1. Wat is de beste tijd van het jaar om de Ardennen te bezoeken?

Elk seizoen heeft zijn charme; lente voor bloeiende bossen, zomer voor mountainbiken, herfst voor bronsttijd van herten, en winter voor raften en sneeuwschoenwandelen.

2. Zijn de activiteiten in dit blog geschikt voor beginners?

Ja, bijvoorbeeld mountainbiken rond Comblain-au-Pont is geschikt voor zowel beginners als ervaren fietsers, en sneeuwschoenwandelen is toegankelijk voor iedereen.

3. Kan ik de wandel- en fietsroutes doen zonder gids?

Mountainbiken kan onder begeleiding van een instructeur, maar sommige wandelingen zoals sneeuwschoenwandelen kunnen ook zelfstandig gedaan worden, al wordt een gids soms aangeraden (bijvoorbeeld bij bronsttijd in Saint-Hubert).

6x activities in the Ardennes

29 October 2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes | By: Babette |

Looking for a short escape from the daily rush, without spending hours in the car? The Ardennes are the ideal destination for a weekend break close to home. What makes the Ardennes extra special is that every season has its own charm. This beautiful natural area is beautiful in every season. The Ardennes is bursting with activities. From relaxing walks through the blooming forests of the High Fens to exciting outdoor activities such as rafting. In this blog I list the best activities and tips for you. That way, you can get the most out of your weekend in the Ardennes, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of both.

Warche Valley in the High Fens

1. Hiking in the blooming forests of the Ardennes

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear and the flowers start to bloom, many people start to itch. It is time to go outside! Do you also get spring fever? Then hiking in the Ardennes is ideal, for example in the High Fens. The Warche Valley offers a beautiful route of about 12 kilometres with some 400 altitude metres. You start at the Robertville reservoir and follow the meandering Warche river, passing impressive spots such as the Nez de Napoleon rock formation. The varied landscape of forests, valleys and hills, and crossing the river barefoot, makes it a unique experience for your weekend in the Ardennes.

Mountain bike route in Comblain-au-Pont

2. Mountain biking through forests, hills and country roads

Summer is the perfect season to be active in the Ardennes, and mountain biking is an absolute must. Accompanied by an instructor, you explore the forests, hills and country roads around Comblain-au-Pont. This area, not far from Liège, offers a challenging two- to three-hour tour. The routes are mainly unpaved and contain exciting descents and climbs, giving both beginners and experienced cyclists plenty of fun.

Remouchamps caves

3. Discover the underground world of the Ardennes

If you have had enough of the summer heat for a while, a visit to the Remouchamps Caves is the perfect activity. In these natural karst caves, you will discover a very special underground world, with stalagmites and an impressive river. Best of all, the longest navigable underground river in the world can be found here! On a short boat trip, you'll glide calmly along the water and see the caves from a completely different perspective. Moreover, it is nice and cool inside, a nice change after a hot summer day in the Ardennes.

Forest area Saint-Hubert

4. The rutting season in Saint-Hubert

In autumn, the Saint-Hubert forest comes alive with a special natural phenomenon: the belling of deer. From mid-September to mid-October, the rutting season takes place. This involves male deer making loud noises to impress the females. To make the most of this experience, a guided evening walk is highly recommended. Accompanied by an experienced guide from the Maison du Tourisme de la Forêt de Saint-Hubert, you walk silently through the forest. With a bit of luck, you will hear the roar of the deer. It is a unique experience that makes autumn in the Ardennes even more interesting and gives you an insight into the life of these animals.

From Nisramont to La Roche

5. Brave the raging rivers during rafting in the Ardennes

Rafting in winter? Definitely! Most people probably think of this as a summer activity, but if you want to raft in the Ardennes, you should do it in winter because in the summer months the water level is always too low. At Ardennen Buitenensport, an experienced provider of outdoor activities, you first get an extensive explanation on safety and technique. Then you go on the water to experience it in practice. Together with your group and guide, you brave the rapids of rivers such as Nisramont and la Roche. Most of the trip winds through a nature reserve, providing a natural and peaceful environment. Rafting is a unique experience to experience winter in the Ardennes.

Snowshoe hike in the Ourthe Valley

6. Hiking through the winter Ardennes

If, after all that adrenaline, you also want to quietly enjoy winter nature, snowshoeing is the perfect activity for you. Hike through snowy forests, over frozen fens and past historic villages like La Roche, Houffalize and Durbuy. The peaceful surroundings offer a wonderful escape from the daily hustle and bustle. The terrain is hilly but easy to walk on, making snowshoeing accessible to everyone. If you get excited about snowshoeing and would prefer to go out with a guide? Then contact 360° Explore for the possibilities.

Whether you are looking for adventure, tranquillity or a combination of both, there is no shortage of activities in the Ardennes. From hiking through the beautiful forests to rafting on the wild rivers of the Ardennes, this versatile nature area has it all. Head out and discover it for yourself during your weekend getaway to the Ardennes.

Love,

Babette

This is Honeyguide Babette

Social and curious, always looking for new places to discover. At my internship at Honeyguide, I write blogs, search for hidden gems and create content for the socials.