You have probably seen images of the impressive Reinhardstein Castle. Perched on a crag, surrounded by the wooded valley of the Warche River, it is an image that could jump straight out of a Disney fairy tale. Of course, you can also enjoy walking in the woods around the castle. ‘How?’ you may ask. I’m going to explain that to you!
Practical Info:
- Distance: 5.2 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Start: Parking du barrage, Robertville
- Signs: blue rectangles
- Download GPX
Starting at the car park of the dam
The start of this hike is located in the car park next to the Robertville dam, also known as the ‘parking du barrage’. This is a relatively small parking lot for the number of hikers who come to do the hike and see the castle. So on a nice day, you have to be lucky to find a spot. Or you can park your car on the other side of the dam.
The Hiking Route
In the car park, you will find a large sign with four different hiking routes. Only two of them pass by the castle of Reinhardstein. I myself did the short route of 5.2 km, called ‘Panorama de la Warche’. If you prefer longer walking routes, you can also opt for the 17 km long route called ‘Les crêtes de la Warche’. This route follows roughly the same path as the shorter version but goes all the way to the Rocher de Falize viewpoint.
The hike starts high through the forest and actually there is not much to see at first because of the foliage. At the time of my visit, they were cutting down a number of trees for forest management, which exceptionally gave me a wide view of the castle.
The route takes you along the valley of the river Warche, where you will come across the Nez Napoléon viewpoint after quite some time. This rock that sticks out like a nose gives you a nice overview of the valley. After this viewpoint, you continue to hike up through the forest, on narrow forest paths, while one panorama after another glides past you.
At some point, the descent to the river begins. The banks of this river are an unusually beautiful place for a little rest. Without hesitation, I installed myself on a rock along the water to eat my well-deserved snack. You cross the water twice via wooden bridges, after which you continue your way along the river. The current is fast, but the adventurous hiker can certainly refresh his or her overheated feet in it.
Then you start a steep climb back up. Even before you reach the top of the hill you will encounter a sign ‘cascade’. This leads you to the waterfall of Reinhardstein. The water falls no less than 60 metres, making it the highest waterfall in Belgium. It takes a while to find it, but with the castle towering above it, it is definitely worth it!
Once you have admired the waterfall, you retrace your steps and continue your way up until you have a beautiful view of Reinhardstein Castle again. The climb to it is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Fortunately, the most difficult part of the hike is then over. You will arrive at the entrance of Reinhardstein Castle which you can also visit.
During weekends and school holidays, there are guided tours that show you all about the history of the castle. The tours are every hour from 11 am to 4 pm. During the summer holidays, there are even candlelight walks and also during the other school holidays, they organise special events.
From the castle to the start of the hike it is not very far. Once you have arrived back at the parking lot, you can go to Chalet du Barrage for a drink and a delicious piece of cake or invigorating croque monsieur.
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome on a lead.
- It is not possible to do the walk with a buggy.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the path can be muddy.
Other hikes that start here
The ridges of the Warche – 17 km – green rectangle
In the valley of the Poncé – 8 km – red rectangle – easy walk
Along the shores of the lake – 6 km – yellow rectangle – around the reservoir
