5 Beautiful hikes to do this summer

Looking for the best treks to do this summer? We know that feeling! Belgium has lots of beautiful free walks. There’s so many, it’s hard to choose which one to do next. Don’t worry we’ve collected the top five just for you. You’ll be seeing the best of Belgium’s natural beauty as you stroll, hike or run these routes. We’ve got all the info you need to get your walk started.

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GPX files, signage info, and maps when we can! All you need to bring is your legs, a water bottle, camera, and determination. All the walks are free too! These walks look their absolute best in the summer when nature is in full bloom and the sun is shining down on the rivers. Solo hike Chemins or bring the whole family to discover beautiful castles. Tie up your shoes and let’s get started! You can also find all of these and more on our map.

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1. Chemins de Solitude Hike

🧭Saint-Hubert, Luxembourg

This stunning part of the Ardennes region has amazing views of nature and is perfect for any trek. But the Chemins de solitude hike is a must thing to do and a real highlight of the region. The “solitude” hike is a great free solo hike for all you experienced trekkers, but even beginners need to give it a try. This hike is well-signposted, so your chances of getting lost are close to zero!

What you’ll see

You’ll start in the town of Saint-Hubert. Did you know that this town is named after the saint of the Ardennes? Take a look at the cathedral, it’s super pretty. After that, set off from the starting point (Rue du Panorama 6870 Saint-Hubert) for a 20km walk. You’ll be trekking through forests and walking by gorgeous rivers. Chemins is known for its beautiful, natural views and enchanting atmosphere. Straight out of a fairy tale!

Walk details

Length: 20 km (12.4 miles), 4-5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Signage: follow the blue triangle signs

Chemins is perfect for trekkers who want a little bit of a challenge. Are you a beginner looking to level up your walking skills this summer? Chemins is just what you need with all the benefits of Mother Nature to boot. There are a few hills along the walk (about 500m total) to get your heart rate up.

Find the GPX file, map and starting point by clicking below!

2. Ninglinspo

🧭Aywaille, Liege

Ninglinspo is a well-known summer walk for a reason. This walking trail takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Ardennes. Locals and tourists alike come here to escape the city. Join them on a family-friendly adventure. Unlike Chemins, Ninglinspo in the summer might not be your best bet for a thoughtful, peaceful trek. Instead, Ninglinspo is a perfect summer hangout for groups and families. Grab your walking shoes for one of the best walks to do this summer.

What you’ll see

Welcome to the Ardennes. On the Ninglinspo walk this summer, you’ll see the best of Belgium’s nature. Valleys, waterfalls and woods are waiting to be discovered. Ninglinspo is a well-known walk for its abundance of pretty rivers. On this 7 km walk, you’ll see picturesque streams and mini waterfalls. Come along on a sunny day in summer and you’ll probably see locals and tourists taking a dip in the rivers too.

Walk details‍

Length: 7 km (4.3 miles), 1-2 hours ‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: follow the blue rectangle signs

This 7km walk option on Ninglinspo is perfect for families, groups and couples. Beginner trekkers can get started this summer on a beautiful walk through the nature of the Ardennes. There is another trail nearby that is more challenging if that’s what you’re looking for!

Make sure to bring your sturdy walking shoes. This isn’t a regular stroll through the park. The walk might be suitable for beginners, but not beginners in sandals. You’ll be strolling by and on the Ardennes streams. Rock and mud and super common on this walking path.

Find the starting point by clicking below! Plus, the 14km+ hike option for all of you experienced trekkers.

3. Vêves Castle to Walzin Castle

🧭Houyet, Namur

Two castles for the lovely price of one walk. Both castles are known for their beauty. This walk is well worth the trip. There’s free parking right by the starting point too and the trail is actually suitable for cyclists if that’s more of your thing. The walk is an easy going 15 km, signposted, and a must for all you photographers.

What you’ll see

Castles! Belgium is famous for its thousands of castles. We can’t promise you that many on a single walk, but this walk from Château de Vêves has two to enjoy; Vêves itself and the nearby Castle Walzin. The two castles are the highlight of the walk, but the surrounding nature of the castles is beautiful too, making the walk pleasant the whole way. Along the walking route, you’ll be surrounded by trees, stroll through open fields, and get all the fresh air you need. Both castles are known for their beauty and look even better in the summer.

Vêves Castle looks a lot like the castle from Sleeping Beauty. Step into a fairy tale walk this summer to Castle Walzin. Walzin is one of the most beautiful castles in the entire country, and most certainly the best the Ardennes has to offer. The castle is right on the cliff edge by a river. Don’t miss this double castle walk this summer or you’ll regret it!

Walk details

Length: 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: follow the yellow and blue triangle - white-red GR signs

Suitable for beginners and families! Bring along the whole family and squad for a beautiful stroll over to these two castles. Cyclist are welcome too! More experienced trekkers might not find the challenge they’re looking for here, but this walk is still worth doing just to see the gorgeous castles.

The castles are more popular in the summer and you’re close to some roads, but other than that there’s not too much to be on the lookout for. The walk is pretty easy going with lots of flat walking path areas.

Find the GPX file, map and starting point by clicking below!

4. Three Valleys Hike

🧭Malmedy, Liege

Head over to Malmedy this summer for a beautiful walk out in Wallonia. You get exactly what it says on the tin. The hike takes you to three beautiful valleys of Belgium. You’ll start by Moulin du Bayehon, then trek to Fagnes du Seta, and end by Bayehon valley. A must for nature lovers and one perfect for Instagram. Don’t forget your camera - this is one summer hike you’ll want to remember.

What you’ll see

Of course, the three valleys are beautiful and show off stunning views from above. Below the valleys, you’ll walk amongst the streams and look up at the rocks and trees. There isn’t a better walk this summer for nature lovers! Get to the top of the valleys and stop for a picnic with the best views around Malmedy. Along the valleys, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls. Dip your toes into the fresh water as you take a break. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous oak tree along this hike too. The tree, Vieux Chêne, is a 10 minute stroll of the main path and well worth the detour!

Walk details

Length: 20 km (12.4 miles), 6 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Signage: No signage. Use the GPX and map.

There’s an ascent of 366 m. Not the biggest ascent, but enough to challenge some. The walk is moderate, suitable for beginners who want a challenge and experienced trekkers wanting to stretch their legs. The reward for the ascent is 100% worth it for views of the valley.

The walk gets rocky, so you’ll need good walking shoes. Bring some water too! We have seen some families on this hike, but we really only recommend it for families with older children.

Find the GPX file and map by clicking below!

5. Plateau des Tailles

🧭Vielsalm, Luxembourg

Rise to new heights this summer! Head over to Vielsalm in the Ardennes for a free, family friendly hike. Plateau des Tailles is the highest point of the Luxembourg province. At a respectable 652m, Plateau des Tailles is the second highest point of Belgium. Around the heart of the plateau is the Fagne Sacrawe walking trail. This family friendly walk has pretty sights to see and some surprises along the way.

What you’ll see

The Fagne Sacrawe trek has lots of pretty wooden bridges on the walking trail through the boggy areas. These wooden bridges are what you’ll always see over social media - they’re super pretty. But the forest path and the villages you walk by are beautiful too. Plateau des Tailles is a protected nature area, too. So, in the summer, you’re sure to have butterflies and birds crossing your path. Climb to the top of the observation tower for amazing views over the plateau.

Walk details

Length: 6 km (3.7 miles), 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: follow the blue and white cross signs

The plateau has some boggy areas, so make sure to stick to the walking path in those places. If you’re bringing your dog, make sure to keep them on a lead otherwise they’ll be a muddy mess in the big and could get lost. The walk is easy to do without any hills, rocky bits or bumps so you could even bring a stroller if you wanted.

Find the starting point and more details by clicking below!

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