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Plateau of Saint-Hubert

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Landmark
—°4
Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)

Weather…

The Plateau of Saint-Hubert is an expansive upland region in the heart of the Walloon Ardennes, constituting one of Belgium's most significant forested areas. Situated at an average altitude of over 500 meters, the landscape is defined by dense beech and spruce forests interspersed with extensive peat bogs. The plateau holds great hydrological importance as the headwater region for several major rivers, including the Ourthe and the Lesse. Historically, the area's identity is deeply intertwined with the legend of Saint Hubert, leading to the town of Saint-Hubert being recognized as the European Capital of Hunting and Nature. Geologically, the plateau consists primarily of Devonian shale and sandstone, resulting in acidic and nutrient-poor soils. These conditions have fostered a unique flora, preserved today within large-scale nature reserves like the Grand Forêt de Saint-Hubert. In modern times, the plateau serves as a critical habitat for red deer populations and is a focal point for sustainable forestry and eco-tourism.

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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Visiting
The Plateau of Saint-Hubert is a vast forested plateau in the heart of the Ardennes, freely accessible at any time. It is one of the wildest and least populated areas of Belgium.
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Typical hours
As a natural area, there are no opening hours. The paths are walkable during the day, a flashlight is advisable in darkness.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the forest area. The dense woods and clearings offer atmospheric nature subjects, especially in autumn.
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Time needed
A short car ride across the plateau takes about 20 minutes. For a hike on the marked trails, allow 2-4 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a detour to the Saint-Hubert Abbey, which gave the plateau its name. The nearby Lake Bütgenbach is also worth a trip.
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Getting there
The plateau is accessible by car via the N89 and smaller forest roads. Parking is available at trailheads like the forester's house.
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Insider tip
Bring sturdy footwear and a map, as the paths are partly remote. Wildlife sightings are most likely at dawn and dusk.

Geography

Coordinates
50.03200, 5.38500

Facts

  • The plateau covers a forested area of approximately 100,000 hectares
  • The highest points on the plateau exceed 580 meters in altitude
  • Saint-Hubert is home to a basilica founded in the 11th century
  • The region is famous for its large populations of red deer
  • The rivers Lesse and Lomme originate in this plateau
  • The plateau's climate is notably cooler than the surrounding lowlands

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ardennes HighlandsArdennes Highlands9 km · EExplore →
Famenne DepressionFamenne Depression14 km · NWExplore →
Castle of Lavaux-Sainte-AnneCastle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne15 km · NWExplore →
Wildlife Park Han-sur-LesseWildlife Park Han-sur-Lesse17 km · NWExplore →
RochefortRochefort18 km · NWExplore →
La Roche-en-ArdenneLa Roche-en-Ardenne21 km · NEExplore →
Haute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Natural ParkHaute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Natural Park22 km · SEExplore →
Ferté HillFerté Hill22 km · SWExplore →

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 Plateau of Saint-Hubert (4)

Ancienne abbaye bénédictine de Saint-Hubert⛪ religious

A former Benedictine abbey located on the Plateau of Saint-Hubert.

Palais abbatial🏰 castle

A historic residential building of the abbots in Saint-Hubert.

Mirador🌿 nature

A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Plateau of Saint-Hubert.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Saint-Hubert Plateau located?
It is located in the central Ardennes in the province of Luxembourg.
What is this region known for?
It is known for its dense forests and hunting tradition.
Who is the patron saint of the region?
Saint Hubert, whose basilica stands in the town of Saint-Hubert.
Can you spot wildlife there?
Yes, deer and wild boar are native to the large forests.
Are there museums there?
The open-air museum Fourneau Saint-Michel showcases rural life.
Plateau of Saint-Hubert: where is it located?
Plateau of Saint-Hubert is located in Belgium.
Plateau of Saint-Hubert: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ancienne abbaye bénédictine de Saint-Hubert, Parc à Gibier de Saint-Hubert, Palais abbatial.
Plateau of Saint-Hubert: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Plateau of Saint-Hubert: why is it worth visiting?
The Plateau of Saint-Hubert is an expansive upland region in the heart of the Walloon Ardennes, constituting one of Belgium's most significant forested areas.
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Nearby cities

Charleroi — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Liège — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Liège
Liège is the largest city in Wallonia and a historic center of the steel industry.
Namur — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Seraing — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Seraing
Seraing is an industrial city located just south of Liège on the Meuse River.
Verviers — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Verviers
Verviers is located in the Liège province and was once a global center for the wool industry.
Sint-Truiden — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Herstal — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Herstal
Herstal is an industrial city located just north of Liège.
Châtelet — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Châtelet
Châtelet is a Walloon city on the Sambre River, east of Charleroi.
Tongeren — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Tongeren
Tongeren is considered the oldest city in Belgium and was a significant Roman center.
Louvain-la-Neuve — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Louvain-la-Neuve
Louvain-la-Neuve is a modern, pedestrian-friendly university city in Belgium.
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve
A unique Belgian city, home to the modern, pedestrian-friendly university town of Louvain-la-Neuve and the historic settlement of Ottignies.
Courcelles — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Courcelles
Courcelles is located in the province of Hainaut near Charleroi.
Arlon — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Arlon
Arlon is the capital of the Luxembourg province and one of Belgium's oldest cities.
Andenne — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Andenne
Andenne is located in the Walloon province of Namur along the Meuse River.
Fleurus — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Fleurus
Fleurus is located in the province of Hainaut.

History & landmarks

Rochefort — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Rochefort
A charming town in the Famenne region, known for its Trappist beer and historic castle ruins.
Durbuy — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Durbuy
A charming medieval town in the Ardennes, famously known as the smallest city in the world.
Chimay — Plateau of Saint-Hubert (Belgium)
Chimay
Chimay is world-renowned for its Trappist beer, cheese, and the grand castle of the Princes of Chimay in southern Hainaut.