Feel like traveling? Whether it’s an arid desert reminiscent of the Sahara, the Great Lakes of Canada, an Indian castle, or a village with a gentle Provençal charm, there are many exotic places in Belgium inviting you on a journey—without (almost) leaving home!
Belgium’s only mountain river, this torrent, sculpted by time, rushes through a remarkable canyon. With its fascinating geology, historical anecdotes, and breathtaking landscapes, this protected site immerses you in a magical setting dotted with rocks and wooden footbridges. Discover the history and surprising origins of this unique place, from the crossing of its famous natural pools to the dizzying panoramas from the Drouet viewpoint.
A member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, Torgny is a magnificent rural village with a rich winemaking heritage, whose current production includes one of Belgium’s most renowned dry white wines. It’s no wonder the town is nicknamed the “Belgian Provence”! You can almost hear the cicadas…
Wooden pavilion, “Tea House,” waterfall, cherry trees (in bloom in spring): the Japanese Garden of Hasselt, covering 2.5 hectares and located in the heart of Kapermolen Park, is the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Watch the koi fish swimming happily in the water, then settle down under the cherry blossoms… the tranquility here is incredible!
An Indian castle hidden in the Belgian Ardennes
Tucked away in the Durbuy region, the Château de Petite-Somme is a 19th-century building offering an intriguing blend of European Neo-Gothic style and ancient Eastern culture. Also known as Radhadesh, the castle is home to part of the spiritual community of the same name. Petite-Somme also features a museum of sacred art, with exhibitions focused on traditional Indian arts, a retreat center, a vegetarian restaurant, a gift shop, and even a bakery!
An American-style micro-canyon at Fondry des Chiens
If, like us, you currently can’t afford to travel to the U.S. to see the Grand Canyon, you can always count on the impressive Fondry des Chiens gorge, located in the Viroin-Hermeton Nature Reserve. This spectacular natural site was formed by thousands of years of rain erosion in highly calcareous soil. Impressive!
A spectacular panorama worthy of the Ardèche Gorges with the Giant’s Tomb
It is one of the Ardennes’ most beautiful gems, and the view from Botassart will take your breath away. The Giant’s Tomb, carved into the curve of the Semois River, is undoubtedly one of Belgium’s most beautiful landscapes and will transport you on a journey reminiscent of certain great Swiss forests as well as the south of France (how can one not think of the Ardèche Gorges?). Among Belgium’s most exotic destinations, this one gets our seal of approval!
A Taste of Canada at Lake Nisramont
DoCanada’s great lakes and majestic forests make you thirsty for adventure? No need to cross the Atlantic! Just 2 hours from Brussels, the magnificent Lake Nisramont offers a beautiful walk at the confluence of the two Ourthes. Get your camera out!
Like an arid desert in the Sahara of Lommel
Covering an area of 193 hectares, the vast sandy expanse of the Sahara de Lommel is a nature reserve with breathtaking scenery. Moreover, at its center, a magnificent lake surrounded by pine trees transports visitors to an almost cinematic setting (the film “Frits and Freddy” was shot there in 2010). Finally, climb the observation tower to enjoy the view!
Scandinavian landscapes in the Kikbeekbron Valley
The hiking loops that wind through the magnificent forests and lakes of the Kikbeekbron Valley and the Mechelse Heide offer visitors incredible landscapes worthy of Scandinavia. A Finnish mountain, a Swedish lake? Not at all! We’re just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Brussels, in the heart of the Maasmechelen nature reserves!
Along the rivers and clearings of an Irish forest
Legend has it that Tolkien was inspired by a forest in Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest, for his work “The Lord of the Rings.” We, however, would rather believe that it was the Ninglinspo Forest—named after its stream—which winds through the landscapes of the Ardennes. In Aywaille, not far from Liège, this hike is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in Belgium. Take a look at its waterfalls!
Waterfalls like those in Namibia on the edge of the Hautes-Fagnes
“Just like in Namibia”… okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a bit. Still, the Bayehon Waterfall, located at the entrance to the Hautes-Fagnes and Eifel Nature Park, is Belgium’s second-largest waterfall! Just a 45-minute drive away, take the opportunity to stop by the Ninglinspo Forest, our number 6 on this list of the most exotic places in Belgium.
Often nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” Bruges instantly transports you to Italy’s most romantic city. Indeed, this Flemish city is famous for its medieval historic center crisscrossed by numerous picturesque canals. A boat ride along its canals offers a unique perspective on the city, much like in the City of the Doges. The stone bridges, historic houses, and swans on the Lake of Love (Minnewater) give the place the atmosphere of a European “Little Venice,” while adding a distinctly Belgian and medieval touch.
