5 essential hikes in Wallonia

The High Fens region extends from southern Belgium into Germany. It is a protected area where exceptional fauna and flora thrive. We had barely walked the first few meters from our car park at the Botrange Signal (Highest point in Belgium) when we were amazed by this landscape stretching out before our eyes.

On one side, we find the atmosphere of the savanna with the dry tall grasses and the few trees that offer shade in the middle of the vast High Fens plateau. On the other, a dense forest where the sun's rays pierce the thick branches of the conifers to allow a soft golden light to pass through.  In the middle, the famous High Fens walkways which help keep our feet dry because despite the dry tall grasses, the ground can be very wet and hide small water holes.

You understand, this 9-kilometer hike from the Botrange Signal offers a unique landscape in Belgium. Every step is a real discovery through this enchanted and diverse nature.

The Chaleux Needles are a rocky massif on the Lesse river in the heart of the Namur province. This natural monument is part of the exceptional heritage of Wallonia, a must-see to discover on foot on a beautiful sunny day.

We enjoyed our hike to the Aiguilles de Chaleux so much that we dedicated a whole article to it. You can find the full account of this hike, our GPX track, and all the practical information in it.

With its 227 hectares of woods, meadows and ponds, the Solvay Regional Estate is the perfect place to stretch your legs on the weekend as a family. A little haven of peace located in Walloon Brabant, bordering Flanders.

Standing on the hill amidst a vast lawn, the magical Château de La Hulpe stands. From there, various paths lead into the forest, to the ponds around, to the panorama or even to the Folon Foundation.

We discovered the beautiful Lake Nisramont during our rooftop tent weekend last summer. A true green lung in the heart of the 2 Ourthes Nature Park. A hiking trail goes around this reservoir lake, but be warned, the elevation change is present and the hike can be more challenging than expected.

It is also a popular spot for paddleboard or packraft enthusiasts. In the summer, you can observe dozens of them taking to the Ourthe from the hut next to the dam. If adventure calls, you can even rent one on site.

If you follow us on Instagram, you know that the Enghien park was a real favourite for us! We were impressed by the richness and diversity it offers: landscaped gardens, undergrowth, ponds and its famous Seven Stars Pavilion.

Pavilion of the Seven Stars is built in the middle of a 7-pointed star and is quite surprising as it seems lost in the middle of the forest. This place is a must-see in the Enghien park and is worth the trip on its own.

Here ends our article on our must-do hikes in Wallonia. Did you know them? Which ones have you done? Tell us in the comments, we're curious!

For more escape ideas and to discover even more of Belgium, find all our articles about our beautiful country here.