Belgium has an endless hiking option. This is an excellent destination that ought to be on your radar. The country is eclipsed by the beautiful architecture, amazing cobblestone streets, greeny farmlands, and lovely coastline. Nevertheless, the fun doesn’t end here. Belgium is more than a weekend break in the heart of Europe. It’s also a hidden paradise for outdoor lovers.
There are several long-distance hikes for you to discover within the region of Belgium. Hiking is the best way of exploring Belgium. There are hiking trails for all types of travelers, from challenging long-distance options to short family-friendly getaways that will take you through idyllic natural areas. Whether you enjoy wildlife, culture, gastronomy, history, or all of those at the same time.
To get a first glimpse of what’s awaiting outdoor enthusiasts like you in Belgium, we created a short highlight list:
The Semois Valley
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 15 km
Starting Point: Bouillon
This trail starts at the Bouillon Castle, in the far South-West of Belgium. This is a huge circuit described by rough sections, thick backwoods and clear waters arranged close to the pleasant, ‘Pearl of the Semois valley’. The tricky trail is worth it! The Pic du Diable viewpoint offers panoramic views over the tranquil Semios River. As you keep strolling through the pine tree woods by the riverside, some amazing perspectives over the valley are waiting for you. Many kilometers of waymarked trails take walkers and explorers from acclaimed rocks to footbridges hung over the water.
Hikers will complete the circular route and finish at the car park, ready for a rest in traditional guesthouse accommodation in Belgium.
La Roche à l’Appel Geological Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.5 km
Starting Point: Florenville
La Roche à l’Appel geological park is a real treasure. It is settled in a vast forest, planted with an extensive variety of trees such as oaks, beeches, conifers etc. This trail is a
great combination of ancient forestry and great biodiversity that appeals to every nature lover. Hikers begin at Florenville, pick their way across the streams that cut through the forest.
The geographical park offers two distinct trails diving into a thick blended forest offering amazing all-encompassing perspectives of Southern Ardennes. Also, explore the ancient town of Muno. Geography darlings can spend an extremely educational day around the antiquated town of Muno. The real highlight, however, is the climb to La Roche à l’Appel, the summit.
While hiking you can stop for a picnic or follow the signs to their way down back towards the car park where the trail began.
Walking in Waterloo
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 14 km
Starting Point: Waterloo
Follow in the footsteps of the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon’s Imperial troops with this 1815 walk around the battlefield of Waterloo, which is one of the most famous attractions of Belgium. Walking in Waterloo is a fantastic opportunity to see the historical location that would change the map of Europe. This easy circular trail will take history lovers through the battle where 200,000 soldiers fought in a defining moment for the continent.
Starting at the town of Waterloo, hikers trace the battleground. Monuments line the walk and give more detail about the historic battle. The path goes through the countryside, revealing stunning landscapes near Braine-l’Alleud, Genappe, Lasne, and Waterloo. Your historical walk will pass milestones commemorating the battle: monuments, farms, combat locations. Hikers can also climb up to the Lion’s Mound monument. The trail ends back in Waterloo.
Uilenspiegelpad
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 200 km
Starting Point: Brugge
A delightful historic figure was Tijl Uilenspiegel, our everlasting heroe, who challenged and teased the local authorities of his time. He finally got caught and sentenced to death and now he is remembered with affection across Flanders. Hikers on this route start in Bruges and head north through the Flanders countryside up to the coast around Knokke-Heist.
You walk through the flat land of polders and creeks, forests and meadows, castles and picturesque villages. You discover a piece of unknown and unloved Flanders. Pollard willows, reed borders and impressive water gardens adorn your tour. The main route is a 160 km loop
And connects the striking towns of Damme, Het Zwin, Sluis, Oostburg, and Terneuzen in the north. The route is signposted with white-red and yellow-red stripes. The way is divided into several day stages.
This route is rural and peaceful, and hikers will be enthralled with both the quaint villages and the variety of birds and wildlife near the coast.
The route ends in Bruges, allowing hikers to explore both the countryside.
La Fagne de la Poleur Didactic Path
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3 km
Starting Point: Mont-Rigi, near Malmedy
La Fagne de la Poleur is a high plateau composed of moors and bogs in the Ardenne. A didactic path will tell you more about this area, typical of East Belgium. This elevated walkway in the High Fens is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and is an excellent introduction to the moors and bogs that characterize East Belgium. It stretches over 54 hectares and is situated at an altitude of 660 m.
This trail is lined with informative posters that give details about the evolution of the area and the surrounding ecosystems. Hikers should look out for the high and low bogs and streams that make this such rugged, If you are here at the perfect time, then you will find blueberries and cranberries waiting to be picked and eaten! The path is circular so that hikers can return to the starting point ready for their next adventure.
Wéris Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7 km
Starting Point: Wéris
Wéris is one of the best destinations in the Wallonian region. The village of Wéris, 50 kilometers south of Liege, is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful attractions in Belgium. Hiking is a great option here, The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Hikers will meander through the idyllic village, before setting off on a rural adventure through forestry and farmland.
This 7 km trail connects forests and fields between the Famenne and the Ardennes and provides lovely views over the rural landscape and Megalithic remains. You will also pass several slabs of rock imbued with legends, such as the ‘Haina Stone’ and the ‘Devil’s Bed’.
It’s also considered one of the best day trips from Durbuy. Hikers can explore the bizarre prehistoric landscape, before continuing on the circular walk back to Wéris.
Hiking in the Zwin, Knokke heist.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 12 km
Starting Point: Zwin Nature Park, Knokke-Heist
If you want to explore Flanders at its fullest then Zwin Nature Park is the best hiking spot. It is on the coastline of West Flanders, considered as the haven for birds. Hikers on this circular trail can watch out for storks and migrating birds. The Zwin walking route introduces you to the great diversity of natural features and landscapes in Knokke-Heist. Starting in the Zwin Nature Park or the Oosthoek, wander through the Zwin dunes and polders and explore the Hazegras polder.
Old seawalls bear witness to the battle waged against the sea. You will walk through the woods, over log roads, and past Scottish highland cattle. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Zwin plain. The trail begins and ends at the renovated Zwin visitor center, passing by beautiful viewpoints where hikers can admire the beaches in Belgium. Knokke Heist is considered one of the best beach resorts in Belgium.
The Orval Abbey Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 11.5 km
Starting Point: Orval
In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes in the West of Belgium lies the remains of the imposing medieval fortress, the Château de Franchimont. The Abbey notre-Dame d’Orval, founded in 1132 and one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys of Belgium, is the starting point of this cross-border course of about 11 kilometers. Even though one can not visit the famous brewery and the abbey itself, the ruins of the old abbey are equally interesting.
The trail is like romanticism and historical imagination. The trail itself starts alongside the castle ruins and continues into the rural market town of Theux, where the Mosan-style church is well worth a look. Here, the hike finishes, and walkers can opt to explore the pretty town, or head to a nearby Spa, the archetype for thermal and massage therapies.