20 best winter walks and hikes in Belgium

Winter doesn’t have to be dreary! Make the most of Belgium’s winter and embrace the crisp, fresh air by heading out on some winter walks. Whether you’re wading through a snowy wonderland or feeling the frost crunch under your feet, these best walks in Belgium promise stunning landscapes and memorable views. We’ve curated a list of 20 just for you, so don’t let the cold weather scare you and find some trekking inspo with these best winter hikes in Belgium.

You can also find all of these and more on our map.

‍

Winter hikes in Ardennes

Some of the most beautiful winter treks in Belgium can be found in Wallonia, particularly in the Ardennes region. Look no further for pretty nature walks and some of the best hikes in and around the Ardennes!

1. La Fagne de la Poleur Hike
‍

The High Fens is a popular winter hiking destination as it’s where you’ll find some of the highest locations in Belgium, and we all know what that means - yep, it’s all the more likely you’ll see that fluffy white stuff we all know and love (for the most part). If you fancy changing it up, you could even swap your boots for skis and try out one of the cross-country ski slopes! But for the sake of this list, we’ll keep our feet firmly on the ground for now.

This family-friendly 9.1km route starts from Le Signal de Botrange, the highest point in the country at 694m, and crosses over the plateau along charming wooden walkways. The landscape of the Hautes Fagnes is transformed into a Lapland-like wonderland in the snow and offers up a magical, unique hiking experience. Of course, we can’t guarantee that there’ll be snow but we can guarantee that the views and natural beauty are unique with or without the white stuff.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Rte de Botrange 133, 4950 Waimes‍

Length: 9.1km (option for a 3.4km route starting at Mont Rigi)‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: Green rectangle with a stag (MDY07) ‍

Find more info about the La Fagne de la Poleur hike by clicking below 👇

La Fagne de la Poleur Hike

‍

2. Hike of the Two Ourthes
‍

The lake of Nisramont is a hub of activity in summer and while the water fun may stop when the winter rolls around, this impressive hike stays firmly put. The 14km route makes its way around the lake, across rivers and up hills, showing off some lovely parts of the Ardennes around the river Ourthe. Some parts of the hike are quite steep so it’s best suited to you experienced trekkers, but the location is still worth a visit for beginners to make a start with a 1.5km stroll around the dam.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Barrage de Nisramont, 6893 La Roche-en-Ardenne‍

Length: 14km‍

Difficulty: Medium/Difficult‍

Signage: Red diamond

Find more info about Barrage de Nisramont by clicking below 👇

Barrage de Nisramont

‍

3. “Chemins de Solitude” hike
‍

Yes, we know, this hike is already in our lists for the best summer and autumn hikes in Belgium. But we just can’t help it. This has got to be up there with one of the best hikes in the Ardennes, offering up a well-signposted, enchanting trail straight from a fairytale. 

Our co-founder, Joris, thinks this loop is most beautiful in the autumn (and we’re inclined to agree with all those colourful trees *heart eyes*), but the changing landscapes past rivers and through forests are just as charming in the winter months. At 20km it’s one of the longer ones so make sure you come prepared with plenty of layers and comfortable boots.‍

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Rue du Panorama, 6870 Saint-Hubert

Length: 20km‍

Difficulty: Medium‍

Signage: Blue triangle

Find more info about Chemins de Solitude by clicking below 👇

"Chemins de Solitude" Hike

‍

4. Promenade de Mochamps
‍

Like the sound of “Chemins de Solitude” but it’s a bit too long for you? In the same area you’ll find the shorter, probably less busy and still very beautiful, Promenade de Mochamps. Starting from the hamlet of Mochamps just north of Saint-Hubert, this 6km loop heads through the Fagne du Rouge Poncé nature reserve. This is one of the last places preserving the precious habitats of wet heathlands and peat bogs, meaning throughout the year you might just see some rare gifts of Mother Nature. 

In the colder months it remains a lovely trail through both forests and open moors, and if you find yourselves walking in the snow, the elevated wooden path makes it a beautiful and super easy winter walk.‍

Walk Details

Address:🧭 6970 Mochamps

Length: 6km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Map & GPX: Available here

5. Tour du Lac de la Gileppe
‍

Wrap up warm and take in the views on this easy trail. Lake Gileppe is an impressive reservoir and heart of nature and activity. In winter it’s a perfect walking location, whether you’re looking for a simple stroll around the lake or to venture into the trees. 

We’ve chosen the 13.6km tour of the lake which offers up the best of both, with panoramic views over the water as well as a few detours into the forest. Either in snowy weather or a foggy winter afternoon, you’ll finish this walk feeling refreshed and ready for a hot choc.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Route de la Gileppe 55A, 4845 Jalhay

Length: 13.6km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: Green rectangle

Find more info about Lac de la Gileppe by clicking below 👇

Lake Gileppe

‍

6. Plateau des Tailles
‍

Yep, this is another one you’ll see on all of our seasonal lists as a great all-year-rounder. But the Plateau des Tailles is definitely a firm winter favourite as it’s right in the Baraque de Fraiture - the second highest point in Belgium. 

The 6km family-friendly Fagne Sacrawe trek will take you through villages, forests and the stunning nature of the Fagnes, with the higher chance of snow giving it the possibility to become a really magical trail across raised wooden pathways throughout the winter months. 

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Fraiture N89, 6690 Vielsalm

Length: 6km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: Blue and white cross

Find more info about Plateau des Tailles by clicking below 👇

Plateau des Tailles

‍

7. River Helle Valley and Lake Eupen
‍

Trust us, this is one of the most beautiful treks in Belgium. This stunning river walk offers up some extremely picturesque surroundings as you make your way through the River Helle Valley towards Lake Eupen. You’ll follow the river for the first half of the walk before reaching the lake, the changing landscape giving another dimension to this 12km valley loop. Get click happy and capture some of the best of Belgian nature, or just clear your head with the sound of the water and crisp winter air.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Monschauer Strabe, 4700 Eupen

Length: 12km‍

Difficulty: Medium‍

Map & GPX: Available here

‍

8. Park Furfooz
‍

Keen to get the whole household out and about? Park Furfooz is a family-friendly nature hotspot and great place for a pleasant, leisurely walk to enjoy the surroundings. At an easy going 4km long, the walk at Park Furfooz is one of our top picks for a short hike in Belgium. The trek around the park may be short, but it’s packed with things to see!

Check out the Roman ruins and hidden caves displaying the long history of Wallonia and, if that wasn’t enough, there’s also 15(!) viewpoints for taking in those views across the river and Lesse Valley. A great one to do with the kids and get the family’s legs moving this winter.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Park Furfooz, Rue du Camp Romain 79, 5500 Dinant

Length: 4km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: Yellow arrow

Find more info about Park Furfooz by clicking below 👇

Park Furfooz

‍

9. Castle walk
‍

Is there anything more magical than a castle covered in snow? Castle Walzin and Castle Veves are up there with two of the most beautiful castles in Belgium. This 15km walk is a two-for-one deal! 

The trail begins in the small village of Gendron and heads towards Castle Walzin first, before looping back around through Furfooz towards Veves. If you were ever going to take your camera on a hike, this would be it. Not only for the castles, but for the forests, limestone cliffs and stunning landscapes throughout the valley. This is the perfect winter hike to take in some of Belgium’s finest.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Gendron-Celles, 5561 Houyet

Length: 15km‍

Difficulty: Medium‍

Signage: Yellow and blue triangle

Find more info about Veves Castle by clicking below 👇

Veves Castle

‍

10. Les Abbanets
‍

The unique site of Fondry des Chiens is a sight to behold, and that doesn’t change in the winter. Looking like something from another planet, this unusual rock formation has become an explorer’s playground and photographer’s paradise.

There are a few trails around the area but we’re recommending Les Abbanets - 9km of changing landscapes through the forest, along the river and old railway line towards the canyon. Take in the site and explore its depths, but be careful if it’s wet as the rocks can be slippery.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Rue Vieille-Eglise 5, 5670 Nismes (Viroinval)

Length: 9km‍

Difficulty: Difficult‍

Signage: Red and white rectangle

Find more info about Fondry des Chiens and its surrounding trails by clicking below 👇

Fondry des Chiens

‍

Winter hikes in Flanders

Wallonia sure has a lot to offer in the trails department, but Flanders has some hiking gems of its own. Discover the northern half of Belgium on these beautiful treks.
‍

11. Bilzen Art and Castles loop
‍

This one was actually made for the winter months! The Expeditie Bilzen routes were originally only planned as pop-up trails from October 2020 until April 2021 before being made permanent, and now they’re up there with some of the best long distance hikes in Flanders. 

The 24.7km ‘Art and Castles’ loop really does offer what it says on the tin, taking you through the Limburg countryside past local art spots and around some 14th century fort ruins. The highlight has to be Alden Biesen castle, one of the oldest and largest castle domains in northern Europe and a real sight for sore eyes!

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Stadhuis Bilzen, Markt 15, 3740 Bilzen

Length: 24.7km‍

Difficulty: Medium‍

Signage: Blue with castle symbol

Find more info about Expedition Bilzen and the trails by clicking below 👇

Expedition Bilzen

12. Abbey Averbode Woodland Walk
‍

Get a piece of history at Averbode, best known for its charming abbey which dates all the way back to 1134. Fast forward nearly 900(!) years, and it’s a great spot for both a cultural and natural experience around the abbey and surrounding woodland. It’s hard to beat Abbey Averbode for a winter woodland walk in Belgium!

There are plenty of trails in the area if you opt for a winter woodland walk in Averbode, but this 11km loop is a great option to see a range of eco habitats including sand dunes, heathlands, pine forests and grasslands. It’s a great trail for the kids too and you’ll even find a woodland playing area if you really want to tire them out!

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Herseltsebaan, 3271 Scherpenheuval-Zichem

Length: 11km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Map & GPX: Find the link to the map & GPX by clicking below 👇

Abbey Averbode

‍

13. The Kalmthout Heath “Sheep” Walk
‍

Kalmthoutse Heide is a huge, unique park and winter is just as great a time to explore it as any! With its massive 6,000 hectares comes HEAPS of hiking options, but we’ve chosen a nice and easy 8km option that’s beginner-friendly and includes lots of highlights.

The “Sheep” walk (you might see some woolly friends) starts and ends at the De Vroente nature centre, looping a range of landscapes, past the lake and along the Belgian-Dutch border. You’ll also get to check out the observation tower so you can enjoy even more winter views across the heathlands.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Putsesteenweg, N111, Kalmthout

Length: 8km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Map & GPX: Find them

Find more info about Kalmthout Heath by clicking below 👇

Kalmthout Heath

14. Terhills at Hoge Kempen National Park
‍

The views at Terhills (the new name for Connecterra) make it another great all-rounder, and the hilly trails will definitely keep you toasty warm in the winter temps. There are loads of hikes to choose from but our firm favourite is the purple 13km loop which shows off the awesome landscapes and views across Limburg. This is definitely one of the best hikes in Flanders, if not Belgium! 

If you’d prefer a less hilly, easier option, follow the yellow signs instead, but just be aware the views won’t be quite as impressive.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Zetellaan 68, 3630 Maasmechelen

Length: 13km‍

Difficulty: Medium‍

Signage: Purple signs

Find more info about Terhills and its trails by clicking below 👇

Terhills at Hoge Kempen

‍

15. Zwin Nature Park
‍

Take a walk on the wild side at Zwin; a great nature reserve to get the whole family outside during the winter months. There’s two 2km trails to choose from which both show off the unique environment including dunes, unique plants, mudflats and fresh sea air straight from the North Sea that borders the park. Zwin is a great place to visit in the winter to hear the birds singing and get a breath of fresh and crisp air. 

Check out the bird observation huts for a rest along the way or to try and spot some of our winged friends. There’s also interactive info and activities for kids so everyone can really get stuck in!

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Het Zwin, 8300 Knokke-Heist

Length: 2km‍

Difficulty: Easy‍

Signage: See map on site.

Find more info about Zwin Nature Park by clicking below 👇

Zwin Nature Park

‍

16. Hobokense Polder
‍

Get out of the city for some fresh air and lovely wintery views at Hobokense Polder. Not far from Antwerp, this nature oasis near the Scheldt river is the perfect place for some winter wandering. Our favourite walking path is the 7.5km trail that crosses through the forests, past swamps, around ponds, and along the river Scheldt.

The trail is great for kids and you should make sure everyone has their wellies or waterproof shoes on! The wooden walkways should keep you dry, but you never know when someone might see a pond worth exploring...

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Schroeilaan, 2660 Antwerpen

Length: 7.5km‍

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: See map on site.

Find more info about Hobokense Polder by clicking below 👇

Hobokense Polder

17. Sahara Lommel
‍

A desert in winter? This unique sandy landscape is an extraordinary spot for a winter hike but definitely one to remember. There are three trails to choose from showing off interesting scenery and awesome views, and make sure you stop at the 30m high Lommel Tower for panoramas of the landscape. Why not pack a thermos to keep warm while you take in the views of this Limburg gem?

Walk Details

Address:🧭 De Soeverein, Sportveldenstraat 10, Lommel

Length: 3, 6, 12km‍

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: See map on site.

Find more info about Sahara Lommel by clicking below 👇

Sahara Lommel

18. Assebroekse Meersen
‍

Get your boots on, grab your hat and take a break from the city with some fresh winter air at Assebroekse Meersen. Only a 15 minute drive from Bruges, this nature reserve offers up a super easy going 6.8km trail through meadows, along rivers and even past a WWII bunker.

It’s one of our favourite winter spots because (when the local authority says it’s safe to do so) you can even skate on the ice! But whether the water is frozen or not, it’s a great winter walk that’s actually even more enjoyable in foggy weather...

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Pastoor Verhaegheplein, 8310 Ver Assebroek Brugge

Length: 6.8km‍

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: Hexagonal signs with green text reading ‘Meersen Wandelpad’

Find more info about Assebroekse Meersen by clicking below 👇

Assebroekse Meersen

Winter hikes in Brussels

19. Molenbeek Valley - The Green Walk
‍

The Promenade Verte is one of Brussels’ most well-known routes, with the whole loop clocking in at an impressive 60km around the outskirts of the capital. Don’t panic, we’re not suggesting you do the whole thing; thankfully the route is cut down into 7 parts ranging between 5 and 12km.

The Molenbeek Valley section is the last section of the trek and really shows off the nature around the city. Heading through Berchem-Saint-Agathe, along the Molenbeek stream and into Parc Roi Baudoin, there are plenty of gems to see along the way.

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Rue Kasterlinden, 1080 Brussels

Length: 9.5km‍

Difficulty: Easy

Signage: Promenade Verte signs. Black with green figures.

Find more info about the entire Green Walk by clicking below 👇

The Green Walk

20. The Sonian Forest
‍

Ah, just imagine a peaceful walk through the snowy forest in winter, hearing that satisfying crunch under your boots. The Sonian Forest spans all the way through Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia and as you can imagine, its 5000 hectares come with an abundance of hiking options. 

We’ve chosen a calm, beautiful 5.6km loop near Brussels which shows the forest in all its glory while passing several of the little ponds hidden amongst the trees. A great winter walk with or without snow that’s beginner friendly and great for families. 

Walk Details

Address:🧭 Drève des deux Montagnes, Uccle 1180, Brussels

Length: 5.6km‍

Difficulty: Easy

Map: Find map here

Find more info about the Sonian Forest by clicking below 👇

The Sonian Forest

See? Winter doesn’t have to be an indoor season! Looking for even more walks and hikes in Belgium? Check out our map and find loads more options to get those legs moving in Belgium and beyond!