Have you ever had a thought of visiting the smallest city in the world?
If not! then grab your bags and travel on the adventurous journey running to Durbuy. Durbuy comprehended as the gateway to the Ardennes is a picturesque city in Belgium’s Wallonian region is reminiscent of a storybook with its stone houses and cobbled streets. Encircled by rolling highlands, this city is also known as the ‘smallest city in the world’. This picture-perfect place has strived to find the perfect equilibrium between adventurous tourist activities and conservation of its cultural heritage.
Address to reach the Castle :Rue du Comte Théodule d’Ursel 2, 6940 Durbuy
Know more!
Built-in 1331, Durbuy is a town in eastern Belgium, recognized for the clifftop Belvedere viewpoints overlooks the town and Ourthe River Valley. The “smallest town” on earth, is just 2 hours from Brussels. It can get rather crowded and touristy on sunny days.
6 great reasons to visit Durbuy, Belgium:
Durbuy Castle
Durbuy Castle has a romantic spirit. The medieval Durbuy Castle history dated back as early as 1078. It has undergone numerous devastations over the centuries due to fire and wars. Rebuilt in 1731, the present building is the result of reconstruction from the eighteenth century. You cannot enter the castle itself. The round trip with the slow train is highly recommended. This will take you to the observation tower, which you can climb. Where you can view the town from above. You can see it in one day and it is very favorable as a day out. Lots of physical activities like canoeing and/or mountain biking are possible and even recommended in the surrounding areas. In this perfect castle don’t forget to take the little tourist train. It gives you a feeling of Europe 500 years ago. Highly recommended castle of Belgium.
Topiary Park
The hugest Topiary garden in Belgium has no words to portray this place, the estate spreads over 1 hectare: a lovely stroll featuring 39 flower beds. Its 250 topiaries made of boxwood, yew, or holly are real masterpieces. A splendid view over the river Ourthe and Durbuy castle. This place is a gem, a cute park with bushes transformed into interesting shapes and figures. It has an enormous setting and incredible art. You would have never seen anything so beautiful before. It has impressive walking paths for a romantic stroll which is away from the noise and the busy life, excellent for photography, especially at sunset.
The Labyrinth of Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
Dream of discovering your way around in a maze? Why not go all out and try one of the gigantic mazes in the world? Durbuy is so promising at constructing natural labyrinths. Some of the most popular labyrinths here are The giant corn maze, The Labyrinth of Doors, the dark world labyrinth, The labyrinth of biodiversity and the little labyrinth. This labyrinth is designed for losing yourself in a 100% natural setting. Each year, a fully themed corn maze is created here that even includes actors throughout, which adds to the fun. Set aside a couple of hours as you’ll want to enjoy every bit of it. Not only this, but there are various other attractions housed at this location, including a vegetable garden and the longest slide. This is truly the place to visit for those who are young at heart.
Artisanal Jams
Leaving Belgian waffles and Belgian beer a side you can experience the jam in the gem of Belgium. You can visit Confituerie Saint Amour’s artisanal jam factory. You can see an eight-minute film about the making of jam. Jellies and jams can be kept for several years closed and several months after opening in the fridge. Fructose jams, however, only keep for three weeks after opening. Even to convince lovers of fine spoonfuls of vinegar, they prepare delicious vinaigrette with vegetables, which are ideal for garnishing salads and raw vegetables. There is also a shop on site here. In addition to an ample variety of jams (including sugar-free options), there are chutneys, kinds of vinegar, honey, mustard, and even medicinal products. You can surely give a shot to this place.
Chocolatier Defroidmont
Belgium is always incomplete without Belgian chocolates. This is a wonderful little place outside the busy Brussels. , The place has plenty of REAL confections. Tasty chocolate, pralines, and other cocoa products. In addition to a shop, you can visit a small museum here about the origin of this chocolatier, the production and use of cocoa. They have taken a long time to get the recipes and correct proportions. In the shopping area, space has also been developed where you can sit at the table. For an instance, have a cup of coffee/tea or lemonade with something tasty from the chocolate shop. Wonderful little outdoor area with log fire for a hot chocolate on a rainy day!
Durbuy Beer
Durbuy looks within striking distance from the beer-heaven. Durbuy flatters itself on being a town of culinary significance, bringing together the rich flavors of the wild Ardennes and the hard-won bounty of its local farms. Marry that to a beer heritage all froth with the dominant Trappist traditions of the region and you’ll find plenty of gastronomic explorations in the eateries along Durbuy’s narrow, cobbled streets. Then there is a local brewhouse. The shape of the La Ferme Au Chene. This impressive old farmhouse building overlooks the Ourthe, and its terrace is perfectly-formed for a summer afternoon’s beer tasting. Rather more variety, than Brasserie Fantome, another farmhouse brewery, Here, the brewing takes pride of place, with the brewer keen to show visitors around his esteemed equipment, bought from the nearby Achouffe brewery. As well as a highly-regarded farmhouse ale, this first-class beer-artisan makes Saisons with a difference. A great idea and a great set of beers, which is good enough to have you persuaded to stay all year long.
Durbuy is nothing short of activities and has something to suit everyone’s fantasies.
