Belgium may be small, but it is full of surprises. In addition to classic attractions such as Bruges, Ghent and the Ardennes, there are countless places that are much less well known – but just as impressive. Think mysterious rock formations, art in the craziest locations, medieval ruins and charming villages where time seems to stand still. These hidden gems in Belgium are perfect for those looking for that little bit extra. Ideal for an original day trip or a mini adventure close to home!
Are you ready to discover the unknown Belgium? Here are 13 hidden gems that definitely deserve a place on your bucket list:
1. Park Furfooz (near Dinant)
If you are in the Dinant region, a visit to Park Furfooz is a must. This nature reserve is truly a discovery! The 3.5 km walking trail takes you past a mix of impressive ruins and nature. You will pass a reconstruction of a Roman bathhouse, the remains of a medieval castle and prehistoric caves.
And the best part? You end your walk on the banks of the Lesse, where you can watch kayaks float by. You can have a drink there and then walk back to the starting point.
It’s a lovely little hike, with some climbing and descending here and there. Dogs are not allowed, and admission costs around 6 euros. There is parking at the entrance. Definitely do this if you love history and nature!
Practical information:
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difficulty: average
- Parking: Yes, at the park entrance.
- Opening hours: Daily from April to early November, weekends until December.
Tip: Be sure to book your visit in advance via the website to secure your spot during a busy weekend.
2. Rocher du Hat (Ardennes)
Rocher du Hat is a real hidden gem in the Ardennes. It is a rock formation with breathtaking views of the Semois River and the surrounding forests. The walk there is not particularly exciting, but the view itself makes up for it. Especially in autumn, when the leaves change colour, it is breathtaking!
After the fire, Braunfels was given a strict fire safety plan: every house had to have at least 300 litres of water in the house, thatched roofs were banned and stone dividing walls were erected. Quite a modern plan for such a small You can start the walk at the Comte de Chiny restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal afterwards – the Orval cheese croquettes are highly recommended! The route is about 5 km long and not too difficult. This is truly a place for those who love peace, nature and beautiful views.!
Practical information:
- Distance: 5 km
- Difficulty: average
- Start: Restaurant Comte de Chiny.
3. Bayehon Waterfall (High Fens)
The Bayehon Waterfall, located just below the High Fens, is the widest waterfall in Belgium and an absolute must-see! Whether you visit in summer or winter, the waterfall and its surroundings are highly recommended in every season. In winter, when everything is covered in snow, the waterfall takes on an almost surreal appearance.
You can walk there via a signposted path, and once you arrive, you have a choice: you can admire the waterfall from above or walk all the way down and dip your feet in the water. The perfect place for a beautiful nature walk!
Practical information:
- Distance: 12.6 km
- Difficulty: average
- Parking: There is a small car park near the start of the walk.
- Additional information: You can find more details about this waterfall in my blog post, Bayehon Waterfall.
4. Walzin Castle (near Dinant)
Walzin Castle is perhaps the most spectacular sight in Belgium. It stands high on a rocky outcrop above the Lesse valley, surrounded by dramatically steep cliffs. The castle is privately owned, so you cannot visit it, but you can take a beautiful walk along the river and admire the castle from a distance.
The surrounding area is also fantastic, and you can choose from several walking routes in the region. For example, this Two Castles Route also takes you past the Castle of Vêves. The walks are not too difficult, but the view of the castle and the surrounding countryside makes it absolutely worthwhile. Don’t forget your camera!
Practical information:
- Parking: On the banks of the Lesse.
- Additional information: Would you like to learn more about this castle? Check my blog post, Walzin Castle.
5. Fondry des Chiens (near Viroinval)
Fondry des Chiens, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Belgium”, is a geological wonder in the province of Namur. Here you will find impressive rock formations and cliffs that have been created by erosion over the centuries.
Here you can descend into the gorge between the rocks, and the real adventurers can also do some climbing to explore the entire gorge. The walk from the village of Nismes is relatively short, but the reward is absolutely impressive! If you love nature and a bit of adventure, this is the place for you.
Practical information:
- Parking: Yes, there is a car park right in front of the entrance.
- Additional information: More information about Fondry des Chiens can be found here.
6. Cordoba Cable Car (Westouter)
The Cordoba Cable Car, also known as the télésiège, is the only chairlift in Flanders and a real attraction. A ride on this chairlift allows you to enjoy views of the vineyards of the Heuvelland region from the Vidaigneberg to the Baneberg.
The lift was originally built by an Austrian ski lift company and now offers a unique view of the vineyards and the surrounding region. It is a short ride, but the view makes it absolutely worth it. Perfect for a fun and relaxing outing!
Practical information:
- Duration of the ride: Approximately 10 minutes
- Tickets: € 6 return
- Parking: There is parking at the bottom and top of the lift.
- Additional information: On the website of the Cordoba Cable Car.
7. Abbey of Aulne (near Thuin)
Aulne Abbey is a beautiful abbey ruin in the province of Hainaut near the town of Thuin. It is one of the most beautiful abbey ruins you can visit, with impressive old arches where the stained-glass windows used to be. It is quite similar to Villers Abbey, although slightly smaller and less well maintained.
In the brasserie, you can sample local beer brewed in the abbey – or what remains of it. Events are often organised on Sundays with atmospheric music and delicious food. A super nice local place to visit!
Practical information:
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday
- Tickets: € 5
- Parking: Yes, free parking is available in the vicinity.
- Additional information: More information can be found on the website.
8. Vlooyberg Tower (Flemish Brabant)
The Vlooyberg Tower is perhaps the most famous work of art in Flanders, located in Flemish Brabant and offering fantastic views of the region. The rust-coloured iron staircase seems to lead you all the way to the sky. The tower became famous through the series Callboys and is a must-see if you are in the area.
Especially in summer, when the landscape is green, the view of the surrounding fields is truly beautiful. An ideal stop! That is, if you’re not afraid of heights…
Practical information:
- Opening hours: always free admission.
- Parking: Park at Huize Hageland and walk up the path through the fields to the tower.
- Additional information: More information can be found via Tourism Flemish Brabant.
9. Torgny (Gaume)
Torgny is Belgium’s southernmost village and has a sunny climate reminiscent of Provence. The village is therefore also known as “the Provence of Belgium” – even if a true Frenchman might not entirely agree.
The reason for this? The sandstone buildings give the village a unique atmosphere, and the region is one of the warmest in Belgium. A truly idyllic spot that makes you feel like you’re in France, when in fact you’re just across the border in Belgium. Torgny is well worth a visit for a peaceful day’s walk and a delicious lunch on one of the terraces.
Practical information:
- Parking: There are free parking spaces in the village.
- Additional information: For more information, read my blog post about 9 tips for a perfect weekend in the Ardennes – featuring this beautiful village!
10. Le Hérou (Ardennes)
Are you a fan of deep cliffs and a challenging hike? Le Hérou is a spectacular rock formation in the Ardennes that you really shouldn’t miss. The rocks are located in the Les Deux Ourthes nature park and offer breathtaking views of the valley and the Ourthe river.
An adventurous path leads you all the way down, which requires a bit of climbing and scrambling – even along a chain – but is definitely worth the effort. You walk a short distance along the river and then climb back up the hill. If you love nature and a bit of adventure, this walk is highly recommended.
Practical information:
- Distance: 3–4 km
- Difficulty: average (with some climbing)
- Parking: Yes, there is a car park at the starting point.
- Additional information: More information can be found in my blog post Le Hérou.
11. Ghost Hotel Mechelen
The Ghost Hotel in Mechelen is one of the most mysterious and unique places in Belgium. This gigantic unfinished hotel, which was never put into use, now lies abandoned. The first two concrete floors of the building were constructed, but construction was soon halted and it fell into disrepair.
Now, however, you can walk around and enjoy the view from the roof. The city of Mechelen has made the site safe and accessible to visitors who enjoy a bit of adventure. A great place for those who love urban exploring, but in a safe way!
Practical information:
- Entrance: free (max. 120 people at a time!)
- Parking: Limited parking is available next to the Vrijbroekpark.
12. Verbeke Foundation (Waasland)
The Verbeke Foundation is known as Belgium’s strangest museum. It is a unique open-air art collection. Its art park consists of various impressive installations, from an old helicopter to giant cranes and other gigantic structures.
This place is a bit of a hidden gem for art lovers looking for something different from a traditional museum. Inside, there are all kinds of art installations, some of which are rather gruesome. A very special experience!
Practical information:
- Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday
- Tickets: € 13
- Parking: Yes, free parking is available at the entrance.
- Additional information: More information can be found on the Verbeke Foundation website.
13. Tower of Eben-Ezer (Eben-Emael)
The Tower of Eben-Ezer is a remarkable work of art by Robert Garcet, who built it himself between 1951 and 1965. The tower is 16.8 metres high, consisting of seven floors, and you can visit it to admire the sculptures and works of art both inside and outside.
On the roof are statues of mythological creatures such as a bull, a lion, an eagle and a sphinx. Inside is a small museum about flint and Garcet’s philosophy. After your visit, you can take a stroll through the surrounding park. A unique and very bizarre place for art and history fans!
Practical information:
- Opening hours: daily
- Tickets: € 7
- Parking: Free parking is available a few metres from the tower entrance.
- Additional information: For more information, please visit the Silex Museum website.
So, these are 13 hidden gems in Belgium that you absolutely cannot miss. Each place has its own charm and offers something special for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities. A completely different way to discover Belgium!
Are you a fan of these places and would you like to discover more? Then I have good news! After 5 years of travelling around Belgium, I have collected more than 200 unique locations that you absolutely must see. You can find them on my Belgium Hotspots Map. Have fun!
