Belgium’s countryside has a lot to offer beyond the well-known cities. Rolling hills, deep forests, and quiet river valleys make it a great place to explore. Many visitors don’t realize how much nature Belgium has, but stepping outside the city is well worth it.
If you’re looking for Belgium countryside destinations, you’ll find scenic trails, charming villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you enjoy hiking or just want to see beautiful places in Belgium’s nature, there’s something for everyone.
A rental car is the best way to visit these spots at your own pace. Here are 10 of the best nature places in Belgium you won’t want to miss.
1. Hallerbos (The Blue Forest)
Hallerbos is one of the most famous Belgium countryside destinations, especially in spring. Every April, the forest floor turns into a sea of bluebells, creating one of the most beautiful places in Belgium’s nature. The tall beech trees and soft light make it feel almost magical.
It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. There are several nature trails to explore, with well-marked paths. If you love photography or peaceful walks, this is a must-see.
Location: Near Halle, about 30 minutes from Brussels.
Getting there: Best reached by car (rental link).
Tip: Visit between mid-April and early May for peak bloom.
2. High Fens (Hoge Venen Nature Reserve)
The High Fens is one of the most unique landscapes in Belgium’s countryside. Located near the German border, this nature reserve is known for its wooden boardwalks, moorlands, and foggy forests. It’s the perfect place for hiking and spotting wildlife.
There are several marked trails, ranging from short walks to full-day hikes. The area is especially beautiful in autumn when the colors change, but winter brings a different charm, with the chance of snow covering the landscape.
Location: East Belgium, near Eupen and Malmedy.
Getting there: A car is recommended, as public transport options are limited (rental link).
Tip: Some areas can be muddy, so good hiking boots are useful.
3. The Semois Valley
The Semois Valley is one of the most scenic Belgium countryside destinations. The Semois River winds through rolling hills and dense forests, creating stunning viewpoints along the way. It’s a great spot for hiking, road trips, and outdoor activities.
One of the best views is from Rochehaut, overlooking the village of Frahan. For a different perspective, you can rent a kayak and paddle along the river. The calm waters and surrounding nature make it one of the best nature places in Belgium for a relaxing day outdoors.
Location: Southern Belgium, near Bouillon.
Getting there: Best explored by car
Tip: Kayaking is available from spring to early autumn
4. Castle of Vêves & Celles
Belgium’s countryside is full of castles, but Vêves Castle stands out. With its round towers and stone walls, it looks like something from a storybook. The castle dates back to the 15th century and is one of the best-preserved in the country.
Nearby, the village of Celles is worth a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Belgium’s nature, with old stone houses and a peaceful atmosphere. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
Location: Near Dinant, southern Belgium.
Getting there: Best reached by car
Tip: Visit in the morning to enjoy the castle and village without crowds.
5. Meuse Valley (Dinant & Namur Region)
The Meuse Valley is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Belgium’s countryside. The river carves its way through steep cliffs, with historic towns like Dinant and Namur along its banks. It’s a great region for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Dinant is famous for its clifftop citadel and saxophone heritage, while Namur offers a relaxed atmosphere with scenic river views. If you enjoy adventure, there are options for rock climbing, river cruises, and cycling along the Meuse. For a great panoramic view, head to Parc de Furfooz, a nature reserve with trails overlooking the valley.
Location: Southern Belgium, between Dinant and Namur.
Getting there: A car makes it easier to explore different viewpoints
Tip: Boat tours on the Meuse offer a unique perspective of the valley
6. The Sonian Forest
Just outside Brussels, the Sonian Forest is one of the largest and most peaceful green spaces in Belgium’s countryside. This ancient beech forest is a UNESCO-listed site and stretches across more than 4,000 hectares. It’s perfect for hiking, jogging, or even horseback riding.
The forest has well-marked trails, making it easy to explore. Some paths lead to hidden lakes and old abbeys, adding to the charm. It’s one of the best nature spots in Belgium for a quiet escape, especially if you don’t have time for a longer road trip.
Location: Just south of Brussels.
Getting there: Accessible by public transport, but a car allows for more flexibility
Tip: Visit early in the morning for the most peaceful experience.
7. The Zwin Nature Park
Belgium isn’t just forests and hills—its coastline has some incredible nature too. The Zwin Nature Park, near Knokke-Heist, is one of the best spots for birdwatching and coastal walks. The park is home to wetlands, dunes, and salt marshes, attracting many migrating birds throughout the year.
A network of walking and cycling trails lets you explore the area at your own pace. The changing tides make each visit different, and on clear days, you can even see the Dutch coast in the distance. It’s a great destination for anyone looking to experience a different side of Belgium’s countryside.
Location: Knokke-Heist, on the Belgian coast.
Getting there: Easily accessible by car
Tip: Bring binoculars if you’re interested in birdwatching.
8. Fondry des Chiens
Hidden in the southern region of Belgium, Fondry des Chiens is one of the most unique natural sites in the country. Often called Belgium’s Grand Canyon, this limestone gorge was shaped by erosion over thousands of years. The result is a dramatic landscape of deep crevices and rugged rock formations, unlike anything else in Belgium’s countryside.
The site is small but worth a visit, especially if you enjoy short hikes with great views. There are marked trails leading through the surrounding Viroinval Nature Reserve, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers.
Location: Viroinval, southern Belgium.
Getting there: Best reached by car
Tip: Visit in autumn when the surrounding forest is full of color.
9. The Vlaamse Ardennen (Flemish Ardennes)
The Flemish Ardennes is a region of rolling hills, cobbled roads, and scenic countryside. Known for its connection to cycling, it’s home to some of the most famous climbs in the Tour of Flanders. But even if you’re not a cyclist, it’s a great place to explore by car or on foot.
The landscape is dotted with windmills, forests, and small villages, making it one of the most charming Belgium countryside destinations. The area is especially beautiful in spring and summer when the fields are green and the weather is ideal for a road trip.
Location: East Flanders, near Oudenaarde.
Getting there: A car is the best way to explore at your own pace
Tip: Stop by Koppenberg for one of the most famous cycling climbs in Belgium.
10. The Our Valley
Tucked away in eastern Belgium, the Our Valley is one of the country’s most peaceful and scenic regions. The valley follows the Our River, winding through dense forests, rolling hills, and medieval villages. It’s a perfect destination for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the quiet side of Belgium’s countryside.
One of the highlights is Burg-Reuland, a small village with the ruins of a medieval castle. The area is also part of the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, offering some of the best nature trails in Belgium. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this is the place to go.
Location: East Belgium, near the German border.
Getting there: Best explored by car
Tip: The valley is especially beautiful in autumn when the forests turn golden.
Belgium’s countryside is full of variety, from deep forests and rolling hills to dramatic river valleys and peaceful villages. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or just taking in the views, these Belgium countryside destinations offer something for every nature lover.
Exploring these places is easiest with a rental car, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems along the way. Many of these locations also offer guided tours for those who prefer a more structured experience.
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