Hiking in Belgium

Find your hiking trail in Belgium

Belgium might not have the high mountains of some of its European neighbors, still, it has a lot to offer when it comes to nature and might surprise you with its beauty. Hiking in Belgium is a must if you love forests and walking through hills. The country has a lot of variety, from the Ardennes to the Belgian countryside to medieval towns in Flanders and Wallonia. The size of the country also means there’s a wide range of hiking trails within a relatively small area, making it easy to access the trails by public transport or car. There are even some great coastal trails near Bruges!

National Parks of Belgium

There are six national parks in Belgium, four in Flanders and two in Wallonia, that have a great trail network of both day-hiking and long-distance trails. The national parks in Wallonia are Parc National de L’Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse and Parc National de la Vallée de la Semois. In Flanders they are the Nationaal Park Scheldevallei, Nationaal Park Bosland, Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden, and the National Park Hoge Kempen.

National Park Hoge Kempen, which borders Germany, is one of the most unique areas in the country. The park is relatively new, and definitely a hidden gem. You’ll see that it’s filled with heathlands, pine forests, and lots of wildlife that are great for beginner long-distance hikers.

GR paths in Belgium

Belgium has an extensive network of GR paths (Grande Randonnée in French, or Grote Routepaden in Flemish), that form part of the larger European trail system. These long-distance trails go through all of Belgium and also link to other GR trails across Europe.

Hiking in the Ardennes

Hiking in the Ardennes region is a great starting point, as it has pretty mild terrain and valleys. Local “mountain huts,” such as the Chaveehut and Vennhütte, are comfortable resting points and can act as a great basecamp for exploring the region. There’s even a bivouac trail in the Ardennes between the rivers Lesse and Lomme in the heart of the region: Entre Lesse et Lomme.

However, Belgium has more than just beautiful nature. There’s so much history and cuisine that are great additions to the trails. The country’s architecture, museums, and historical sites that you’ll hike through are a cultural backdrop, while Belgian chocolates, beers, and waffles are great for your hiker hunger.

Climate

Belgium’s climate means year-round hiking since it’s so moderate. During the summer, the Flanders coastline, stretching 70km, becomes a prime destination for combining hiking with visits to seaside towns and historic cities like Bruges.

In winter, the High Fens Plateau, Belgium’s highest plateau, is a great destination for winter hikes! Despite the fact that there are no high mountains, the area’s landscapes are still appealing and accessible during snowy months, something that high mountains aren’t. Just be aware of the temperature drops in Belgium, especially in the Ardennes, as it can be quite cold during the winter months. Always pack your layers and rain gear with you. Happy trails!