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Ardennes, België / Belgique / Belgien - Things to Do in Ardennes

Things to Do in Ardennes

Ardennes, België / Belgique / Belgien - Complete Travel Guide

The Belgian Ardennes is a breathtaking region of dense forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers that stretches across the southern provinces of Luxembourg, Namur, and Liège. This mystical landscape, steeped in Celtic and medieval history, offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. From the legendary battlefields of the Battle of the Bulge to charming medieval towns like Durbuy and Dinant, the Ardennes provides an authentic taste of rural Belgium. The region is renowned for its outdoor activities, including hiking through ancient forests, kayaking down the Semois and Ourthe rivers, and exploring vast cave systems. Medieval castles perch dramatically on rocky outcrops, while traditional villages offer glimpses into Belgium's rural heritage. The Ardennes is also famous for its culinary specialties, including wild game, artisanal cheeses, and the world-renowned Trappist beers brewed in local monasteries.

Top Things to Do in Ardennes

Explore the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse

Descend into one of Europe's most spectacular underground cave systems, featuring massive chambers, underground rivers, and stunning limestone formations. The guided tour includes a dramatic boat ride on the underground River Lesse and culminates in a spectacular sound and light show in the cathedral-like Salle du Dôme.

Booking Tip: Book online in advance during summer months (€16-25 for adults). Choose the combined ticket with the wildlife park for better value. Tours run every 30 minutes, but arrive early as groups are limited to 25 people.

Kayaking on the Semois River

Paddle through the heart of the Belgian Ardennes on this meandering river that winds through pristine forests and past medieval villages. The route from Chiny to Lacuisine offers gentle rapids suitable for beginners, while the stretch near Bouillon provides more challenging waters with stunning castle views.

Booking Tip: Rent kayaks from local operators in Bouillon or Vresse-sur-Semois (€20-35 per person for half-day). Best conditions are May-September. Most operators provide waterproof bags and pickup service at the end point.

Visit Bouillon Castle and Medieval Town

Explore one of Belgium's most impressive medieval fortresses, perched dramatically above the Semois River. This 11th-century castle was once home to Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade, and offers interactive exhibitions, medieval demonstrations, and panoramic views over the surrounding Ardennes landscape.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8.50 for adults, with discounts for combined tickets including the town's museums. Visit during summer for falconry demonstrations and medieval reenactments. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience.

Hike the GR5 Trail Through High Fens

Trek through Belgium's unique high moorland ecosystem, featuring vast peat bogs, wooden boardwalks, and panoramic views across three countries. This section of the famous GR5 long-distance trail offers well-marked paths through the Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Nature Park, home to rare wildlife and distinctive sub-Arctic vegetation.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but stick to marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Best hiking is April-October, but winter offers stunning snow-covered landscapes. Start from Signal de Botrange visitor center for maps and current trail conditions.

Discover Durbuy - World's Smallest City

Wander through the cobblestone streets of this perfectly preserved medieval town, officially recognized as the world's smallest city. Browse artisan shops, sample local specialties like Durbuy ham and regional cheeses, and explore the surrounding countryside dotted with ancient castles and traditional farms.

Booking Tip: Visit midweek to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Many shops close on Mondays. Consider staying overnight to experience the magical evening atmosphere when day-trippers have left. Parking costs €2-5 per day in designated areas.

Getting There

The Belgian Ardennes is easily accessible from major Belgian cities and neighboring countries. From Brussels, take the train to Namur (1 hour) or Liège (1.5 hours), then connect to regional buses or rent a car for maximum flexibility. The region is about 2 hours by car from Brussels via the E411 motorway. International visitors can fly into Brussels Airport or Charleroi, both offering car rental services. For those coming from neighboring countries, the Ardennes is just 2 hours from Luxembourg City and 3 hours from Cologne, Germany.

Getting Around

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the Ardennes, as public transportation is limited in rural areas and many attractions are scattered across the countryside. The regional TEC bus network connects major towns but runs infrequently, especially on weekends. Cycling is popular for shorter distances, with many towns offering bike rentals and well-marked cycling routes. For river activities, most operators provide shuttle services. Consider staying in central locations like Dinant, Bouillon, or Durbuy to minimize driving distances between attractions.

Where to Stay

Dinant
Bouillon
Durbuy
Han-sur-Lesse
La Roche-en-Ardenne
Spa

Food & Dining

Ardennes cuisine celebrates the region's natural bounty with hearty dishes featuring wild game, river trout, and forest mushrooms. Local specialties include sanglier (wild boar), chevreuil (venison), and the famous Ardennes ham. Don't miss trying local cheeses like Herve and Maredsous, paired with regional beers from abbeys like Orval and Chimay. Traditional restaurants in villages like Bouillon and Durbuy serve authentic regional cuisine, while many establishments offer seasonal menus featuring foraged ingredients. The region is also known for its artisanal chocolates and local honey.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belgium

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pasta Divina

4.6 /5
(2986 reviews) 2

A L’Angolo

4.5 /5
(2732 reviews) 2
store

Pasta Factory

4.8 /5
(1083 reviews) 2

Dolce Amaro

4.7 /5
(858 reviews) 2

Osteria Bolognese

4.7 /5
(680 reviews) 2

La Mamma

4.6 /5
(672 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit the Ardennes is late spring through early autumn (May-October) when hiking trails are accessible and outdoor activities are at their peak. Summer offers the warmest weather for river activities and camping, though popular destinations can be crowded. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, while autumn transforms the forests into a spectacular display of golden and red foliage. Winter can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, though some attractions have reduced hours and weather can limit outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Many castles and attractions offer combined tickets - ask at the first location you visit for potential savings on subsequent sites
The Ardennes American Cemetery near Henri-Chapelle provides a moving tribute to WWII history and offers free guided tours on weekends
Local tourist offices sell the 'Ardennes-Etape' discount card providing significant savings on accommodations, attractions, and activities throughout the region

Explore Activities in Ardennes