is also famous for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture that spreads across it's three main regions. Geographically, Belgium consists of three regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels (which is not really a province or part of any province) - as famously said "Brussels is Brussels"!!

Wallonia is home to the Belgian part of the renowned Ardennes, known for its lush and extensive forests, wild terrain and rock formations, that is so very popular with locals and visitors to this country. Undoubtedly, Ardennes is magnificent and a hiker's paradise. However, there are also several other regions in this little country that make for amazing hikes throughout the year!

Below are 10 beautiful hikes spread across the country that can be easily done by anyone. The hikes are of different lengths and can be shortened or lengthened to fit individual itineraries.

1. High Fens nature reserve (Hoge Venen)

The High Fens is a vast landscape and is the largest nature reserve in the country. Tucked away in the Eastern German-speaking region bordering Germany, this nature reserve is hands-down one of the most popular hiking trails in the whole country. It further spreads in to the Eifel highlands in Germany. Part of the GR573, this route takes you along peat-drained water bodies via an easy downhill hike over wooden passages. We took the route leading to the town of Eupen through lush and green forests, strewn with wild blueberry bushes. 

This hike can be done both by public and private transport. If taking your car, the circular regional hike is ideal as it displays a variety of diverse landscapes and natural environment. For public transport, there's a train to Eupen or Verviers station, and then a bus from either of the train stations to the start of the hike, Baraque Michel. Start at the Baraque Michel cafe (ample parking space), and choose either of the routes towards Malmedy, Spa or Eupen - all almost equidistant from the starting point and on an average ~18 km.

Starting point: Baraque Michel 36, 4845 Jalhay

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Meandering peat-draining streams in the High Fens

2. Ninglinspo river hike in Aywaille

The enchanting mountain river of Ninglinspo easily makes for one of the most beautiful hikes in the Belgian Ardennes and in all of Belgium. The hike takes you upstream along the gushing river alongside a majestic green landscape and a clearly marked terrain. Although this hike may not be the easiest (terrain with ascending and descending trails), the impeccable scenery and little waterfalls all along the route, makes it one of the not-to-be-missed hikes in the area. If taking public transport, take a train to the station of Aywaille, and then a short bus ride or walk (~6km) to the starting point. 

The hike (partial or entire) can be done with children, as there are multiple spots for water activities. Do not miss a sandwich lunch at the panoramic viewpoint of Drouet for a breathtaking view of the valley underneath - did anyone say lunch with a view?! 

Starting point: N633, 4920 Aywaille (Sedoz car park - Remouchamps)

Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult

Gushing waters of the Ninglinspo river hike

3. Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide hike

North of the city of Antwerp lies the cross-border region of Kalmthoutse Heide which is one of the oldest and largest nature reserves of Flanders. As the name suggests, the borderpark spreads in to the Netherlands and spreads across 3750 hectares of nature reserves. A favorite among locals and foreigners alike, this park boasts of the once vast European moorland landscape. The landscape is strewn with fens of different kinds in peaty soil and typical flora, surrounded by wetlands and water bodies. If visiting in September, you will be greeted by a purple landscape created by the heather that grows abundantly in the region. 

An easy and flat terrain, this hike can be started right from the station of Heide or Kalmthout if arriving with public transport. The reception gate "De Vroente", about 2 km from both the stations, provides ample information about this hike along with cycling and hiking maps.  

Starting point: Putsesteenweg 129, 2920 Kalmthout 

Difficulty level: Easy

Wetlands and water bodies in the Kalmthoutse Heide

4. La Roche-en-Ardenne hike along the L'Ourthe

La Roche-en-Ardenne is a sleepy little Wallonian town nestled along both banks of a bend of the L'Ourthe river. A hot-spot with campers, this little cosy town offers hikers, cyclists and campers a nice taste of the hilly landscape surrounding the low-lying town. There are several well-marked hiking trails all around the area that will take you along the L'Ourthe and its striking bends. Start at the bridge at Rue de Pont and meander your way following one of the hiking paths in the idyllic scenery. Pass along the Chateau Féodal de La Roche-en-Ardenne and ascend to take in the breathtaking views from the close-by Belvédère de La Roche observatory. 

Several loop hikes can be made starting in and around the town - one of the most popular one being the Point de décollage parapente loop (12 km) that takes you along the bigger bend of the L'Ourthe on the north-east end of the town. Although this city is reachable by public transport, it's best to go by car as it saves a lot of time and there's no other quick connection to the town. 

Starting point: Rue de Pont, 6980 La Roche-en-Ardenne

Difficulty level: Moderate

Landscape around La Roche-en-Ardenne

 

5. Limbourg-Hevremont-Bois de Goé hike

Limbourg (not to be confused with Limburg province) is a little town in the southern province of Liège. Surrounded by the Vesdre river, the town is a starting point for several hikes including the village of Hevremont and Goé woods (Bois de Goé). Start with an easy hike along the villages of Hevremont and Halloux and head towards the lake, Lac de la Gileppe. Take the stairs to the observatory for a striking view of the water body/dam from higher up. Walk back via the Bois de Goé along the water that feeds into the lake. The walk can be done in both directions and can be shortened to start from Goé instead of Limbourg.

A moderately difficult hike, this can be done with children but without strollers. Several hiking paths along the walk indicate the lengths and duration for each hike. An interesting stop/car park on the way is the Promenade du Grand Lys.

Starting point: Dolhain Pont de Anes, N620, 4830 Limbourg

Difficulty level: Moderate

Grazing lands along the Limbourg hike

View of Lac de la Gileppe

6. Borgloon and the see-through church hike

Borgloon often called the "fruit basket of Belgium" is a town in the Limburg province of the country. The fertile lands of this area is cultivated year-long and is speckled with fruit gardens and other crops, so much so that the parking place in the city center is even lined with fig trees! Borgloon is also home to the renowned Doorkijkkerk or "see-through church", a neomodern architectural marvel constructed out of 100 cut steel sheets. The church is completely open and close at the same time! You have to see it to understand it! And yes, you can enter the church. 

Arrive by public transport or privately by car to the town of Borgloon and follow any of the numerous and unmissable walking paths leading to the "Doorkijkkerkje". You can choose to do a longer or shorter hike along and around the town and all of the routes will take you to the see-through church. Take in the views of the numerous fruit and vegetable gardens along the route. 

Starting point: Stationsstraat, 3840 Borgloon

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

The Doorkijkkkerkje of Borgloon

7. Waterfall and valley of Bayehon hike - MDY1

Not much farther from Malmedy and Baraque Michel, starting point of the Hoge Venen hike, is the waterfall and valley of Bayehon in the south-east of Belgium. Arrive at one of the bends of the Route de Bayehon, close to the Moulin de Bayehon restaurant, and park your car at the start of the route - MDY1. This 12.6 km route will take you along the cascade du Bayehon or the waterfalls of Bayehon and the valleys and fens area of Longfaye, Fagnes Tirifaye and Bayehon. For most parts along the route, the streams of water meanders alongside walks amid the tree roots and gigantic coniferous woods that makes for a pleasant outdoor adventure. 

The route is sufficiently signposted with red rectangular - MDY1 signs, that makes it an easy to navigate path. The only climbing part of this hike is at the waterfall where you have to descend to take in closer views of the water; of course, this is entirely optional. Add an additional quick stop at the nearby tucked away Chateau de Reinhardstein for a warm drink and photo op!

Starting point: Route de Bayehon, 4960 Malmedy

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

The waterfall of Bayehon

8. Zonienwoud (Sonian forest) and Tervuren hike

The Sonian woods or forest are a large area of about 4000 hectares of forested greenscape, which used to be the hunting grounds of the imperial family of Habsburg. In current times, these woods are a vast area speckled with numerous hikes across its green domain. The Tervuren-Zonienwoud hike can be started from the Africa Museum at the Park van Tervuren. The most popular hikes in the area are the Warande walk (5.5 km) and the Kapbos walk (7 km). The routes are well signposted and takes you through green swathes of beech trees and occasional streams in the largest forested area of Flanders. 

Tervuren is well-connected by several buses and the tram 44 that takes you to Brussels (Montgomery) in about 20 minutes. If arriving by car, there are plenty of parking spots available near the hike starting point. 

Starting point: Park van Tervuren, Leuvensesteenweg, 3080 Tervuren

Difficulty level: Easy

Zonienwoud hike near Tervuren

9. Voeren-Sint Martens loop hike

 

Voeren is a little Flemish municipality sandwiched between the Dutch border to the north and Wallonia to the south. Several hiking paths around this little sleepy village makes it one of the most beautiful hikes in Belgium. The famous landmark of the Viaduct of Sint-Martens is one of the several magnificent views to behold when hiking around the area. There are loop hikes beginning from the center of the village taking you along marked, unpaved paths and gentle gushing streams offering wide views of open pastures and valleys. 

The landscape makes for a fulfilling hike on a sunny day interspersed with grazing animals and open scenery. To reach by public transport, take a train to Visé and a short bus ride or hike to the town of Voeren. We did a 14 km hike which can be customized as suitable.

Starting point: Kloosterstraat, 3798 Voeren

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

View overlooking the Sint-Martens viaduct in Voeren

10. Thuin-Abbaye d'Aulne ruins hike

Thuin, a little Wallonian medieval town in the province of Hainaut, is a relatively lesser known gem worthy of every hiker. Located in the mid-south of Belgium, the town of Thuin is just 16 km from Charleroi and is accessible by train. The major highlights of Thuin are its medieval fortified city gates, cobbled streets and the exquisite hanging gardens that the town boasts of. Vines of grapes along cobbled streets, apple trees and pretty gardens makes this quaint town a treat for the eyes!

The hike from Thuin to the Abbaye d'Aulne (Abbey Aulne) along the majestic Sambre river is one of the most picturesque 7.5 km hike in this area. The ruins of the Abbey of Aulne, once a Benedictine monastery that was burned down in the 18th century, has its own intact grandeur and history. The peace and quiet of the Sambre valley is surely a treat for all hikers.

Starting point: Rue d'Anderlues, 6530 Thuin

Difficulty level: Easy 

The grounds of the ruins of Abbaye d'Aulne

Have you done other similar hikes? Would love to hear about them. Drop a message or comment about other incredible hikes in Belgium!