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Waterloo Battlefield

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, marked the ultimate downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte and the end of his Hundred Days rule. Under the command of the Duke of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, the allied forces defeated the French army in a fierce engagement that shaped the course of European history. The expansive battlefield south of Brussels is dominated today by the imposing Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion), a 40-meter-high artificial monument erected in 1826 to commemorate the wounded Prince of Orange. Visitors can explore the Panorama Museum, the Memorial 1815, and the historic farmsteads of Hougoumont and La Haie Sainte, which served as crucial strategic strongholds during the fighting. The landscape preserves the historical legacy of this decisive conflict, offering detailed insights into early 19th-century military tactics and the harsh realities of the clash.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Mémorial de Waterloo 1815 · Panorama · Lion's Mound
Nearby: Rixensart (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	9	13	16	18	18	14	11	6	3
Rain mm	70	63	59	42	61	65	72	78	53	62	70	79

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The expansive battlefield site is fully set up for visitors, featuring both outdoor historical landscapes and modern, immersive indoor museums. Climbing the iconic Lion's Mound provides a sweeping panorama of the fields where the dramatic events unfolded.

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Typical hours

This internationally renowned site is generally open every day of the year, with longer opening hours during the peak summer tourist season. Winter hours are usually slightly curtailed, so morning or early afternoon visits are recommended between November and March.

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Photography

The sprawling green fields and the monumental Lion's Mound make for fantastic wide-angle landscape photography. Inside the underground memorial and museums, flash is usually forbidden to protect the artifacts, so prepare to bump up your camera's ISO settings.

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Time needed

To properly absorb the atmosphere, climb the mound, and explore the memorial exhibitions, set aside at least three to four hours. A full day can easily be filled if you intend to walk the various marked trails and visit all the outlying farmhouses that served as strategic strongholds.

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Combine with

The battlefield domain encompasses several key historical points, such as Hougoumont Farm and the Wellington Museum in the town center, which should definitely be included in your itinerary. Nearby Brussels is less than an hour away, offering a stark contrast of lively city life after your historical excursion.

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Getting there

Excellent road connections make driving a breeze, with vast parking facilities available right at the visitor center. Alternatively, direct trains from Brussels drop you at Waterloo station, from where local buses or taxis provide quick final links to the monument.

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Insider tip

The 226 steep steps leading up to the Lion's Mound are exposed to the elements, so dress in layers and hold onto your hat on windy days. Buying a combined domain ticket is almost always more cost-effective than purchasing separate entries for the museums and farmhouses.

Geography

Coordinates

50.68060, 4.40500

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lion's Mound<1 km · SExplore →

Castle of La Hulpe8 km · NEExplore →

Brabant Plateau8 km · NExplore →

Rixensart10 km · NEExplore →

Hallerbos10 km · WExplore →

Lake Genval11 km · NEExplore →

Nivelles Business Park11 km · SWExplore →

Groenendaal Arboretum11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Waterloo Battlefield (10)

Mémorial de Waterloo 1815 🏛 museum

Museum about the Battle of Waterloo, displaying artifacts and dioramas.

🌐 waterloo1815.be🕒 PH,Mo-Su 09:30-19:30♿💶

Panorama 🏛 museum

Circular painting of the Battle of Waterloo, 110 meters long.

♿💶

Lion's Mound

War memorial to the Battle of Waterloo in Braine-l'Alleud, Wallonia, Belgium.

Mémorial Lieutenant Augustin Demulder

Memorial to Lieutenant Augustin Demulder, killed in the battle.

🌐 napoleon-monuments.eu

Cavalié Mercer and G Troop Royal Horse Artillery Memorial

Memorial to Captain Mercer and his Royal Horse Artillery troop.

Hougoumont

Farmstead, site of heavy fighting during the Battle of Waterloo.

Musée de la Ferme d'Hougoumont🏛 museum

Museum at Hougoumont farm, about the battle's history.

Observatoire de l'Empereur

Viewpoint from which Napoleon is said to have watched the battle.

Château du Cheneau🏰 castle

Castle near the Waterloo battlefield.

Château Diesbeck🏰 castle

Castle near the Waterloo battlefield.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction at the Waterloo battlefield?

The Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion) is the most famous monument of the battlefield.

Do you have to pay admission?

Yes, a ticket is required for the 'Mémorial 1815' museum and to climb the Lion's Mound.

How many steps does the Lion's Mound have?

You have to climb 226 steps to reach the observation platform at the top.

Are there guided tours in English?

Yes, audio guides are available in many languages, including English.

How long does a visit take?

Plan about 3 to 4 hours to see the museum, the panorama, and the mound.

Waterloo Battlefield: where is it located?

Waterloo Battlefield is located in Belgium.

Waterloo Battlefield: what is there to see?

Highlights include Mémorial de Waterloo 1815, Panorama, Lion's Mound.

Waterloo Battlefield: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Waterloo Battlefield: why is it worth visiting?

The Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, marked the ultimate downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte and the end of his Hundred Days rule.

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