Loved for their rugged natural landscape, rich cultural heritage and seasonal festivities, the Ardennes provide the perfect winter getaway in the south-east of Belgium.
From winter sports and Christmas markets to war museums and caves, the Walloon Ardennes host endless opportunities for indoor and outdoor entertainment whatever the weather. In fact, some argue that the region is best enjoyed in the winter, when its enchanting forests, hills and valleys are covered in snow.
Winter sports
Skiing and snowboarding are admittedly not one of Belgium's top attractions, but there are nevertheless several ski resorts in the Ardennes that provide a more affordable option to the Alps, closer to home. Resorts include Mont des Brumes, Baraque Fraiture and Ovifat.
The Ardennes have stunning trails for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and hiking, with most equipment available to rent from nearby shops. The Hautes Fagnes plateau is an especially enchanting hiking destination during the winter and perfect for families with children. Several of their best winter walks start from the Botrange Park Visitors Centre.
Cross-country skiers in the Hautes Fagnes region. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Lambert
Gastronomy
The Ardennes region has a rich traditional cuisine that is most appreciated during the winter months, including game dishes, meat stews, cold cuts and patés.
One such speciality includes the boudin blanc sausage. Normally served around Christmas time, the century-old recipe details pork meat, bread and milk as its basic ingredients.
Another historic regional food is Belgium's Ardennes ham (jambon d’Ardenne in French). The cured meat, with a Protected Geographical Indication label, is renowned for its unique flavour and texture.
Belgium's reputation for great beer is only reinforced in the Ardennes, where visitors can escape from the cold in the shelter of the region's breweries. One of the most loved beers of the region is Leffe, produced at the Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey near Dinant after reviving the Abbey's ancient brewing tradition in 1952.
The Leffe Resto-truck in Dinant. Credit: Belga / Bruno Fahy
Christmas activities
As far as Christmas activities are concerned, there are various markets and concerts that pop up throughout the region's towns and villages at the end of November.
In fact, Belgium's oldest Christmas village takes place in Eupen from 15 to 17 December and includes a living nativity set, church concerts and 60 chalets. Liège, meanwhile, claims to be home to the biggest Christmas market in the country, with 150 chalets and market stalls spread throughout the town from 24 November to 30 December. For a Christmas parade, with Saint Nicholas and fire shows, the Charleville-Mézières market is open from 25 November to 3 January.
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Historical destinations
Although the Ardennes are best known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities, the region is also a fantastic cultural destination, most notably for the military heritage from both World Wars: The Battle of the Ardennes in 1914 and the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-1945.
Many towns have memorials and cemeteries dedicated to the battles, including Bastogne, La Roche, Sankt-Vith and Malmedy. Numerous military museums can also be found throughout the region, such as the Bastogne War Museum and Barracks in Bastogne, the Musée de la Bataille Des Ardennes in La Roche-en-Ardenne, the Bulge Relics Museum in Vielsalm and Fort Eben-Emael in Eben-Emael.
Bastogne War Museum. Credit: Belga /Anthony Dehez
Besides military history, the Ardennes also showcase centuries-old traditions in their heritage museums. Visitors can enjoy the Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois in Namur, the Musee de la Vie Wallonne in Liège, the Écomusée du Viroin, the Prehistomuseum in Flemalle and the Maison de Monsieur Sax in Dinant, among others.
The Euro Space Centre in Libin and the Observatoire Astronomique Centre Ardenne in Neufchateau are also always a treat for adults and children alike.
Underground exploration
The surprising natural landscape of the Ardennes is not limited to the outdoors. In fact, there are two main underground attractions in the region. The Hotton Cave, for example, was formed by a hollowed-out limestone layer on the banks of the River Ourthe. Its exceptional depth and shocking stalactites have been compared to a crystal palace.
Another underground destination is the Morépire slate mine near Herbeumont, where miners would extract impossibly heavy slabs of slate under terrible working conditions. The mine tunnel, now a commemoration to the miners who toiled in its almost 100% humidity, is now open to visitors who can explore its depths even in the winter.
