The town is one of the region's tourist hubs, which is easy to understand when you realise how much there is to see and do here! The surrounding area is not to be overlooked, with breathtaking scenery, charming villages and traces of the past.
Known as the capital of Belgium’s German-speaking community, Eupen is a wonderfully vibrant city packed with great things to see and do.
Eupen is an understated city. Although less popular than Liège, Namur or Mons, it is well worth a visit. You can get lost in the streets and admire historical monuments, townhouses and Baroque-style buildings dating back to the peak of the woollen cloth industry that gave the city its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries. Unless, that is, you prefer shopping, gourmet restaurants, museums (like the chocolate museum or contemporary art museum) or cultural traditions - the famous Rosenmontag (’Rose Monday’) and the Rhenish carnival with its entertaining parade perfectly demonstrate the party spirit, hospitality and openness of Eupen’s people.
Unparalleled Surroundings
One of Eupen’s biggest advantages is definitely its excellent location within a magnificent natural landscape, close to two unique nature reserves, Hertogenwald (Forest of the Dukes) and the High Fens natural park. You can go to the ‘Maison Ternell’ nature centre in any season for guided walks (for all ages). In the winter, you can hire skis to use on the many cross-country skiing trails. Plus, you mustn’t forget the unmissable visitor centre at the Vesdre dam on Lake Eupen (the largest artificial lake in Belgium), which offers a multitude of activities (hiking, climbing, cycling and mountain biking). Not to mention, Eupen is also home to the biggest indoor go-karting centre in Europe!
Copyright pictures: Visit Ardenne
With its imposing rock, citadel and banks along the Meuse, Dinant is an invitation to escape. Its history and many activities which are as varied as they are enjoyable, make it a must-see destination, that you’ll never get tired of discovering again and again!
You can’t not follow the famous Bayard Rock passage to enter the town. The children's faces will be stuck to the window and everyone will feel that little quiver that comes at key moments. Yes, a visit to Dinant will awaken your senses! First, the view! Because in Dinant, all eyes immediately turn to its sumptuous citadel. From the top of its rock, it keeps a protective watch over the town. To get up there, the cable car awaits, ready to begin its ascent above the void. Unless you’d prefer to climb its stairs with 408 steps? It doesn’t matter in the end: the panorama will be just as superb. A vertiginous place. A place steeped in history too!
All kinds of activities
Lower down, the town of Adolphe Sax, famous inventor of the saxophone, bustles around its collegiate church. Take the time to discover the pretty streets and squares before gliding along the water on one of the many Mosan cruises or on board a kayak or electric boat. And the trip doesn’t stop there! The region is brimming with treasures of all kinds: from ‘la Merveilleuse’ cave to Freÿr Castle and its splendid gardens or Molignée Valley and its abbeys or the Maison du Patrimoine Mosan in Bouvignies, Dinant and its surrounding area have more than one trick up their sleeve to surprise you again and again!
Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape / VisitArdenne
Who hasn’t heard of the “smallest city in the world”? With its paved streets, old houses, history, gastronomy and, of course, its incredible natural environment, Durbuy is a dream for those who love authenticity. It will take you on a sensory journey that’s sure to leave an impression!
There’s no doubt the town is small! With only 400 residents in its centre, Durbuy’s title comes from King John of Bohemia, Count of Luxembourg, who gave it ‘city’ status in 1331. This title has become its slogan. But it also has a great capacity to surprise its visitors. Full of life, you’ll always hear the Ourthe River babbling, you’ll stroll back through its history of limestone houses with slate roofs dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, Romanesque churches, castle farm, its belvedere overlooking the city and the valley, and, of course, its castle. Durbuy municipality is also famous for the Wéris and Oppagne megaliths (the most wonderful set of dolmens and menhirs in the country!).
Majestic and adventurous
Durbuy is also a spectacular geographical setting that will delight nature and sports lovers as well as adventurers. Feel like going beyond your limits? Then Adventure Valley has all the new challenges you’re looking for with more than 25 activities for all ages and tastes. Would you prefer to be charmed by the Topiary Park with its 250 sculptures, all as enchanting and impressive as each other, or savour its authentic cuisine? You’re not alone! Durbuy leaves nothing to be desired. And this is why, with its rich tourist heritage, it continues to attract visitors at all times of the year. Always bustling with markets (don’t miss its essential Christmas market!), fairs and festivals, Durbuy is a small city where you’ll never get bored!
Copyright pictures: Ardennes-étape
It is THE most important town in Wallonia for World War II sites! Immerse yourself in Bastogne’s history while enjoying the beauty of the Ardennes landscape...
Just a stone’s throw from Stavelot and close to Malmedy, Coo is a charming Ardennes village with two major attractions; its waterfall and an amusement park. The kids will love spending time there!
The Ardennes countryside at Coo is impressive. Its wooded valleys and natural waterfall are on the list of ‘must-do’ local activities. Not only that, the hydroelectric plant, where water tumbles 15 metres into the Amblève river, is the most important one in Belgium. The children will be enchanted by Plopsa Coo amusement park and they’ll have a wonderful time. Not to mention the mums and dads! Inside the park, a 700-metre-long chair lift offers you some magnificent views of the area.
Fun for all
Besides its amazing amusement park, the region is packed with all kinds of other activities, to delight people of all ages. A footpath around the lake guides to the heart of nature, to discover the fauna. Not far away, visit the game park, head downstream in a kayak or do a donkey ride, try out some caving, archery or the zip line at Coo Adventure… You can even ski down the slopes in the winter season!
And if you are inspired by the region, visit Stavelot, right next door, or Malmedy, only a 15 minute drive away!
Copyright photos: Ardennes-étape
In the Belgian Ardennes, Spa is the town of water and relaxation par excellence. With its thermal baths, casino, racetrack and numerous cultural events, it appeals to couples, families and groups of friends alike.
Located in the south of the province of Liège, Spa is especially famous for its thermal baths. Here you can relax and be pampered, with your toes in the air and a cocktail in hand. The word “spa”, meaning thermal bath, originates here, which shows just how symbolic the town is. After a day of relaxation, take a stroll through the quaint streets where restaurants and shops sit side by side. In July, Spa’s neighbourhoods transform with the arrival of the Francofolies music festival. The lively atmosphere attracts people of all ages who come to enjoy the line-up of francophone acts! Motor sport enthusiasts will love the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which is active throughout the year.
A breath of fresh air
If you want to get some fresh air, take a trip to Lake Warfaaz and see how it changes colour with the seasons. Here you can walk, fish, eat and drink and take the kids to the playground. The Domaine de Berinzenne is also well worth a visit. On the edge of the Fagne de Malchamps, you will find a number of signposted walks, a panoramic tower, picnic areas and museums. In short, everything you need for a relaxing break with your loved ones!
Copyright Photos: Ardennes-Etape
Renowned for its carnival, Malmedy is a vibrant, festive fairy-tale town. Add walks that are accessible throughout the seasons and succulent culinary treats (giant omelette, Russian salad or ‘kisses’) and you have an unmissable destination in the Belgian Ardennes!
Culture and folklore: these two words describe Malmedy to a T. If you’re passing through the regions during the carnival period, don’t miss its famous ‘Cwarmê’ which takes place on the three days before Shrove Tuesday. This huge popular festival combines traditional music, costumes, a procession and local culinary specialities such as Russian salad or peket (fruit brandy). You’ll feast your eyes! Furthermore, one thing’s for sure – in Malmedy, they never miss an opportunity to celebrate: Saint Peter’s fair, the giant omelette on 15th August, the Vibrations festival and many other events liven up the town throughout the year.
Hikes and History
Malmedy is not just for those who love folklore – it will melt your heart for a thousand other reasons. Do you like hikes? Many signposted routes take you on walks through nature, whether you’re experienced walkers or beginners. In winter, sports lovers can put on their skis to hurtle down the region’s slopes in a fairylike atmosphere. Are you more history buffs? At the Malmundarium, an old monastery that has been completely renovated, discover temporary exhibitions and various permanent workshops like the cathedral’s treasure. Not to mention Baugnez 44 museum which tells you all about the history of the Second World War. In a nutshell, the whole family will find what they’re looking for in this vibrant town!
Copyright pictures : C. Crasson, G.Massin et Syndicat d'Initiative de Malmedy
A town famous for the annual Laetare Carnival and its ‘Blanc Moussis’ or ‘white-clad’ figures, Stavelot is full of pretty houses, narrow streets to explore and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
With 500 inhabitants, Redu is one of the smallest villages in the Belgian Ardennes and also one of the best known. And for good reason, Redu is the place to be for all book lovers, a lovely little paradise that will quickly win your heart!
Are you ready for a book hunt? You will love browsing in the many second-hand bookshops and strolling through the narrow streets of this charming town, full of authentic character. If you are an avid reader, don't miss the annual Literary Festival which takes place during the Easter weekend, or the Night of Books in August, when the shops stay open all night. With the village lit up and artists providing the ambiance, you will be seduced by the magical and poetic atmosphere that emanates from the place.
Nestled between culture and nature
You can’t visit Redu without also being seduced by its charm and beautiful natural scenery. Take the opportunity to go on a long hike to discover the surrounding countryside of this pretty corner of the province of Luxembourg! An outing not to miss? Become an astronaut for the day at the Euro Space Centre and enjoy the fascinating and unique experience of a journey into space. Make memories to cherish with this sensational experience! Looking for something a little different? Discover art in a new, fun and attractive way at the excellent Mudia Museum. The little ones will be won over too, we promise! And if you still want more, head for Rochefort or Han-sur-Lesse, both half an hour’s drive away.
Copyright photos :Visit Ardenne
Copyright photos :Visit Wallonia
