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Belgium is a petite and modest country that is often overshadowed by its increasingly renowned neighbors, yet this is a marvelous destination that should be on your radar. And what will be more thrilling than embarking on a trek in Belgium to explore the splendor of the country?
It’s here that you’ll discover enchanting urban areas filled with magnificent architecture, opulent public squares, peaceful canals, and cobblestoned shopping streets; and vibrant green countryside dotted with historic villages and medieval castles.
With its flat terrain and picturesque countryside, you’ll want to venture out and experience the highlights of Belgium at handlebar level. The country, in fact, has become a haven for hikers and the destinations are breathtaking.
6 Best Places To Go Trekking in Belgium
If you are planning to go trekking near Belgium, you will adore the scenic trails and majestic vistas that await you! Listed below are a few expeditions that will offer you the finest trekking in Belgium, you should explore on your next visit to this country.
1. The High Fens Natural Reserve
The High Fens Nature Reserve (which is also known as Hohes Venn in German and Hautes Fagnes in French) is a marsh and peatland that spans over 230 square miles of land along the Belgium/Germany border. Majority of the Nature Reserve is located on the Belgium side, but it stretches across the border into Germany. It’s also part of a much larger area known as The High Fens Eifel Nature Park (or in German, Naturpark Nord Eifel, as it’s locally called), which is so vast that it actually encompasses most of the Eifel National Park as well.
Situated between the Ardennes and the Eifel highlands, this highland region of 4,501.2 hectares is the largest natural reserve in Belgium. With an exceptional flora and fauna, it makes for various stunning hiking routes, particularly splendid for autumn or spring strolls through the Trô Maret valley. Paved with small wooden bridge crossings, it provides a pathway to the rugged wilderness landscapes that extend east from the German border. Some of the paths ascend steeply upstream, offering clear vistas over the desolate heathland. It is one of the most frequented trekking routes in Belgium.
2. Semois Valley
This is an immense circuit described by rough segments, thick forests and clear waters arranged near the pleasant, ‘Pearl of the Semois valley’, the town of Bouillon. Little hardwood ways prodding into the core of the valley offer a splendid view on the scene and the Abbey of Clairefontaine. As you keep strolling through the pine tree woods by the riverside, some astonishing viewpoints over the valley are waiting for you, especially when achieving the two central matters of Vue de l’épine and Pic du Diable. A great destination for enthusiastic season walkers willing to find the valley and its hidden pearls.
Access to the Semois valley is through streets sliced through vegetation and timberlands to enter the delightful forest where stags, does and wild swine can spread out more than many hectares. Many kilometers of waymarked trails take walkers and explorers from acclaimed rocks to footbridges hung over the water.
3. La Roche à l’Appel Geological Park
La Roche à l’Appel is settled in a vast forest, planted with an extensive variety of trees (oaks, beeches, conifers…) and furthermore showing an uncommonly rich diversity of greenery. Streams cut through the slants all over, reaching out towards peaty regions, exceptionally intriguing from an organic perspective. Creepy crawlies are very present too, especially coleopters with some very uncommon species found in the district.
La Roche à l’Appel marks the core of the geographical reserve. Two ways lead to its top, 360 meters high. The display over the Ardenne timberland and the initial two cuestas is certainly justified regardless of the exertion.
One of the short yet extraordinary trekking places in Belgium, Ardenne et Gaume is the place where Roche à l’Appel is situated. A composition of woods and valuable herbal nature make this zone astoundingly rich and differing. Geography darlings can spend an extremely educational day around the antiquated town of Muno before achieving the focal point of the geographical park which offers two distinct trails diving into a thick blended forest offering amazing all-encompassing perspectives of Southern Ardennes, a couple of steps from the French border.
4. Weserbach to the Hohes Venn
A stroll to adore! This picturesque excursion takes you through dense woodland along untamed streams and waterways that start in the plateau of the Hohes Venn.
From an initial couple of meters, the path leads to a charming scene. The path overlooks the valley framed by the Weser. A decent start before you walk along the Eschbach, a wide waterway that meanders between the conifers and gives the area a distinct Rio vibe of the High North. This impression is heightened in winter when the stream adorns itself with its white attire.
The path ascends again and the surroundings become more stunning and wilder. The further you enter this area, the more the coniferous forest shrinks until only a few trees appear. Later on, the forest disappears completely and the vast heathland of the eastern Hohes Venn appears. This side of the Hohes Venn is less known, but perhaps even more rugged. The route approaches the Venn and follows a path along the stream. At an elevation of 500 m, you can clearly feel the low temperature of the plateau. Water is also your constant companion on your way back, as it runs along the banks of the equally lively stone stream.
5. Eifelsteig – Klosterroute
This hiking tour through the Eifel captivates with its unparalleled diversity. Landmarks, such as the imposing rock of the Ehrensteinsley, the wild-romantic Rurtal, species-rich forest entrances, the spacious fields around Kalterherberg with ancient beech columns and hawthorn supports, as well as the Perlenbachtalsperre, ensure a varied landscape delight. For the distinctive habitats, typical flower and plant species line the path. A hidden gem is the narcissus slope near Reichenstein, which turns into a yellow sea of flowers in spring. There are also cultural highlights, such as the former Premonstratensian Abbey Reichenstein with its water lily lake, the Nobertus Chapel, and the numerous sights of the pristine former linen-making city Monschau, which invites you to linger. Anyone who has ever wandered through the half-timbered town of Monschau understands why Monschau is also called “the pearl of the Eifel” or “Rhenish Rothenburg”.
6. Warche
A trek across the circles of the Warche, amidst steep cliffs and stunning cascades. Witness the scenery of eastern Belgium and the splendid nature around the high-altitude village of Xhoffraix. The elevation here quickly reminds you of the descent into the valleys and ravines along the Xhoffraix line. After a good kilometer, the first panorama emerges. A clearcut behind a bend unveils the view of the Warche Valley.
You can access Schloss Reinhardstein via a narrow mule trail. The opposite shore awaits you with a challenging climb. Hence, which is constantly increasing, no tedium arises. The “Nez Napoléon” (Napoleon’s nose) is a lofty ridge protruding from the ravine.
At the pinnacle of the ridge, the trail meanders and adapts to the shape of the high altitudes. A little further, the path descends steeply towards the “Outdoors du Moulin”. Although the mountains in the Ardennes are not particularly tall, they demand a lot from the hiker, and the final ascent along the Coreu stream is the greatest proof.
Additional Read: 15 Festivals In Belgium That Will Fill Your Life With Unparalleled Joy
No trip to Belgium is complete without embarking on a wilderness trek. There is a trail for almost everyone out there – whether you are a novice or an expert hiker. The beauty of the landscape with the meandering river makes the sweaty climb only half as tiring. So, dust off your hiking boots, pack a picnic basket, and embark on a thrilling trek you will never forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking In Belgium
What are some of the top hiking routes in Belgium?
Belgium is an incredible country that offers breathtaking vistas and fantastic hiking trails, including the High Fens Natural Reserve, Semois Valley, La Roche Geographical Park, Weserbach trails, Eifelsteig trails, Warche trails, and many more. These are among the finest trails for hiking in Belgium.
Where can you find the trekking trails of the High Fens Nature Reserve in Belgium?
The trekking trails of the High Fens Nature Reserve are located in the border region between Belgium and Germany. It is a wetland and moorland area, covering a vast expanse of 230 square miles within the nature reserve.
Why is Warche trail renowned for trekking in Belgium?
Warche is a captivating trekking trail situated in Xhoffraix, a small village in eastern Belgium. The entire area is interconnected by a mule track. The ascent to the highest point of the trail is relatively easy, thanks to the gentle slope of the route.
What is the elevation of La Roche’s Geographical Park?
The highest point in La Roche’s Geographical Park reaches an altitude of 360 meters. This entire area is enveloped by rich vegetation, abundant wildlife, and towering trees that are quite unique to the rest of the world.
How long should one plan for a trekking trip in Belgium?
If you intend to go trekking in Belgium, it is advisable to set aside three to four days to fully explore the various hiking trails in the country.
What is the best time to visit Belgium?
For a trekking adventure in Belgium, the most suitable time to visit is from mid-April to mid-October. The weather during these months is perfect for outdoor activities.
What attire should you wear for trekking in Belgium?
If you are planning a trekking trip to Belgium between April and October, it is recommended to pack sweaters, jeans, lightweight boots, rain gear, and caps to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Does it snow in Belgium?
Although snowfall does occur in Belgium, it is relatively uncommon. If you visit Belgium between April and October, you are unlikely to experience any snow. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for an extraordinary trekking adventure.
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