Want to get away from it all without leaving our beautiful country? Nestled in the Amblève valley, the Coo waterfall is not only one of the highest in Belgium (it’s 15 metres high, after all! Not bad for the Plat Pays). In fact, beyond its sheer size, it’s also been one of the country’s most popular natural sites for over 150 years. We tell you all about this impressive, peaceful place steeped in history.
One of Belgium’s highest waterfalls is located in the Province of Liège.
To reach it, simply follow the roar of the water. Bordered by lush green forests, the waterfall is an impressive sight, especially after a few days of rain. The setting is perfect for a stroll, a romantic picnic or a family day out in the fresh air. For the more sporty, several hiking trails criss-cross the surrounding area, with lovely views over the valley.
https://youtu.be/VxXHVS31kVY?feature=shared
An emblematic site steeped in history
The Coo waterfall may look natural, but it’s not all natural. A small waterfall already existed in the 15th century, but it was in the 17th century that monks from Stavelot Abbey diverted the course of the Amblève to create a larger waterfall to power a mill. This human intervention gave rise to the spectacular site we know today.
The waterfall is also one of Belgium’s oldest tourist attractions. As early as the 19th century, it featured on the itineraries of travelers on the Grand Tour of Europe, a sort of “cultural road trip” reserved for young European aristocrats in search of romantic landscapes and new discoveries. With the arrival of the train, it became even more accessible, attracting curious visitors from Liège, Brussels and Paris.
A source of inspiration for the Belgian Impressionists
In the 1880s, the waterfall and its surroundings also attracted numerous Belgian painters in search of light and raw landscapes. Among them were Guillaume Vogels and Théo Van Rysselberghe, who came here to capture the changing reflections of the water and the misty atmosphere of the Ardennes forests. The site is often compared to certain scenes in Barbizon, France, the birthplace of Impressionism.
What to see around Coo
If you’re visiting Belgium’s highest waterfall, take the opportunity to discover the nearby Plopsa Coo theme park, or take a kayak trip down the Amblève. Just a few kilometers away, the charming villages of Stavelot and Malmedy are well worth a visit, with their cobbled streets, gourmet delights and unusual museums. There’s plenty to do in the Belgian Ardennes.
How do I get to the Coo waterfall from Brussels?
From Brussels, it takes just 2 hours by car via the E40 and E25. By train, allow around 2h30: direction Trois-Ponts, then a short connection by bus or cab. Easily accessible, the site can be visited all year round. However, it is in spring and autumn that it reveals its most beautiful scenery.