Our country is best known for its chocolate, beer and historic cities, but what most people don’t know is that it is also home to a wealth of natural beauty for hiking enthusiasts. From rolling hills and dense forests to impressive rock formations and babbling brooks, the Belgian landscape is surprisingly diverse!
In this blog I would like to take you along the 13 most beautiful hikes in Belgium, all of which guarantee breathtaking views and a touch of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. I have already tested numerous hiking trails in our little country of Belgium and chose these 13 hikes as the very best. Grab your hiking boots, fill your backpack with some snacks and let’s go!
New: e-book ’25 Best Hikes in Belgium’
This e-book provides you with everything you need to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in Belgium. From detailed route descriptions to the best sights along the way – from now on you will be fully prepared to hit the road.
The most beautiful hikes in Belgium
1. Ninglinspo hike
We begin this list with a classic: the Ninglinspo hike. This adventure trail in the Ardennes follows a babbling mountain stream through a fairytale landscape of waterfalls and rocks. The sound of running water and the gentle crunching of leaves under your feet are pure tranquility.
The trail is not always easy, with steep sections and rocky paths, but that makes it all the more fun for those who like a little challenge. Be sure to bring your camera; the Ninglinspo is breathtakingly beautiful at every meter!
Information about this hike:
Distance: 6 km
Starting point: Parking Ninglinspo in Sedoz
Marking: blue rectangles
Level of difficulty: medium
2. Hoëgne hike
My personal favorite! If you ever want to feel like you’re walking into a fairy tale, the Promenade de la Hoëgne is the place to go. This hike in the Belgian Ardennes takes you along a winding river that keeps surprising you with its waterfalls and clear water. The path is surrounded by lush forests, with wooden bridges that offer you fantastic views of the rugged nature. Especially in autumn, when the foliage lights up in fiery hues of red and orange, it’s like walking through a living painting.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 10 km
Starting point: Pont de Belleheid, Jalhay
Signs: blue cross
Difficulty: medium
3. Terhills purple route
From an industrial mining site to a breathtaking natural park, Terhills in Maasmechelen has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years. This unique part of the Hoge Kempen National Park offers three beautiful hiking trails, ranging from 3.6 to 9.5 km, where nature and history come together. The longer purple route of 9.5 km takes you past magnificent vistas, towering mine shafts and lakes. The perfect setting for an unforgettable hiking experience along one of the most beautiful walks in Belgium!
Information about this hike:
Distance: 9.5 km
Starting point: access gate Terhills (Zetellaan 54, 3630 Maasmechelen)
Signs: purple trapezium
Difficulty: difficult
4. Les Deux Rochers hike
The hike Les Deux Rochers in the Malmedy region is a breathtaking hike that takes you past two spectacular rock formations: the Rocher de Falize and the Rocher de Warche. The highlight is a 70-meter-high rock with an impressive view of the picturesque Warche valley and its winding river.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 9.2 km
Starting point: 7 Rue Saint Aubin, 4960 Malmedy or Ferme des Bruyères
Signs: blue rectangles
Difficulty: easy
5. Les Deux Ourthes hike
The Nisramont lake is one of the most idyllic hiking spots in Belgium. The loop hike around the lake, known as “Les Deux Ourthes,” takes its name from the two branches of the Ourthe that feed the lake.
This route is highly recommended for lovers of adventurous walks. Think winding forest paths, breathtaking views over the water and challenging altimeters that give the hike that extra something.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 15 km
Starting point: Barrage de Nisramont
Signs: red diamond
Difficulty: difficult
6. Promenade des échelles in Rochehaut
Are you looking for a truly challenging hiking experience? Then the Ladders Walk, also known as Promenade des Échelles, in the charming village of Rochehaut is an absolute must! Located in the beautiful province of Luxembourg, between Vresse-sur-Semois and Bouillon, this hike takes you past phenomenal views of the winding Semois River. Along the way, you have to clamber along wooden and metal ladders that require a dose of guts and agility. Meanwhile, it is not only one of the most beautiful walks in Belgium, but also one of the most famous.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 7 km
Starting point: Church of Rochehaut
Signs: red rectangle – number 43
Difficulty: difficult
7. Bronnenwandeling in Voeren
The Bronnenwandeling in Voeren, voted the ‘most beautiful walk in Flanders’ by Vlaanderen Vakantieland in 2012, is an absolute gem in the Voerstreek in Limburg. This junction walk takes you through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, lush forests and vast fields. Along the way, you’ll discover the beauty of babbling brooks and historic springs that give the region its name.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 9 km
Starting point: VCCV Het Veltmanshuis in Sint-Martens-Voeren
Signs: nodes 54 – 67 – 66 – 65 – 64 – 63 – 62 – 60 – 57 – 56 – 55 – 47 – 91 – 48 – 54
Difficulty: average
8. Park Furfooz
Those who love taking Instagram-worthy photos while hiking may know this hike. Parc de Furfooz offers a unique 4 km hike through a beautiful nature reserve with impressive caves. While hiking you can clamber through small caves, see remnants of Roman ruins and get regular breathtaking views of the Lesse Valley. This is one of the few hikes in Belgium where you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee, as the proceeds go to the maintenance of the park. Halfway you’ll find a small open-air restaurant selling little snacks and beverages which is perfect for a stop at noon! The healthy snacks will give you the energy you need to complete the rest of the hike.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 4 km
Starting point: Réserve Naturelle de Furfooz
Signs: wooden signs
Difficulty: easy
9. Les Crêtes hike
During this hike in the charming village of Herbeumont, you will walk along the winding Semois River. After a tough climb, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Le Tombeau du Chevalier – a majestic hill formed by the river. This viewpoint may not be as well known as the nearby Tombeau du Géant, but it is at least as beautiful!
Information about this hike:
Distance: 6.2 km
Starting point: Herbeumont Tourism
Signs: green rectangles
Difficulty: medium
10. Le Hérou hike
From one beautiful viewpoint in the Ardennes to another. And in terms of challenge, this short but intense hike can count. The Le Hérou hiking route takes you along impressive perpendicular cliffs, where you descend with the help of a sturdy chain. Especially in the autumn months, when the surrounding forests turn beautiful colors, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in Belgium.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 3.5 km
Starting point: Parking Hotel Le Belvédère de Nadrin
Signs: blue-white signs & GR signs
Difficulty: difficult
11. Lommel Sahara
Did you know that we also have a desert in Belgium? The Lommel Sahara has been part of National Park Bosland since late 2023 and offers a surprising mix of sandy plains, a beautiful lake and shady coniferous forests. It is also called the hottest place in Belgium, but fortunately the trees provide the necessary cooling.
I chose the 12 km long red hiking trail, a wonderfully varied hike with breathtaking views. Think 12 km is a bit too much? No worries, there are also shorter routes available so everyone can enjoy this unique desert experience. A hidden gem you should definitely have visited!
Information about this hike:
Distance: 12 km
Starting point: Parking De Soeverein (Sportveldenstraat 10)
Signs: red triangles
Difficulty: easy
12. Panorama de la Warche
Most hikers come here for the views of the fairy-tale Reinhardstein Castle. But this hike in the Malmedy region is worthwhile on its own. You’ll hike over varied terrain, from narrow forest paths to open panorama points and through the Warche Valley. For a full hiking weekend, you can combine this hike with hike Les Deux Rochers.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 5.2 km
Starting point: Parking du barrage, Robertville
Signs: blue rectangles
Difficulty: average
13. Mettekoven orange route
Looking for a fun hike for spring? The orange walk in Mettekoven was once recommended to me and it did not disappoint. During the hike, you are immersed in a sea of blossoms: white and pink flowers adorn the pear, cherry and apple trees, while the sweet smell of spring tickles your senses.
Along the route you will also find informative signs about fruit cultivation and the landscape, allowing you not only to enjoy nature, but also to learn more about the rich tradition of this region.
Information about this hike:
Distance: 4 km
Starting point: Mettekoven
Signs: orange ball
Difficulty: easy
Conclusion
These are 13 of the best hikes in Belgium I personally hiked and approved! Of course, this is only a tiny bit of all the possible hikes you can do in Belgium. If you want more inspiration and useful info about hiking in Belgium, check out my ebook with the 25 best hikes in Belgium!
New: e-book ’25 Best Hikes in Belgium’
This e-book provides you with everything you need to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in Belgium. From detailed route descriptions to the best sights along the way – from now on you will be fully prepared to hit the road.
