These are the best places to travel this summer

The Ardennes

Belgium & Luxembourg Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Long exposure of stunning and popular waterfalls in the Belgian Ardennes, Waterfalls of Coo, province of Liege, Wallonia, Belgium. Beautiful nature and sunny day.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in The Ardennes

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, fresh air and greenery, head for Belgium’s southeastern corner. Here you’ll find meandering rivers that are ideal for low-intensity kayaking. A whole series of dramatic cave systems have been sensitively equipped for visitors. Forested hills and deep valleys shelter appealing small towns topped by picture-perfect castle ruins. And in midwinter the slopes that edge the Hautes Fagnes fenlands might get enough snow to offer a weekend or two of skiing. As winter comes towards its end, the fabulous carnivals of Stavelot, Malmédy and Eupen burst with revelry. OK, so some of the Meuse Valley cities look dauntingly grimy, but scratch the surface and you'll find history, great hospitality and a wealth of attractions hiding history beneath the careworn exteriors.

Must-see attractions

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in The Ardennes

Go Beyond

The Ardennes and beyond