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Deux Ourthes Natural Park

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Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)

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The Deux Ourthes (Two Ourthes) Natural Park, positioned deep within the rugged heart of the Belgian Ardennes, is a sprawling 76,000-hectare protected area dominated by the wild, meandering valleys of the Western and Eastern Ourthe rivers, which converge picturesquely near the town of Houffalize. The region is widely celebrated for its untamed topography, characterized by extremely steep, densely forested slopes, deeply carved ravines, and high, windswept agricultural plateaus. One of the park's most wide-open geological features is the Rock of Hérou (Le Rocher du Hérou), a massive, kilometer-long jagged rock face that plunges almost vertically into the rushing river below. Beyond its dramatic geology, the park acts as a vital sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including nesting black storks, European beavers, and kingfishers that hunt in the pristine waters of its reservoirs, notably the expansive Nisramont dam lake. An extensive network of challenging hiking trails, including sections of the famous Escapardenne Eislek Trail, makes it a premier destination for European outdoor enthusiasts.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181713951
Rain mm847369527676768560727993

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This expansive natural park in the Luxembourg province is typically very easy to reach using the broader regional roadways. The drive generally directs visitors to central small towns and villages, from which the two impressive river valleys can be ideally explored.
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Best season
The dense forests and steep river valleys are typically a highly popular destination for hikers from spring right through to autumn. In winter, the landscape here can become quite harsh, but it often gives dramatic, sweeping views over the deeply misted gorges.
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Terrain & paths
The main characteristics of this park are primarily defined by the often deeply carved valleys of the two Ourthe rivers. Visitors typically navigate a varied mix of completely flat riverside trails and significantly steeper, demanding forest paths leading out of the valleys.
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What to bring
Sturdy footwear with excellent grip is generally completely essential in this region, especially when the hillside trails become damp and somewhat slippery. For longer tours winding through the extensive valleys, you should typically carry ample provisions with you.
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Parking
There are generally highly convenient public parking areas located securely around the immediate trail starting points in the valley communities. From there, you can typically plunge straight into nature without having to walk along any busy, heavily trafficked roads.
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Safety
On the considerably steeper flanks of the river valleys, surefootedness is typically required to successfully avoid falls. Following heavy rains, several trails directly alongside the Ourthe can become completely flooded or extremely muddy, so checking ahead is generally wise.
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Time needed
Short circular walks along the highly scenic riverbanks can often be easily completed in just an hour or two. However, to fully and thoroughly enjoy the truly impressive panoramas from the very edges of the valleys, visitors typically set aside at least a half-day.

Geography

Coordinates
50.13330, 5.71670

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Deux Ourthes Natural Park (1)

Europalia Portugal🏺 historical

A monument located in the Deux Ourthes Natural Park, dedicated to cultural connections.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Deux Ourthes mean?
It refers to the Eastern and Western Ourthe rivers, which join in this area.
Where is this nature park located?
In the northeast of the province of Luxembourg, near Houffalize.
Can you go canoeing there?
Yes, with sufficient water levels, the Ourthe is handy for canoeing.
Are there good viewpoints?
Yes, the 'Le Hérou' viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the river loops.
Is the park suitable for hiking?
Yes, there are hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails through deep valleys.
Deux Ourthes Natural Park: where is it located?
Deux Ourthes Natural Park is located in Belgium.
Deux Ourthes Natural Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Deux Ourthes Natural Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Deux Ourthes (Two Ourthes) Natural Park, positioned deep within the rugged heart of the Belgian Ardennes, is a sprawling 76,000-hectare protected area dominated by the wild, meandering valleys of the Western and Eastern Ourthe rivers, which converge picturesquely near the…
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Nearby cities

Charleroi — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Liège — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Liège
Liège is the largest city in Wallonia and a historic center of the steel industry.
Namur — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Hasselt — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Hasselt
Hasselt is the capital of the Limburg province, known as the city of Jenever (gin).
Genk — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Genk
Genk is a major industrial center in Limburg that grew significantly due to coal mining.
Seraing — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Seraing
Seraing is an industrial city located just south of Liège on the Meuse River.
Verviers — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Verviers
Verviers is located in the Liège province and was once a global center for the wool industry.
Sint-Truiden — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Herstal — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Herstal
Herstal is an industrial city located just north of Liège.
Châtelet — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Châtelet
Châtelet is a Walloon city on the Sambre River, east of Charleroi.
Tienen — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Tienen
Tienen is located in Flemish Brabant and is known as Belgium's 'sugar city'.
Tongeren — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Tongeren
Tongeren is considered the oldest city in Belgium and was a significant Roman center.
Bilzen — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Bilzen
Bilzen is located in the Limburg province and is primarily known for Alden Biesen, one of the largest commanderies of the Teutonic Order …
Arlon — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Arlon
Arlon is the capital of the Luxembourg province and one of Belgium's oldest cities.
Andenne — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Andenne
Andenne is located in the Walloon province of Namur along the Meuse River.

History & landmarks

Rochefort — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Rochefort
A charming town in the Famenne region, known for its Trappist beer and historic castle ruins.
Durbuy — Deux Ourthes Natural Park (Belgium)
Durbuy
A charming medieval town in the Ardennes, famously known as the smallest city in the world.