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Discover Belgium’s hidden hiking gems: top trails to explore

Written by Fiona

September 06 2024

Belgium is home to stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it a premium destination for hikers from all over the world. If you are searching for the best hiking trails in the country, read on:

How to Travel to Belgium

Before we get into the details about hiking, it is essential to know how to travel to Belgium. That said, there are a few ways to travel to the country, including air, sea, road or rail. Your choice will often depend on the starting point and/or personal preference.

For example, if you are travelling from South Africa, boarding a plane might be the best choice. Similarly, you could still choose to also travel by air from closer starting points, such as Luxembourg or Lille, if you want to save time.

People from the UK enjoy a wide array of travel options to Belgium’s capital city of Brussels. One of the best options for most visitors is by rail. Trains take about two hours to travel from London to Brussels, however, some make a stop at Lille (France), which will increase that time. Tickets are generally affordable regardless of booking time and travel class.

But, if you want to save some money, book your train ticket from London to Brussels in advance to get the best deals possible.

Great Sonian Forest. Credit: Kyle Wagaman

Tips for Picking the Best Hiking Trail in Belgium

Picking a hiking trail is as important as choosing the right mode of transport. It is essential to find a path that aligns with your abilities, preferences and goals. Here are the top tips to help you find exactly that:

Difficulty Level

Difficulty level for hiking refers to the degree of challenges a path presents to the hiker’s skills and physical ability. The best hiking trails in Belgium are often classified into three levels, including easy, moderate and strenuous, based on the distance, elevation and terrain.

Easy hiking trails are suited for everyone, including kids, older people and individuals with limited physical abilities. Hikes labelled moderate are more suited for intermediate-level hikers while strenuous hiking trails are reserved for seasoned hikers in good physical shape.

Here are some recommendations:

Hiking in Belgium. Credit: JeanLuc/Adobe Stock

Easy trail: Tros-Marets Canyon in the Hautes-Fagnes-Eifel Nature Park (4.8km).

Moderate Trail: Roches Crahay Rocks in the Ninglinspo Valley (14km).

Strenuous: Great Sonian Forest Loop (59.1 km).

Attractions and Sceneries

Hiking is better when combined with sightseeing. As such, it is important to consider scenery and attractions when picking a hiking trail in Belgium. Ask yourself questions such as: Do I want a trail with high elevation to soak in great views? Are wooded areas with streams high on my scenic agenda? Do I want to take pictures beside a cascading waterfall? The key is to find hiking trails that offer a perfect balance for both abilities and attractions. For scenic trails with picturesque landscapes, we recommend any trail in the Semois Valley.

Key takeaways

With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrains, Belgium is a great destination for hikers from different parts of the globe. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned hiker, there is a perfect hiking trail for you to explore. But, don’t take our word for it – pick your preferred hiking route today (based on difficulty level and personal preference) and try it out.

  • A collaborative post.
Written by Fiona September 06 2024 Please support this website Buy me a glass of wine

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