Malmédy

Day Trips

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.

Set off early for the High Fens nature reserve, Europe’s highest plateau. Stop at Signal de Botrange visitor center to learn about the unique peat bog ecosystem. Ascend the observation tower for sweeping views across the moorland.

Hike along raised boardwalks winding through misty bogs and heather fields. Spot rare wildlife like black grouse and dragonflies dancing above the wetlands. Enjoy a woodland picnic while listening to the haunting call of marsh birds.

Return to Malmédy and treat yourself to a warm waffle topped with local berries at a café near the Grand Place. Wander into a rustic pub for a glass of artisanal beer brewed in the Ardennes. Relax by a crackling fireplace and relish the peaceful evening.

Begin at the Malmédy Cathedral Treasury Museum to see sacred relics and ornate silverware. Then stroll to the Benedictine Abbey grounds and explore the monastic cloisters. Marvel at centuries-old manuscripts and illuminated parchments.

Cross into nearby Stavelot to visit the Abbey of Stavelot, featuring art installations and a medieval cloister. Discover the Ecomusée de l’Auto, showcasing vintage automobiles and local engineering feats. Admire Baroque frescoes in the abbey church.

Dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Stavelot, sampling refined takes on Ardennes cuisine. Listen to live classical guitar in an intimate chamber-music evening offered at the abbey. Stroll back under starlit skies, reflecting on the region’s rich heritage.

Travel to Coo and feel the mist on your face at the famous waterfalls, some of Belgium’s tallest. Take a scenic train ride through lush woodland to the cascade viewpoint. Capture dramatic photos against the roaring white water.

Challenge yourself on the nearby adventure park’s zip lines and rope courses. Kayak along the tranquil pools below the falls for a refreshing perspective. Refuel with a riverside picnic of local charcuterie and fresh fruit.

Return to Malmédy for dinner at a riverside brasserie, savoring grilled trout caught from nearby streams. Sample a flight of Belgian craft beers as you recount the day’s thrills. Cap off your evening with a moonlit stroll along the riverbank.

Browse the weekly artisan market in Malmédy’s central square, sampling local cheeses, honey, and chocolates. Chat with producers about traditional recipes passed down through generations. Pick up fresh baguettes and smoked Ardennes ham for a snack.

Join a hands-on cooking class to master regional dishes like potée ardennaise stew. Learn the art of pairing local beers and fruit eaux-de-vie with savory and sweet courses. Feast on your homemade creations in a convivial communal setting.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a family-run tavern where live folk music accompanies hearty dishes. Toast with a specially brewed farmhouse ale while listening to tales of village life. Unwind with an after-dinner digestif as candlelight flickers across the wooden beams.

Set out for a guided hike through dense Ardennes forests along the Ligne 38 railway path. Spot towering beech and oak trees draped in moss and lichen. Listen for woodpeckers tapping against ancient trunks.

Climb to a hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas of valleys and distant ridges. Pause for a picnic of local goat cheese and crusty bread, enjoying the quiet solitude. Use the afternoon light to capture landscape photographs of rolling hills.

Return to Malmédy for a casual dinner at a pub known for its grilled sausages and artisanal mustards. Savor a glass of kriek cherry beer as you swap stories with fellow hikers. Wind down with a nightcap in a snug lounge by a crackling fire.

Drive to nearby Spa town for a tranquil morning at the Thermes de Spa, indulging in thermal pools and hydrotherapy circuits. Soothe tired muscles with a massage featuring local herbal oils. Lounge in the solarium, basking in soft natural light.

Head to Lake Robertville for a leisurely boat cruise across its calm waters. Rent a paddleboat and explore hidden coves fringed by forest. Enjoy an al fresco lunch picnic on the sandy shore beneath pine trees.

Dine at a lakeside restaurant serving freshly caught fish and seasonal vegetables. Watch the sun set over the shimmering water, painting the sky in pastel hues. End your evening with a glass of regional sparkling cider under a canopy of stars.

Spend the morning at Malmédy’s artisanal market, tasting homemade jams, cured meats, and local honey. Learn about bee conservation initiatives in the High Fens. Pick up handcrafted pottery and textile souvenirs.

Tour the Brasserie de Malmédy to discover traditional Belgian brewing techniques. Sample a selection of ales, from fruity saisons to robust dark beers. Chat with the head brewer about using local spring water and hops in each batch.

Join a beer-pairing dinner at the brewery’s taproom, where each course is matched with a house specialty. Delight in conversations with fellow beer enthusiasts over tasting flights. Conclude with a dessert stout and live acoustic music.

Enjoy a last leisurely breakfast at a café overlooking the Grand Place, savoring fresh pastries and strong coffee. Take a final walk through the medieval streets to soak in the atmosphere one more time. Purchase any remaining souvenirs from family-run shops.

Relax in the Jardin du Béguinage, reflecting on your journey amid manicured gardens and historic walls. Gather for a group photo by the old béguin convent, capturing memories of your Belgian adventure. Share stories and favorite moments over a light picnic.

Celebrate your final night with a grand feast at a top-rated restaurant in Malmédy, sampling the chef’s tasting menu of Ardennes specialties. Toast with a rare craft beer or local vintage cider to toast new friendships. End the evening with a moonlit stroll, cherishing the glow of the Grand Place one last time.