{"id":81593,"date":"2026-04-13T09:01:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T07:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=81593"},"modified":"2026-10-14T09:29:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T07:29:13","slug":"belgian-ardennes-weekend-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/tips-weekend-belgische-ardennen\/","title":{"rendered":"A Weekend in the Belgian Ardennes: Nature, Hiking & Unique Stays"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019s the kind of place where you slow down naturally, whether you\u2019re 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\u2019s plenty to explore. Planning a weekend in the Belgian Ardennes? In this guide, we\u2019ll share the best things to do, our favourite hikes and unique accommodations to make the most of your stay.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Why the Belgian Ardennes are so much fun for a weekend getaway in Europe<\/h2>

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<\/a><\/strong>, Leuven<\/a><\/strong> or Bruges<\/a><\/strong>, and find yourself surrounded by forests, rolling hills and complete tranquillity.<\/p>

What makes this region so special is the contrast. One moment you\u2019re wandering through historic streets or enjoying a long lunch on a sunny terrace, the next you\u2019re immersed in a peaceful natural setting where silence, fresh air and wide-open landscapes take over. It\u2019s this shift in pace that makes a weekend in the Ardennes feel so refreshing.<\/p>

In the Belgian Ardennes, it\u2019s easy to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, especially if you\u2019re 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\u2019s plenty to do in the Belgian Ardennes if you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Countless beautiful hiking trails in the Ardennes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A horse spotted during a walk<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A nice picture of moss on the tree<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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Where to stay in the Belgian Ardennes: unique cabins and nature stays<\/h2>

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\u2019re looking for something truly special, you\u2019ll find plenty of unique places to stay in the Ardennes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Les Cabanes de Rensiwez<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Les Cabanes de Rensiwez is a beautiful place to unwind, set in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. You\u2019ll stay in cosy, thoughtfully designed cabins where nature, comfort and outdoor living come together effortlessly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Our unique stay at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez<\/h3>

During our weekend in the Belgian Ardennes, we stayed at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez<\/a><\/strong>, 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.<\/p>

On the estate of Les Cabanes de Rensiwez, you\u2019ll 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.\n\nWhat 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.\n\nSome cabins come with a private hot tub, while others feature a sauna. For us, the hot tub is always the highlight. There\u2019s nothing quite like soaking in warm water under a clear starry sky after a day in the Ardennes.\u00a0<\/p>

The cabin we stayed in was called Gabrielle \u2014 each cabin at Les Cabanes de Rensiwez has its own name, which adds a personal touch to your stay.\n\nUpon arrival, you collect your key at the reception and continue a short drive deeper into the forest. From the parking area, it\u2019s just a short walk to your cabin, and from that moment on, your nature escape begins.\n\nYou can bring your own groceries, but the estate also offers convenient picnic baskets, including breakfast and aperitif options. There\u2019s also the option to order individual dishes and drinks from the reception, making your stay even more relaxed and effortless.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cabana Gabrielle<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Comfortable stay<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The tub in Cabana Gabrielle<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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Things to do during a weekend getaway in the Belgian Ardennes<\/h2>

A weekend in the Belgian Ardennes is all about slowing down, enjoying great food and spending time outdoors. It\u2019s 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\u2019re 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:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Our favourite hikes in the Belgian Ardennes<\/h3>

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.\n\nDuring our trip, we went out on two different hikes, and both offered completely different landscapes and experiences.<\/p>

The first hike we recommend is the route from Rensiwez to Achouffe. It\u2019s a gentle and relatively easy walk, taking around one hour each way, approximately 4 kilometres in total.\n\nMuch 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.\u00a0<\/p>

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.\n\nThe 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\u2019s a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you.\n\nOverall, it\u2019s a truly rewarding route, one where the scenery constantly changes and you\u2019re fully surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ardennes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hiking to Achouffe in the Belgian Ardennes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Marking of the hiking trail<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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View over the hilly lands of the Ardennes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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The most beautiful villages to visit in the Belgian Ardennes<\/h2>

Besides hiking, it\u2019s 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.\n\nThese 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.<\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/p>

Durbuy is another place you shouldn\u2019t 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.\n\nIt can feel a bit more touristy than some of the surrounding villages, but it\u2019s still a very enjoyable stop and well worth including in your itinerary.\u00a0<\/p>

If you want to extend your weekend a little further, it\u2019s easy to cross the border from the Ardennes into Luxembourg. The \u00c9islek region is a true hidden gem, with charming towns such as Clervaux, Vianden and Esch-sur-S\u00fbre.\n\nCurious to explore more? You can read our full guide with tips for the beautiful \u00c9islek region in Luxembourg<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Another unique stay in the Belgian Ardennes<\/h2>

We\u2019ve already shared one beautiful stay in the Belgian Ardennes, but there\u2019s another place we love coming back to: Nutchel. It\u2019s a unique forest retreat where you can truly slow down, spend your days outdoors and escape the rush of everyday life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Nutchel<\/h3>

On the edge of the Belgian Ardennes, close to the Luxembourg border, you\u2019ll 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.\n\nEvenings 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.\n\nWant to know more? You can read about our stay in the Cosy Cabins by Nutchel in the Belgian Ardennes<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A well-crafted breakfast basket at Nutchel<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Enjoying a wonderful weekend in the Belgian Ardennes<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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Practical tips for a weekend in the Ardennes<\/h2>

If you\u2019re 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.\n\nNot 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<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>

Especially if you\u2019re staying in the middle of nature, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>

It\u2019s also a good idea to bring proper hiking shoes. \n\nLayered clothing is another essential. Weather conditions in the hills can change quickly, so being prepared will make your hikes much more comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>

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.\u00a0<\/p>

If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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More tips for a weekend getaway in Belgium<\/h2>

The Belgian Ardennes is one of our favourite regions in Belgium for a weekend getaway, especially when we\u2019re looking to slow down and recharge. But if you\u2019re also interested in exploring a vibrant Belgian city for shopping, sightseeing and great food, we\u2019ve got you covered too. How about:<\/p>