Things To Do
in Malmédy
Malmédy is a small, picturesque town in the Belgian Ardennes known for its well-preserved historic center and strong local traditions like the Cwarmê carnival. Nestled near the High Fens (Hautes-Fagnes), it is a popular base for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and winter sports. The town offers a relaxed, village-like atmosphere with cozy cafés, family-run restaurants and artisan shops along the Grand-Place.
Proximity to wide natural plateaus and peat bogs makes Malmédy an excellent destination for nature lovers seeking tranquillity and scenic landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Settle into your hotel in the historic center of Malmédy and savor a freshly brewed Belgian coffee with a warm waffle at a local café. Stroll along the cobbled streets to admire the half-timbered houses and Gothic architecture that line the Grand Place. Feel the medieval ambiance as you explore hidden alleys and charming fountains.
Visit the Malmédy Cathedral to admire its Baroque interior and learn about its centuries-old religious significance. Explore the Maison du Pays de Malmédy for interactive exhibits on local history and folklore. Pop into artisan shops for handcrafted souvenirs like pottery and lace.
Dine at a cozy bistro serving traditional Ardennes specialties such as carbonnade flamande paired with a crisp local beer. Join a torchlit ghost walk through the town’s medieval lanes and hear spine-tingling legends. Conclude the night with a leisurely stroll around the illuminated square, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before venturing to the nearby village of Bellevaux, known for its stone farmhouses and pastoral charm. Wander through quiet lanes flanked by green meadows and grazing sheep. Capture panoramic views of the rolling Ardennes countryside from a hilltop vantage point.
Embark on a forest trail along the Warche River valley, crossing wooden bridges and passing murmuring streams. Pause at scenic overlooks to photograph cascading rapids and moss-covered boulders. Break for a picnic of local cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread.
Head to a family-run farmhouse restaurant for a rustic dinner of farm-fresh vegetables and slow-cooked stew. Sip on homemade pear cider as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Return to Malmédy for star-gazing in the peaceful country air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal at mid-range restaurant (per person) | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee / Espresso | $2.5-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (on tap) | $3.5-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes and easy access to the High Fens
- Charming historic center with strong local traditions
- Excellent for outdoor activities year-round
- Relaxed, authentic small-town atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions than big cities
- Public transport connections are less frequent—best explored by car
- Some restaurants and services may close in low season
- Weather can be unpredictable, especially on the plateaus
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / l'arrêt de bus ?" - Where is the train station / bus stop?
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
- "Je suis allergique à ..." - I am allergic to ...
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Malmédy
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque town square with historic buildings and lively market scenes—great for street and architectural photography, especially in the golden hour.
Riverside paths and bridges offer peaceful water reflections, seasonal foliage and intimate nature shots close to town.
Expansive peat bogs, boardwalks and wide horizons create dramatic landscape photos; misty mornings are especially atmospheric.
Elevated viewpoints overlooking valleys and forests—excellent for panoramas, sunrise and sunset shots.
If visiting in carnival season, photograph colourful costumes, masks and lively street scenes unique to Malmédy’s traditions.
Food in Malmédy
Malmédy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured and smoked meats typical of the region, often served with bread, mustard and local pickles; available at delis, charcuteries and markets.
Must-Try!
Seasonal dishes prepared in autumn and winter featuring venison, boar or rabbit, usually on menus at traditional brasseries and restaurants.
Local and regional beers (bottle and tap) that pair well with rich Ardennes cuisine; try abbey and strong ales at bars and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market (usually held weekly) offering fresh bread, charcuterie, cheeses and seasonal produce—great for assembling a picnic or sampling regional products.
During festivals and weekends you’ll find street-food stalls selling waffles, fries and regional snacks in the town center—perfect for casual tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a friendly 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) and a handshake; locals appreciate basic politeness in French.
Small towns value tranquillity—keep noise down at night and be mindful of neighbours, especially in residential areas.
If attending local events like the Cwarmê carnival, observe customs respectfully and ask before photographing people in traditional dress.
Dress modestly and speak softly inside churches and religious sites; follow signs and respect preservation rules.
Safety
Tipping in Malmédy
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills but it’s customary to round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel porters are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but some small businesses prefer cash (euros). Contactless payment is common; carry some cash for markets, rural shops and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and budding landscapes—great for hiking before peak summer crowds. Trails can be muddy after thaw; bring waterproof shoes and layers.
Warm, pleasant days ideal for outdoor activities, cycling and lakeside relaxation. Expect more tourists on weekends; pack sunscreen and insect repellent for wetlands.
Crisp air and vivid foliage make this a photographer’s favourite; many local food specialties and game are in season. Weather can change quickly—dress in layers.
Colder with potential snow on higher plateaus—opportunities for cross-country skiing and winter hiking. Roads and some trails may be icy; ensure appropriate footwear and check weather forecasts.
Malmédy at Night
Hiking in Malmédy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of boardwalks across peat bogs and moorland; routes vary from short interpretive walks to full-day hikes with unique flora and wide vistas.
Walk to Belgium’s highest point and explore surrounding plateaus—great for panoramic views and spotting peatland features.
Series of trails offering varied scenery from forest tracks to open viewpoints and seasonal wildflower displays.
Lakeside trails suitable for easy walks, birdwatching and family outings, with picnic spots and gentle terrain.
Riverside paths and connecting trails through wooded valleys—good for combined hiking and photography.
Airports
How to reach Malmédy by plane.
About 60–90 minutes by car depending on route; closest international airport with regional connections. Combine with a rental car or train+bus transfers to reach Malmédy.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car; good international connections. Train services from Brussels to regional hubs are frequent, with onward bus or car transfer to Malmédy.
Around 1.5–2 hours by car; useful for some international routes. Ground transport options include rental car or coach services to Belgian Ardennes regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are French-speaking Walloons who maintain regional Ardennes traditions and community life.
Eastern Belgium has German-speaking communities nearby, and you may encounter bilingual signage or visitors from German-speaking areas.
A mix of older residents and local families populate the town year-round; tourism brings younger outdoor enthusiasts seasonally.
Visitors tend to be hikers, cyclists and nature lovers drawn to the High Fens and Ardennes scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and community leagues are common; football is popular across all ages.
Road cycling and mountain biking are widely enjoyed thanks to scenic routes and challenging hills in the Ardennes.
Many locals and visitors pursue trail running, long-distance walking and nature hikes in the High Fens and surrounding forests.
During snowy winters the higher plateaus attract cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malmédy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; most cafés will offer salads, omelettes or cheese-based dishes. Ask staff for vegetable sides or a custom plate, and visit bakeries and markets for fresh produce and breads.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available but not ubiquitous—plan ahead, communicate restrictions in French (or show a translated note), and consider self-catering from market produce if you have strict needs.
Restaurants are generally accommodating—inform staff about allergies (in French) and double-check ingredients in sauces or charcuterie.