The best walks and hikes in Belgium

Belgium offers a vast network of hiking trails, with over 86,000 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging ascents, catering to all experience levels.

The primary hiking regions include the Ardennes in the south, known for its dense forests and river valleys; the Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg, featuring heathlands and pine forests; and the misty Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) bordering Germany, with its unique bog landscapes.

Yes, Belgium has many easy trails. For instance, the Fairies, dwarves and beavers in Achouffe is an easy 5.6 km route, and the Valley of the Fairies Trail is another easy option at 5.3 km, both offering pleasant walks.

Absolutely. The Ardennes features sections of the GR16 long-distance trail, and the Hoge Kempen National Park offers its own National Park Trail, a multi-day hike covering over 100 km through diverse landscapes.

The Ardennes, particularly the Semois Valley, provides numerous panoramic viewpoints like the Tombeau du Géant. Many routes in this region, and others, pass through charming towns or near cafes. The Hoge Kempen National Park also has unique viewpoints from former mining slag heaps.

Many hiking trails in Belgium are dog-friendly, especially in natural parks and forests. However, it's always recommended to check local regulations for specific areas, as some nature reserves may require dogs to be on a leash or restrict access during certain seasons to protect wildlife.

Spring (April-May) is beautiful for blooming flowers, especially the bluebells in Hallerbos. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather for longer days. Autumn (September-October) brings stunning fall foliage, particularly in the Ardennes. Winter hiking is also possible, especially in the Hautes Fagnes, which offers a unique misty landscape.

Yes, Belgium has several impressive waterfalls. The Wilde Bäche in Sedoz: Ninglinspo und Chefna trail follows Belgium's only mountain river, featuring waterfalls. You can also visit the Bayehon Waterfall in the Ardennes, which is surrounded by attractive hiking paths.

Beyond the diverse landscapes, you can encounter unique natural landmarks. In the Ardennes, explore the Trôs Marets Valley or the rock formations in Parc de Furfooz. The Hautes Fagnes features the Brackvenn Moor Lakes. For underground wonders, consider visiting the Mine entrance and Geul sinkhole — Plombières Nature Reserve.

For those seeking a challenge, the Ardennes offers more difficult terrain. The Rochehaut Ladders Trail is a difficult 5.1 km route known for its ladders along steep sections and panoramic views over the Semois River. Another challenging option is Panoramic views, rocks and torrents in Xhoffraix.

Many regions offer circular routes. For example, in the Hautes Fagnes, you can enjoy Pleasure tour 12: "The great Vennrunde" Mont Rigi. The Around the Nisramont reservoir near La Roche-en-Ardenne is another popular circular option in the Ardennes.

The hiking experience in Belgium is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the dense forests of the Ardennes to the unique heathlands, and the well-maintained network of trails.