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Belgium for the Active: 7 hiking trails with the most beautiful views

June 11, 2025

Belgium, although often associated with quaint cities and delicious chocolates, hides real natural treasures that are best explored on your own feet. We invite you on a journey through 7 of the most beautiful hiking trails that offer not only breathtaking views, but also unforgettable adventures for the whole family. From the vast moors of the High Fens to the scenic river valleys, each of these trails has its own unique history and landscape to offer. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a family looking for a leisurely nature walk, you'll find a route in Belgium perfectly suited to your needs and abilities. Get your comfortable shoes ready, pack your backpacks, and set out with us to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Belgian nature!

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The amazing landscapes of the High Fens and the Ninglinspo Valley

Our journey begins at High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, Belgium's largest nature reserve. Spanning over 4,500 hectares, this unique ecosystem offers landscapes you won't encounter anywhere else in the country. Vast moors, bogs and forests create an extraordinary mosaic of colors, especially impressive in autumn. The trails in the High Fens are well marked and suitable for different levels of ability. For families with children, we recommend the route around Signal de Botrange, Belgium's highest point (694 meters above sea level), which offers an easy walk and panoramic views. More experienced hikers can choose longer routes, delving into the heart of the reserve.

It is worth remembering that the weather in the High Fens can be capricious, so always be prepared for changing conditions. The park also offers a visitor center where you can learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the area. According to tourist reviews, the High Fens is a place that 'lousy, but some mushrooms at least,' suggesting that in addition to beautiful views, there is also something for mushroom lovers.

The next point on our trek is the picturesque Ninglinspo Valley. The Balade du Ninglinspo is one of the most charming hiking trails in Belgium, leading along the crystal clear stream of the same name. This 6-kilometer route offers an unforgettable experience, leading through cascades, natural pools and rock formations. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections and stream crossings, adding to its adventurous nature.

Ninglinspo is especially popular in the warmer months, when the water invites you to cool off. It is worth remembering, however, that it can get quite crowded on weekends. As one tourist noted: 'Going to this place you can organize your time nicely. You can choose from several trails of varying difficulty and trail length. This makes Ninglinspo an ideal place for families with children of all ages.

Comparing the two places, High Fens offers more expansive and open spaces, ideal for those looking for peace and quiet and contact with wildlife. Ninglinspo, on the other hand, is a more dynamic route, full of surprises and water attractions, making it especially attractive for families with children and nature photography enthusiasts. Both places are accessible year-round, but are most beautiful from late spring to early autumn.

Diverse landscapes in the parks of the Hoge Kempen and Two Ourthes National Parks

Our journey continues in Hoge Kempen National Park, the first and only national park in Flanders. This unique area of more than 5,700 hectares offers a remarkable mosaic of landscapes, from heathland to dense pine forests and lakes formed after former gravel mines. The park is famous for its well-maintained hiking and biking trails that allow you to discover its diverse ecosystems.

One of the park's biggest attractions is its vast heathlands, which turn into a sea of purple flowers in August and September. As one visitor noted: 'Wonderful moors, it's worth going for a whole day and taking a leisurely stroll, as the place is beautiful.' The park offers several entry points, the most popular being Connecterra in Maasmechelen and Mechelse Heide in Maasmechelen. Each offers different experiences and views, making the park worth visiting several times at different times of the year.

Hoge Kempen National Park is especially family-friendly for families with children. It offers numerous nature trails, playgrounds and viewpoints for active exploration of nature. Note the diversity of flora and fauna - the park is home to many rare species of butterflies, birds and plants.

We now move to the Two Ourthes Nature Park (PNDO), which stretches over 76,000 hectares in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. This park offers a very different landscape from Hoge Kempen - a land of deep river valleys, dense forests and picturesque villages. The park is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity and is a paradise for nature lovers.

One of the most impressive sites in the park is the Hérou lookout point, offering breathtaking views of the meandering Ourthe River. The trail leading to this point is quite challenging, but the reward of the panorama is well worth the effort. As one tourist noted: 'It started from the Belverde Hotel, a beautiful area for walking. Regardless of what the previous reviews indicate; good footwear is necessary, sometimes you have to climb and climb and the route is followed by a rope.

The park also offers gentler trails, ideal for families with children or the elderly. Note the numerous opportunities for wildlife watching - the park is home to deer, wild boar and many species of birds.

Comparing the two parks, Hoge Kempen offers more open spaces and easier trails, ideal for families with young children and those looking for quiet walks. Two Ourthes Park, on the other hand, is for more experienced hikers, offering more varied terrain and greater challenges. Both parks are accessible year-round, but are most beautiful from late spring to early fall. It's worth remembering to prepare properly - the weather can change quickly in both parks, so always bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

The wild beauty of the Hoëgne Valley and adventure on the Les Échelles de Rochehaut trail

The next point on our hike is the charming Hoëgne Valley, known as one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Belgium. The Promenade de la Hoëgne is a trail about 6 kilometers long, leading along the wild Hoëgne River. The route offers unforgettable views of the rushing stream, numerous cascades and picturesque rock formations.

The trail in the Hoëgne Valley is relatively easy, but requires good footwear due to the rocky and sometimes slippery ground. It is an ideal place for families with children to enjoy the proximity to nature and fascinating views. As one tourist noted: 'Very nice light route among charming nature. Not much traffic. A good place for active relaxation and contact with nature.

The Hoëgne Valley is especially beautiful in spring, when the river is full of water after the snowmelt, and in autumn, when the surrounding forests shimmer with all shades of gold and red. It is worth remembering that the trail can be more difficult to walk after heavy rains, so always check conditions before setting out.

We end our journey on one of the most exciting trails in Belgium - Les Échelles de Rochehaut. Also known as the 'Ladder Trail,' this route offers an unforgettable experience and breathtaking views of the Semois River Valley.

The Les Échelles de Rochehaut trail is a true adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. The approximately 5-kilometer-long trail leads through picturesque forests, steep slopes and along cliffs, offering spectacular views of the meandering Semois River. The most exciting part of the trail is the metal ladders and rope bridges, which add an extra thrill to the route.

As one hiker noted: 'Great walk, but difficult if you are with children. It offered great views from the top, walking along the river, climbing ladders, etc.' This route is recommended for people in good physical condition and without fear of heights. It is not suitable for young children or people with limited mobility.

Comparing the two routes, the Hoëgne Valley offers a more leisurely and accessible trail, ideal for families with children and those looking for an easier route with beautiful views. Les Échelles de Rochehaut, on the other hand, is for adventurers and those who like a challenge, offering unforgettable experiences and views, but requiring good fitness and courage.

To sum up our journey through the Belgian trails, it is worth noting that each of the described routes offers unique experiences and views. From leisurely walks through the High Fens moors, to the scenic river valleys of Ninglinspo and Hoëgne, to the exhilarating challenges of Les Échelles de Rochehaut, Belgium has trails for every nature and outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a family looking for a quiet encounter with nature, you'll find a trail in Belgium perfectly suited to your needs and abilities. Remember to always be well prepared, respect nature and enjoy every step of your Belgian adventure!

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