DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Durbuy

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°6
Durbuy (Belgium)

Weather…

Durbuy is an architectural jewel in the Ourthe Valley and was granted city rights as early as 1331. With its labyrinth of cobblestone streets and historical stone houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, a visit here feels like stepping back in time. Despite its small size, the town is a significant tourist center in Wallonia. One of the main attractions is the Topiary Park, the largest of its kind in Europe, featuring over 250 artistically trimmed boxwood figures. The grand castle of the Counts of Ursel overlooks the town, though it remains privately owned. Outdoor enthusiasts value the location for kayaking on the Ourthe River or hiking in the surrounding forests. Culinary-wise, Durbuy is known for its high-end gastronomy, with wild game dishes and local trout being prominent features. The town is best reached by car, as the nearest train station is located in Barvaux. The atmosphere is particularly magical in spring and autumn when fewer day-trippers are present.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125912161818141052
Rain mm817267487072778760667587

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The entire old town is pedestrian-friendly and open to the public; many historic buildings can be viewed from outside.
🕒
Typical hours
Shops and attractions typically open from late morning to early evening; the town itself is always accessible.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere in the town; no restrictions.
⏱️
Time needed
A 2-hour stroll is enough to see the main sights, but allow half a day for a relaxed visit.
➕
Combine with
Combine with a walk along the Ourthe River or visit the nearby Castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne.
🧭
Getting there
Durbuy is easily reached by car from Liège or Brussels; the nearest train station is in Barvaux, then a short bus ride.
💡
Insider tip
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tourist crowds.

Geography

Population
10,251 (2012)
Coordinates
50.35229, 5.45676

Facts

  • City rights granted in 1331
  • Core population: approx. 400
  • Located on the Ourthe River
  • Europe's largest Topiary Park
  • Anticlinal rock formation
  • Castle of the Counts of Ursel
  • Hub for adventure sports
  • Local craft beer: Marckloff

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ourthe ValleyOurthe Valley12 km · NEExplore →
Modave CastleModave Castle15 km · NWExplore →
Marche-en-FamenneMarche-en-Famenne15 km · SWExplore →
Tier de DieupartTier de Dieupart18 km · NEExplore →
Castle of ModaveCastle of Modave19 km · NWExplore →
La Roche-en-ArdenneLa Roche-en-Ardenne20 km · SEExplore →
EsneuxEsneux21 km · NEExplore →
Monde Sauvage SafariMonde Sauvage Safari21 km · NEExplore →

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 Durbuy (6)

1914-18 1940-45🏺 historical

This monument in Durbuy is dedicated to the victims of the World Wars. It serves as a site of historical remembrance.

Belvedère des Cretes🌿 nature

The Belvedère des Cretes is a scenic viewpoint in Durbuy. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Musée d'Art Moderne er Contemporaine🏛 museum

The Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporaine is a notable art museum in Durbuy. It features collections of modern and contemporary artistic works.

🕒 Fr 13:00-17:00; Sa, Su 13:00-18:00

Church of Saint-Nicolas⛪ religious

The Church of Saint-Nicolas is a historic place of worship in Durbuy. It is a prominent religious landmark in the city.

Le Labyrinthe de Durbuy🎡 recreation

Le Labyrinthe de Durbuy is a popular theme park in Durbuy. It features a large maze and interactive entertainment for visitors.

Adventure Valley Durbuy🎡 recreation

Adventure Valley Durbuy is an outdoor theme park situated in Durbuy. It provides a variety of adventurous activities and nature experiences.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Durbuy called the 'smallest city in the world'?
It received this title in the 14th century for historical reasons, though it has more residents today.
What is the main attraction in Durbuy?
The welcoming medieval old town and the Topiary Park (shaped shrubs garden) are very popular.
Are there outdoor activities in Durbuy?
Yes, 'Adventure Valley Durbuy' gives climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Is Durbuy suitable for a day trip?
Yes, the city and its sights can be easily explored in one day.
Are there good restaurants in Durbuy?
Yes, Durbuy is known for its excellent gastronomy and cozy brasseries.
Durbuy: where is it located?
Durbuy is located in Belgium.
Durbuy: what is there to see?
Highlights include 1914-18 1940-45, Belvedère des Cretes, Musée d'Art Moderne er Contemporaine.
Durbuy: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Durbuy: why is it worth visiting?
Durbuy is an architectural jewel in the Ourthe Valley and was granted city rights as early as 1331.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →

Nearby cities

Charleroi — Durbuy (Belgium)
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Liège — Durbuy (Belgium)
Liège
Liège is the largest city in Wallonia and a historic center of the steel industry.
Namur — Durbuy (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 — Durbuy (Belgium)
Hasselt
Hasselt is the capital of the Limburg province, known as the city of Jenever (gin).
Genk — Durbuy (Belgium)
Genk
Genk is a major industrial center in Limburg that grew significantly due to coal mining.
Seraing — Durbuy (Belgium)
Seraing
Seraing is an industrial city located just south of Liège on the Meuse River.
Verviers — Durbuy (Belgium)
Verviers
Verviers is located in the Liège province and was once a global center for the wool industry.
Sint-Truiden — Durbuy (Belgium)
Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Herstal — Durbuy (Belgium)
Herstal
Herstal is an industrial city located just north of Liège.
Châtelet — Durbuy (Belgium)
Châtelet
Châtelet is a Walloon city on the Sambre River, east of Charleroi.
Wavre — Durbuy (Belgium)
Wavre
Wavre is the capital of the Walloon Brabant province.
Tienen — Durbuy (Belgium)
Tienen
Tienen is located in Flemish Brabant and is known as Belgium's 'sugar city'.
Heusden-Zolder — Durbuy (Belgium)
Heusden-Zolder
Heusden-Zolder is located in the province of Limburg.
Tongeren — Durbuy (Belgium)
Tongeren
Tongeren is considered the oldest city in Belgium and was a significant Roman center.
Bilzen — Durbuy (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 …

History & landmarks

Rochefort — Durbuy (Belgium)
Rochefort
A charming town in the Famenne region, known for its Trappist beer and historic castle ruins.