Baraque de Fraiture in the province of Luxembourg is well known for its ski slopes and winter walks, but did you know there is so much more to discover around this little gem? Let’s create unforgettable memories in the Ardennes with these 6 must-see destinations and discover what to do around Baraque de Fraiture!
Ski slopes of Baraque de Fraiture
The most iconic site of Baraque de Fraiture is its ski slopes. I also call this place 'my garden' because I go here almost every evening to watch the sunset and enjoy the view. It's one of my favorite places in Belgium and if you are looking for a romantic viewpoint for a picnic then I can really recommend this place during summer.
In winter there are of course a lot of possibilities, from skiing, snowboarding, and sledding to cross-country skiing. It's a real paradise!
There are also multiple winter walks to enjoy, with or without snow. I would recommend following the green arrows, which is a beautiful trail through the forest and to the little village of Fraiture. There is free parking at these coordinates: 7P3P+V4 Vielsalm.
Plateau des Tailles
Baraque de Fraiture is the second-highest point in Belgium with an altitude of 652 m making this the central landmark for the Plateau des Tailles. The Plateau is a natural reserve covering the Natural Park of the Two Ourthes, the Amblèves rivers, and different forests.
My favorite walk here is the “walk of the Fagne Sacrawe'' with multiple boards giving you information on the fauna and flora of the region. The path goes through forests, villages, and Fagnes but the best part is the one on these little wooden bridges which are perfect for everyone.
Your go-to information
Free parking at: Fraiture N89, 6690 Vielsalm (coordinates: 7Q26+2V Vielsalm)
Signage: Follow the blue and white cross
Distance: 6 km, easy and perfect for kids
What to bring: good walking shoes and binoculars to spot the birds
Accessibility: Perfect for an all-terrain stroller
Food: you can make a stop at the Baraque de Fraiture for delicious Belgian fries
Barrage de Nisramont
The dam of Nisramont is an iconic place in La-Roche-en-Ardenne where multiple activities take place such as kayaking, rafting, fishing ... During summer you can enjoy “packrafting”. Which is an outdoor activity that combines backpacking and rafting and is super fun for the adventurous people among us.
The barrage in itself is already really impressive but the walk around it is the real treat! The dam is 116 m long and 16 m high so you can take amazing pictures of this place. Ready for the hike? You can opt for different walks depending on your level. The first one is family-friendly and only covers the dam itself. This is 1,5 km long and gives you a beautiful view over the lake.
The second one is 13 km long and is for people with a good condition who loves a challenge and is called ‘the Hikes of the two Ourthes’. It is filled with beautiful viewpoints, forests, bridges, and little wooden paths. As the name suggests, this walk will bring you across the two Ourthe rivers and is perfect during any season!
Your go-to information
Free parking at: Nisramont, 6983 La Roche-en-Ardenne (coordinates: 4MV9+PP La Roche-en-Ardenne)
Signage: red squares
Beautiful during every season
Panoramic viewpoints, bring your binoculars
What to bring: good walking shoes and there is the possibility to go for a swim during summer
Drinks: there is a little café at the barrage itself serving fresh Belgian beers and other refreshments
La Charmille du Haut Marêt
La Charmille is also called the cradle of La Reid. With over 4700 hornbeam plants that are mostly over 100 years old, this is the longest plant tunnel in Europe. With its 573 meters of wonderful vegetation, it's definitely on the must-see list. The walk is accessible every time of the year and is gorgeous during every season.
Did you know La Charmille is a little hidden place at the well-known Ninglinspo walk? The Ninglinspo is the only mountain river of Belgium and often makes the list of the most beautiful walks of our country. Read more about what do to around La Reid
Your go-to information
Free parking at: La Charmille du Haut Marêt Theux (coordinates: FQCH+49 Theux)
Beautiful during every season
Easy to combine with the walk of the Ninglinspo
What to bring: good walking shoes, the possibility to swim in the Ninglinspo river and a picnic is always a good idea because the path is filled with little benches to take a break.
Le Hérou walk
The Hérou is a gigantic rock with a length of 1400 meters that runs vertically upwards from the Ourthe river in Nadrin in the Belgian Ardennes. This hike is for daredevils and gives you the BEST panorama of the whole Ardennes. Ok maybe I am a bit biased as this is my favorite place in the Ardennes but you will see this view is just gorgeous.
While hiking the Hérou and standing on the cliff is only for adventurous adults, there is also an alternative for families so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of this rock. The hike continues alongside the Ourthe river which is lovely during summer. Read more about the hike around the Herou!
Your go-to information
Free parking at: Restaurant Le Bélvèdere in Nadrin
Signage: follow the green squares
Distance: 5 km, only for kids older than 7 years old
Beautiful during every season
What to bring: good walking shoes, possibility to swim in the Ourthe river and a big bottle of water
Beaver spotting At La Chouffe
Close to Baraque de Fraiture, you will find the valley of Achouffe. Here the beavers, who are amazing architects, have built enormous dams and have changed the river completely. If you are quiet you will even be able to spot them!
Recently the Belgian government decided that beavers should not be hunted anymore and should be reintroduced in Wallonia because of the richness they bring to the diversity of a forest. By allowing them to return to their natural habitat, the beavers create large dams that change the course of the river. By doing this, they are making the soil moist again and allowing other plants, which have normally disappeared from our biodiversity in Belgium, to live again.
Start at the brewery of Achouffe, here you will find a big free parking lot and different information signs to start your walk. You have different paths starting at the brewery, something for everyone really. The one I am presenting to you today is the one of 6 km through the fairy valley.
Follow the blue and white signs but don't miss out on the Achouffe garden filled with houses of little dwarfs and information boards. Read more about this hike!
Your go-to information
Free parking at Brewery Achouffe
Signage: follow the blue and white signs
Distance: 6 km, around 2h30
Beautiful during every season
What to bring: good walking shoes against mud. Because the bevers changed the course of the river with their dams the whole area is quite muddy
I hope you will enjoy these six little gems around Baraque de Fraiture. I think it's a wonderful place for a road trip or little day trips. Want to keep discovering amazing hikes in the Ardennes? Check out the hike at the Trôs-Marets in Malmedy or the 10 best viewpoints of Belgium. And as always:
Keep on dreaming & Fly Along
