What to do in the Ardennes
The Ardennes are a beautiful, wooded area in Belgium, loved for their hilly landscape, charming villages and various outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking or kayaking, the Ardennes offer adventure for everyone. This region is also known for its cozy towns, historic castles and rich, burgundian culture.
Sights in the Ardennes
In the Ardennes you will find a wonderful array of natural wonders and historical sights. The Caves of Han are a must-see, where you can discover an underground world. These caves offer an impressive experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The region is also home to picturesque towns such as La Roche-en-Ardenne, with its medieval castle and atmospheric streets. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, explore the castle and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Do you like an active day out? In the Ardennes you will find plenty of hiking and biking trails through forests and along rivers. You can also go kayaking or rafting in several places. For a more intense day, mountain biking in the rugged terrain is a must.
For car enthusiasts, Formula 1 Spa, located near the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, is a special place. Even outside the racing season, you can taste the feeling of a Formula 1 event. The Ardennes also offers a wide range of eating and drinking establishments. From cozy bistros to restaurants, there is something for everyone, where you can enjoy local cuisine and hospitality. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, the Ardennes offers something special for every taste and need.
Hotel in Ardennes
In the Ardennes you will find a variety of hotels, from boutique hotels to luxury resorts, often in picturesque villages or nature reserves. Many hotels offer wellness facilities, ideal for relaxation after an active day.
Van der Valk Ardennes
Van der Valk has four hotels near the Ardennes, each with excellent facilities and unique features:
- At Van der Valk Liège Congrès, you have come to the right place for a comfortable stay. The hotel has luxurious facilities including an indoor pool, a wellness center and a gym. The hotel also has a restaurant, brasserie and an Italian corner. Would you rather just have a drink? Then visit the sky bar where you can enjoy a panoramic view while enjoying a nice drink.
- Located in the historical and cultural heart of Liège, Van der Valk Liège Sélys offers you a fully catered stay. All hotel rooms are of top quality, attractively decorated and equipped with many facilities. In this hotel, you can relax in the wellness area and explore the surroundings carefree with the 'Backyard' cycling app Enjoy after a successful day in the brasserie, hotel bar or in the Shizu Fusion restaurant, where you will enjoy culinary delights.
- Are you a wellness enthusiast? Then Van der Valk Spa, connected to the famous Thermes of Spa, is the ideal base when visiting the Ardennes. In the hotel you can spend a wonderful night in the comfort rooms and suites. The hotel also has a fitness center and a restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy local and international dishes. When you are ready for even more relaxation, you can take the private cable car to Thermes de Spa. Where you will find 800 square meters of wellness. Ideal when you want to combine your stay with a day of wellness.
- Van der Valk Verviers, located in the middle of the town of Verviers, like the other hotels, offers you a full-service experience. This hotel also has a wellness, where you can go for a wonderful massage, hammam or sauna. In addition, you can use the outdoor pool during the summer months. Also don't forget to visit the restaurant, where you are at the right place for an à la carte dinner, brunch or breakfast.
All Van der Valk hotels in the Ardennes have wellness facilities and offer various packages, so you can tailor your stay to your personal needs, from relaxation to adventure.
Participating hotels
The Ardennes are known for their stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. Some of the most beautiful spots include:
- Vallée de la Hoëgne: A beautiful river landscape with hiking trails and bridges, especially popular in autumn.
- The High Fens: A nature reserve with vast bog landscapes, ideal for hiking through unspoiled nature.
- Ninglinspo River: The only mountain river in Belgium, known for its rocky surroundings and waterfalls.
- Bouillon: Known for the imposing castle of Godfrey of Bouillon, overlooking the Semois Valley.
- Castle of Bouillon: This medieval castle offers a glimpse into history and stunning views.
- Caves of Han: An impressive cave complex, famous for its limestone formations and a safari park.
- Kayaking on the Lesse or Ourthe: An adventurous way to discover the landscape from the water.
- Durbuy: This is officially the smallest town in Belgium and is known for its charming streets and quaint stores.
Durbuy is one of the most popular towns, because of its historical charm and beautiful location. La Roche-en-Ardenne is also popular, with its castle ruins and views of the Ourthe River. Dinant is also beautiful with its citadel and location on the Meuse River, and Malmedy is a lively town, especially known for its festivals and events.