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Ourthe Valley

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valley
—°4
Ourthe Valley (Belgium)

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The Ourthe Valley is a prominent geographical feature in Wallonia, formed by the winding path of the Ourthe River as it cuts through the Ardennes massif. This scenic valley is renowned for its diverse limestone geology, which has led to the formation of spectacular karst landscapes, including the famous Caves of Hotton and the underground river of Remouchamps. The region spans several geological sub-zones, such as the Famenne and the Calestienne, characterized by their unique flora and rock formations. Historically, the valley played a crucial role in the industrial development of the region, with its history tied to iron mining, stone quarrying, and timber transport. Today, it serves as a vital ecological corridor and a premier destination for outdoor tourism, offering extensive trails for hiking and cycling, as well as opportunities for kayaking. The town of Durbuy, often cited as the world's smallest city, adds a layer of medieval charm and cultural significance to the valley's lower reaches. Protection of its natural heritage remains a priority, as the riverbanks support a wide array of rare plant species and diverse avian populations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125912161818141052
Rain mm817267487072778760667587

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Accessing the heart of this easy on the eye valley generally involves utilizing the scenic winding provincial roads that closely parallel the deep meanders of the water.
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Best season
Late spring presents lush foliage and good moderate temperatures for extended treks, whereas deep winter occasionally features a beautifully silent, snow-dusted landscape.
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Terrain & paths
The environment strongly dictates a continuous transition between level riverside trails and remarkably strenuous paths zigzagging abruptly up the heavily wooded slopes.
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What to bring
Packing versatile, highly breathable clothing layers is crucial given the fluctuating exertion levels, alongside utilizing robust, ankle-supporting trekking footwear.
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Parking
Tourists will commonly locate dependable parking areas within the numerous small villages set in the valley or directly adjacent to established scenic viewpoints.
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Safety
The sheer drop-offs along the elevated wooded ridge trails require strict attention, and the humid microclimate can make descending the root-heavy paths quite perilous.
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Time needed
While short viewpoint visits are popular, properly exploring the intricacies of the valley's meanders normally demands a time investment of four to six hours.

Geography

Coordinates
50.43200, 5.57200

Facts

  • The Ourthe River has a total length of approximately 165 kilometers
  • The Caves of Hotton reach a depth of 70 meters below ground
  • Remouchamps features the longest navigable underground river in Europe
  • Durbuy was granted city status as early as 1331
  • The Ourthe joins the Meuse river in the city of Liège
  • The valley's geology dates back to the Devonian period

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tier de DieupartTier de Dieupart6 km · NEExplore →
Monde Sauvage SafariMonde Sauvage Safari9 km · NEExplore →
EsneuxEsneux10 km · NExplore →
Remouchamps CavesRemouchamps Caves11 km · NEExplore →
Amblève RiverAmblève River12 km · EExplore →
DurbuyDurbuy12 km · SWExplore →
Ninglinspo ValleyNinglinspo Valley13 km · EExplore →
Fort TancrémontFort Tancrémont16 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 Ourthe Valley (4)

Château-Ferme de Renne🏰 castle

A historic castle farm located in the scenic Ourthe Valley.

Château d'Odeigne🏰 castle

A traditional castle residence situated in the Ourthe Valley region.

Château de Ville🏰 castle

A historical castle building located within the Ourthe Valley.

Domaine de Palogne🎡 recreation

A recreational park in the Ourthe Valley offering various outdoor activities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Ourthe Valley?
It is one of the wildest valleys in the Ardennes with deep gorges.
Which city is a good starting point?
Durbuy, the 'smallest city in the world', is located right in the valley.
Can you go kayaking there?
Yes, kayaking on the Ourthe between La Roche and Hamoir is popular.
Are there interesting rock formations there?
Yes, for example, the 'Le Hérou' near Houffalize has great views.
What is the terrain like for hikers?
Challenging with many steep ascents and descents in the forest.
Ourthe Valley: where is it located?
Ourthe Valley is located in Belgium.
Ourthe Valley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Château-Ferme de Renne, Château d'Odeigne, Château de Ville.
Ourthe Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ourthe Valley: why is it worth visiting?
The Ourthe Valley is a prominent geographical feature in Wallonia, formed by the winding path of the Ourthe River as it cuts through the Ardennes massif.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

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