Exploring the forests and valleys of the Ardennes by campervan is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover this beautiful region of Belgium. With winding rivers, quiet villages and scenic viewpoints, the area is perfect for a slow and relaxing road trip.
Our Belgian Ardennes road trip took us through Bastogne, La Roche-en-Ardenne and several scenic valleys, combining nature, history and outdoor adventure.
Belgium is the country that we live in and we did not expect much when staying ‘home’ for the holidays. However, it was also one of the major discoveries and we truly enjoyed our road trip.
Below is the route we followed during our 10 days Belgian Ardennes road trip
Highlights of Our Belgian Ardennes Road Trip
During our journey through the Ardennes we discovered many beautiful places, but a few stops stood out as particularly memorable.
One of the highlights was the dramatic viewpoint of Le Hérou, where a short hike leads to sweeping views across the forested valley of the Ourthe River.
Another unforgettable moment was kayaking on Lake Nisramont, surrounded by peaceful forests and quiet hills. Spending time on the water allowed us to experience the landscape from a completely different perspective.
We were also impressed by the beautiful waterfalls hidden in the forests, especially Cascade du Bayehon and the scenic valley of the Ninglinspo Valley, where the trail follows the river through rocks and small cascades.
These places perfectly capture the natural beauty of the Ardennes and are some of the highlights of this Belgian Ardennes road trip.
Before leaving for your Belgian Ardennes Road trip, make sure you have the right equipment and check out our essential gear article.
Our 10 days Belgian Ardennes road trip itinerary
Day 1 – Rocher du Hât and Bastogne War Museum
Our journey began with a stop at Rocher du Hât. From the rocks you can enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding valleys and forests. It was a peaceful place and a wonderful introduction to the landscapes of the Ardennes.The area is quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the scenery before continuing the journey.
Later in the day we continued to the town of Bastogne. Bastogne is known for its important role during the Second World War, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge. We visited the Bastogne War Museum, which offers a powerful and immersive insight into the history of the region. The museum combines personal stories, historical artefacts and multimedia exhibitions that help visitors understand the events that took place here during the winter of 1944. As a French-German couple this stop was a must-do.
Day 2 – Bastogne and Le Hérou National Park
The following morning we spent a little more time hiking from the Bastogne war museum, where we had spent the night, towards the Bois de la paix, where a forest was planted as a living memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. Thousands of trees were planted here to represent the American soldiers who fought in the region.
We then continued our road trip in the Belgian Ardennes. One of the highlights of the day was the dramatic viewpoint of Le Hérou. After a short hike through the forest, the path opens onto a rocky ridge overlooking the winding Ourthe River. From here you can enjoy sweeping views across the valley and the surrounding forested hills. The landscape feels wild and untouched, and the silence of the area makes the experience even more special.
Day 3 – Kayaking on Lake Nistramont
On the third day of our Belgian Ardennes road trip, we headed towards Lake Nisramont. Surrounded by forests and rolling hills, the lake is one of the most peaceful places in the region.
We used our inflatable kayak and spent the afternoon paddling along the calm waters of the lake. During the high season there is also a kayak rental. From the water you can enjoy a completely different perspective of the landscape, with steep forested slopes rising from the shoreline. It was a quiet and relaxing experience that allowed us to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Ardennes.
If you don’t like kayaking, you can also walk around the lake. This is a 13,5 km hike for which you need good hiking shoes.
In order to truly relax a little, we headed for a two nights stay at Lake Bütgenbach and its local campground in Worriken, which is right at the lake.
Day 4 – Kayaking on Lake Büttgenbach
The next stop on our itinerary was Lake Bütgenbach, another beautiful body of water located in the eastern part of the Ardennes.
The lake is popular for swimming, kayaking and cycling along its scenic shoreline. The wide open landscape around the lake feels very different from the narrow valleys we had explored earlier in the trip. Spending time here offered a welcome moment of relaxation during our journey through the forests and hills of the region.
Day 5 – Rocher de Falize
On the fifth day we visited the impressive viewpoint of Rocher de Falize. From the rocky cliffs you can look down across the valley and the surrounding forests that stretch in every direction.
Nearby lies the picturesque town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, one of the most charming towns in the region. With its stone houses, castle ruins and riverside setting, the town is a pleasant place to stop during a road trip through the Ardennes.
Day 6 – Cascade du Bayehon et Promenade de la Hoegne
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Belgium is Cascade du Bayehon. Hidden in a forested valley, the waterfall drops several meters over moss-covered rocks and feels surprisingly wild compared with the surrounding countryside.
Later we continued to the scenic hiking trail known as Promenade de la Hoëgne. The trail follows the river through dense forest and crosses the water several times using small wooden bridges. Walking along the river, surrounded by trees and flowing water, was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
In the high season and on warm week-ends, it is not always easy to park your campervan but we managed to find a quiet spot not too far in the forest, where we also spent the night.
Day 7 – Cascade des nutons and Gileppe Dam
The next stop of our Belgian Ardennes road trip was the small but charming Cascade des Nutons. Reaching the waterfall requires a short walk through the forest, which adds to the sense of discovery when the cascade finally appears among the rocks.
In the afternoon we visited the impressive Gileppe Dam. From the top of the dam there are panoramic views across the surrounding forests and hills. A large stone lion statue overlooks the lake, adding a unique landmark to the landscape. This is a great place for riding a bike.
Day 8 – Château de franchimont and Spa
The ruins of Château de Franchimont offer a fascinating glimpse into the medieval history of the region. Standing on the hilltop ruins, you can imagine how the fortress once guarded the surrounding valley.
Later we continued to the town of Spa, famous for its thermal springs and elegant atmosphere. The town has a long history as a wellness destination, and walking through its streets offers a pleasant contrast to the forests and nature we had explored earlier.
Day 9 – Vallon du Niglisco and la Roche en Ardenne
One of the most beautiful natural areas in the Ardennes is the valley of the Ninglinspo Valley. The hiking trail follows the river through a landscape of rocks, small waterfalls and forest paths. The valley is considered one of the most scenic walks in Belgium and offers many small viewpoints along the way.
Later we returned to the charming town of La Roche-en-Ardenne to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere by the river.
Day 10 – Journey home
After ten days travelling through forests, valleys and rivers, our Belgian Ardennes road trip slowly came to an end. Exploring the region by campervan allowed us to travel at our own pace.
The Ardennes may not be as famous as some other European destinations, but the peaceful landscapes, scenic viewpoints and charming towns make it a wonderful region for a road trip.
Conclusion
Looking back, our Belgian Ardennes road trip turned out to be a wonderful way to discover one of the most scenic and peaceful regions of Belgium. Travelling through the forests and valleys of the Ardennes by campervan allowed us to explore small roads, stop at beautiful viewpoints and spend time in nature.
From the quiet landscapes around Lake Nisramont to the waterfalls hidden in the forests and the charming town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, each stop revealed a different side of the region. The variety of landscapes and the relaxed pace of travel made this journey especially enjoyable.
For anyone looking for a peaceful adventure surrounded by nature, a Belgian Ardennes road trip offers a beautiful and memorable way to explore this part of the country.
Best Time for a Belgian Ardennes Road Trip
The Ardennes can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes noticeably with the seasons. Spring and summer are particularly pleasant for a Belgian Ardennes road trip, when the forests are lush and green and the longer days provide plenty of time to explore the region’s rivers, hiking trails and viewpoints.
Early autumn is also a beautiful time to visit. The forests begin to turn warm shades of orange and red, creating especially scenic landscapes along the small winding roads of the region. Temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking or simply enjoying the countryside.
Winter offers a quieter atmosphere. While some activities may be more limited, the forests and valleys of the Ardennes take on a peaceful and sometimes magical character, especially after a light snowfall. Skiing is also possible in the winter season.
For this road trip we chose March. This is a season where everything can happen from 18 degrees and sun, to snowfall. We were very lucky with the weather but only a week later it was snowing.
Map of Our Belgian Ardennes Road Trip
To give you a better idea of the route we followed, the map below shows the main places we visited during our journey through the Ardennes in Belgium. Over ten days we travelled through forests, valleys and small towns, stopping at viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls along the way. Because distances between destinations are relatively short, travelling through the Ardennes by campervan feels relaxed and allows plenty of time to enjoy the landscapes and explore the surroundings.
If you are looking for more campervan destinations in Europe, have a look at our article on the 10 best campervan road trips in Europe.
FAQ – Belgian Ardennes Road Trip
Is the Belgian Ardennes good for a road trip?
Yes, the Ardennes is one of the best areas in Belgium for a road trip. The region is known for its forests, rivers and scenic valleys, and many small roads connect charming villages and natural viewpoints.
How many days do you need for a Belgian Ardennes road trip?
A long weekend is enough to explore some of the main highlights, but spending around a week to ten days allows you to discover the region more slowly and visit several natural areas and towns.
Can you travel the Ardennes by campervan?
Yes, travelling through the Ardennes by campervan is very enjoyable. The region has many campsites and scenic places where you can stop for the night. The relatively short distances between destinations also make it ideal for slow travel.
When is the best time to visit the Belgian Ardennes?
Spring, summer and early autumn are usually the best seasons to visit the Ardennes. During these months the forests are lush and green, and the weather is ideal for hiking, kayaking and exploring the countryside.
What are the most beautiful places in the Belgian Ardennes?
Some of the most scenic places include the viewpoints of Le Hérou, the waterfalls of Cascade du Bayehon and the hiking trails in the Ninglinspo Valley.
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