Hiking in Belgium
Including Meuse Valley and Namur Cliffs, Ourthe Valley and Durbuy Trails, and Semois Valley (Bouillon to Vresse). On the map.
The vibe
Hiking in Belgium feels like wandering through the Ardennes, where ancient forests meet quiet villages, a contrast to rugged mountain hikes elsewhere. The best time is spring to early autumn when the trails are green and accessible. Most hikers find the experience fairly local, with small groups and easy trail markings.
national park pass
Meuse Valley and Namur Cliffs
Namur
Jérémy-Günther-Heinz Jähnick / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Meuse Valley is characterized by steep limestone escarpments and historical fortresses overlooking the river. Hikers can explore the 'Sentiers de la Meuse', which offer challenging climbs and panoramic vistas of the winding waterway.
Access. The trails are accessible from Namur or Dinant, with many routes starting near the Citadelle of Namur.
Ourthe Valley and Durbuy Trails
Luxembourg
BUFO88 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Ourthe Valley features dramatic limestone cliffs, winding river bends, and dense forest ridges perfect for day hiking. The terrain is rugged and scenic, offering a classic Ardennes experience with rewarding views over the river valley.
Access. Easily reached from the town of Durbuy; numerous well-marked circular trails start directly from the town center.
Semois Valley (Bouillon to Vresse)
Namur
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Semois River carves deep, serpentine loops through the southern Ardennes, creating a landscape of steep wooded hills and narrow ridges. The 'Grand Randonnée' routes here offer some of the most strenuous and rewarding day hikes in Belgium.
Access. Best accessed from the town of Bouillon; multiple trailheads are located along the river banks between Bouillon and Vresse-sur-Semois.
Westhoek Nature Reserve
West Flanders
Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Westhoek is the largest dune area on the Belgian coast, offering a wild, shifting landscape of sand hills and coastal scrub. Hikers can traverse the marked paths that wind through the dunes, providing a unique coastal hiking experience away from the urbanized beaches.
Access. Located near De Panne; the main trailheads are accessible from the edge of the nature reserve near the French border.
Notes. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile dune ecosystem.