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Tucked away in the southeast of Belgium, the Belgian Ardennes is a region where nature takes the lead. Rolling hills, dense forests, winding rivers and quiet mornings filled with birdsong. It’s the kind of place where you slow down naturally, whether you’re staying in a cosy cabin in the woods or heading out for a scenic hike. The Ardennes is one of the best destinations in Europe for a short nature getaway. From hiking trails with panoramic views to charming villages and unique places to stay, there’s plenty to explore. Planning a weekend in the Belgian Ardennes? In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do, our favourite hikes and unique accommodations to make the most of your stay.
Why the Belgian Ardennes are so much fun for a weekend getaway in Europe
One of the main reasons we love returning to the Belgian Ardennes is the feeling of truly getting away from it all. In just a few hours, you can leave behind the energy of lively Belgian cities like Ghent, Leuven or Bruges, and find yourself surrounded by forests, rolling hills and complete tranquillity.
What makes this region so special is the contrast. One moment you’re wandering through historic streets or enjoying a long lunch on a sunny terrace, the next you’re immersed in a peaceful natural setting where silence, fresh air and wide-open landscapes take over. It’s this shift in pace that makes a weekend in the Ardennes feel so refreshing.
In the Belgian Ardennes, it’s easy to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, especially if you’re staying in a cosy cabin surrounded by greenery. Waking up to birdsong, enjoying your morning coffee in the sun and spending your evenings cooking or barbecuing outdoors creates the perfect slow-paced escape. At the same time, there’s plenty to do in the Belgian Ardennes if you’re looking for a more active getaway. You can head out for a relaxing forest walk, or choose a more challenging hike or a scenic bike ride.
Where to stay in the Belgian Ardennes: unique cabins and nature stays
Where you stay in the Belgian Ardennes will shape your entire experience. Choose a cabin in the middle of the forest and your days will naturally revolve around peace, nature and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Prefer a bit more comfort? Then a small-scale hotel might be a better fit. And if you’re looking for something truly special, you’ll find plenty of unique places to stay in the Ardennes.
Les Cabanes de Rensiwez
Les Cabanes de Rensiwez is a beautiful place to unwind, set in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. You’ll stay in cosy, thoughtfully designed cabins where nature, comfort and outdoor living come together effortlessly.
Our unique stay at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez
During our weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, we stayed at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez, a place where nature and comfort come together beautifully. From cosy cabins tucked away between the trees to charming hideaways overlooking the rolling hills, every stay feels special. If you enjoy hiking, cooking your own meals and simply slowing down in a peaceful setting, this is a place we highly recommend for a stay in the Ardennes.
On the estate of Les Cabanes de Rensiwez, you’ll find a wide variety of cabins to choose from. From small, cosy wooden huts for two people to larger lodges perfect for families or groups of friends. What they all have in common is their deep connection to nature. Each cabin blends seamlessly into the forest surroundings, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. Some cabins come with a private hot tub, while others feature a sauna. For us, the hot tub is always the highlight. There’s nothing quite like soaking in warm water under a clear starry sky after a day in the Ardennes.
The cabin we stayed in was called Gabrielle — each cabin at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez has its own name, which adds a personal touch to your stay. Upon arrival, you collect your key at the reception and continue a short drive deeper into the forest. From the parking area, it’s just a short walk to your cabin, and from that moment on, your nature escape begins. You can bring your own groceries, but the estate also offers convenient picnic baskets, including breakfast and aperitif options. There’s also the option to order individual dishes and drinks from the reception, making your stay even more relaxed and effortless.
Things to do during a weekend getaway in the Belgian Ardennes
A weekend in the Belgian Ardennes is all about slowing down, enjoying great food and spending time outdoors. It’s a destination that appeals to many types of travellers. One day you might lace up your hiking boots for a scenic trail through the hills, and the next you’re driving to a charming village for a long, relaxed lunch. Below are some of our favourite things to do during a weekend in the Ardennes:
Our favourite hikes in the Belgian Ardennes
No weekend in the Belgian Ardennes is complete without at least one scenic hike. Around our stay at Les Cabanas de Rensiwez, you can step straight into nature from your cabin door. During our trip, we went out on two different hikes, and both offered completely different landscapes and experiences.
The first hike we recommend is the route from Rensiwez to Achouffe. It’s a gentle and relatively easy walk, taking around one hour each way, approximately 4 kilometres in total. Much of the trail follows a small river, which gives the route a calm and relaxing atmosphere throughout. What makes this hike even more rewarding is that you can easily combine it with a visit to the village of Achouffe, home to the famous La Chouffe brewery.
The second hike we did is the Confluent des Deux Ourthes trail. This route is a bit more active and varied, with more elevation gain and several stunning viewpoints over the Ourthe River. The hike is around 8 kilometres and takes roughly two hours to complete. There are no places to stop for food or drinks along the way, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you. Overall, it’s a truly rewarding route, one where the scenery constantly changes and you’re fully surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ardennes.
The most beautiful villages to visit in the Belgian Ardennes
Besides hiking, it’s also worth exploring a few charming villages during your weekend in the Belgian Ardennes. We visited La Roche-en-Ardenne, Dinant and Durbuy, each offering its own unique atmosphere and a beautifully photogenic town centre. These are especially enjoyable to visit on a sunny day, and are best explored between spring and autumn when the weather is at its most pleasant.
You can easily spend a few hours in La Roche-en-Ardenne. It is surrounded by greenery and has several nice terraces to sit down for a bite to eat and a drink. You will find some nice boutique stores and of course the ruins of the old castle that you can visit.
Dinant is also absolutely worth a visit. This picturesque town is beautifully set along the river Meuse and offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the smaller villages in the region.
Durbuy is another place you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Belgian Ardennes. Known as one of the smallest cities in the world, it offers charming cobbled streets, boutique shops and plenty of cosy terraces. It can feel a bit more touristy than some of the surrounding villages, but it’s still a very enjoyable stop and well worth including in your itinerary.
If you want to extend your weekend a little further, it’s easy to cross the border from the Ardennes into Luxembourg. The Éislek region is a true hidden gem, with charming towns such as Clervaux, Vianden and Esch-sur-Sûre. Curious to explore more? You can read our full guide with tips for the beautiful Éislek region in Luxembourg.
Another unique stay in the Belgian Ardennes
We’ve already shared one beautiful stay in the Belgian Ardennes, but there’s another place we love coming back to: Nutchel. It’s a unique forest retreat where you can truly slow down, spend your days outdoors and escape the rush of everyday life.
Nutchel
On the edge of the Belgian Ardennes, close to the Luxembourg border, you’ll find the cosy Cosy Cabins by Nutchel. These charming forest cabins come with a wood-burning stove, perfect for slow mornings or relaxing afternoons with a good book on the lounge. Evenings are best spent outside on the terrace, while mornings start with waking up among the trees and birdsong all around. The cabins with a rooftop hot tub are especially worth recommending in our opinion, the ultimate way to unwind in nature. Want to know more? You can read about our stay in the Cosy Cabins by Nutchel in the Belgian Ardennes.
Practical tips for a weekend in the Ardennes
If you’re planning a weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, there are a few practical things worth knowing in advance. Travelling by car is by far the easiest option, not only because it gives you the freedom to stop along the way, but also because it allows you to spontaneously explore nearby villages, viewpoints and hidden spots at your own pace. Not travelling with your own car? Renting one is the easiest way to explore the region independently, especially if you want the flexibility to reach more remote hiking trails and scenic areas. You can easily arrange a rental car here: Sunny Cars rental cars in Belgium.
Especially if you’re staying in the middle of nature, it’s a good idea to bring some groceries with you in advance. Supermarkets and restaurants are not always nearby, so being prepared makes your stay much more relaxed and convenient.
It’s also a good idea to bring proper hiking shoes. Layered clothing is another essential. Weather conditions in the hills can change quickly, so being prepared will make your hikes much more comfortable.
The best time to visit the Belgian Ardennes is during spring, summer and autumn. In our opinion, autumn is especially beautiful, when the landscape transforms into warm shades of orange, red and gold.
If you’re planning a trip, we recommend staying for at least two to three nights. This gives you enough time to truly slow down, relax and enjoy everything the Belgian Ardennes has to offer.
More tips for a weekend getaway in Belgium
The Belgian Ardennes is one of our favourite regions in Belgium for a weekend getaway, especially when we’re looking to slow down and recharge. But if you’re also interested in exploring a vibrant Belgian city for shopping, sightseeing and great food, we’ve got you covered too. How about:
Enjoy a weekend in the Ardennes
Dreaming of a weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, but not sure where to stay or what to do? We’re happy to help with personalised travel advice and think along with you about the best places to stay, scenic spots and activities that match your preferences. Together, we’ll plan a weekend getaway that feels completely right for you.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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