Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Houffalize, Belgium

The town of Houffalize in Belgian Luxembourg lies at the very heart of the Ardennes.

Imagine ancient forests, deep valleys shrouded in delicate mists, and picturesque meadows.

Encompassing many thousands of hectares, the countryside around Houffalize is designated as a natural park, presenting opportunities for exploration on foot, on water, or by mountain bike.

Adventurers can ascend to remote viewpoints devoid of human presence, float down through canyons, and discover quaint villages impacted by the Battle of the Bulge.

Houffalize endured its share of conflict, and as a testament, a German panther tank was salvaged from the Ourthe River three years post-battle.

1. Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes

Houffalize is encircled by a vast protected area that extends over 76,000 hectares across the deep slopes of the Ourthe Valley.

The Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes incorporates both the western and eastern branches of the Ourthe, converging near Houffalize at the Nisramont dam.

The landscape possesses a distinctly Nordic appearance, characterized by cold winters, coniferous forests, and a consistent mist hovering over the valleys.

During a hike, one traverses moorlands, peat bogs, sunlit pastures dotted with dairy cows, fragrant woodlands, and may occasionally encounter impressive schist formations.

2. The Rock of Hérou

In the village of Nadrin, also situated within Houffalize, the course of the Ourthe River is interrupted by a massive schist outcrop measuring 1.5 kilometers in length, 80 meters in width, and up to 80 meters in height.

At the Belvédère de Nadrin, visitors can stand at the ridge’s edge and admire an Ardennes panorama completely lacking human development.

Far below, encased in greenery and often cloaked in mist, the Ourthe meanders along its serpentine path through the hills.

A restaurant adjacent to the parking facility features its own observation tower, and visitors can embark on a 5.4-kilometer loop from the center of Nadrin, down to the riverbank and back up.

3. Brasserie d’Achouffe

Notably, just outside Houffalize, the brewery known for producing premium-quality beer exceeds even Belgium’s esteemed standards.

Initially founded as a hobby between two brothers-in-law, Brasserie d’Achouffe now generates 300,000 hectoliters of beer annually, exporting to more than 70 countries.

In 2006, the brewery was acquired by the Duvel-Moortgat group.

The flagship offering is La Chouffe, an unfiltered lager with fruity and spicy (coriander) nuances.

Additionally, their product line includes a dark beer, a hoppy lager, a spicy winter ale, a citrusy summer brew, and a fruit-infused beer introduced in 2017, featuring cherries.

Visitors can uncover the secrets behind the brewing process during a 90-minute multilingual guided tour, available at 14:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

4. Houtopia

This destination is ideal for families visiting Houffalize, as Houtopia is a multisensory attraction featuring both indoor and outdoor experiences, revitalized in 2018.

The interior serves as an interactive children’s museum with up to 80 subtly educational “experience stations,” engaging senses such as touch, sight, hearing, and even taste and smell.

Interpreters are available throughout the exhibits to assist children in maximizing these educational experiences.

Outside, the adventure playground offers unique features, including a secure, netted bridge traversing the Ourthe to the rocky right bank, culminating in a 30-meter enclosed slide returning across the gorge.

5. Église Sainte Catherine d’Alexandrie

Dating back to the 1230s, Houffalize’s Early Gothic church originally functioned as the chapel for an Augustinian priory.

This structure suffered damage during the bombings of January 1945, however, several remarkable features survived intact.

One noteworthy component is a lectern fashioned in the form of an eagle with outstretched wings, crafted in 1370 by goldsmiths from Dinant.

Of equal significance is the 13th-century effigy of Thierry II of Houffalize, a recumbent tomb created from black limestone, depicting him in chainmail and with a shield by his side and a lion at his feet.

6. Point de Vue du Vieux Château

Adjacent to the Rue du Barrage (N843) at the hamlet of Filly, a promontory offers a breathtaking view of the Ourthe Valley.

This viewpoint is established on the remnants of a former castle.

At the base of the hill stands a statue of the folkloric character, Pogge, a member of the burgher class from Schaerbeek in Brussels, known for his wisdom.

This monument commemorates the assistance bestowed upon Houffalize by Brussels following its complete destruction on January 6, 1945.

7. Barrage de Nisramont

Not far below where the western and eastern branches of the Ourthe converge, a hydraulic dam constructed in 1958 supplies drinking water to the Bastogne plateau and the Ourthe and Aisne basins.

For visitors, the Barrage de Nisramont serves as a tranquil spot to immerse oneself in the Ardennes countryside.

A 14-kilometer path meanders through the lush forest along the reservoir’s banks, equipped with barbecue grills and picnic tables.

This trail presents a moderate challenge but rewards walkers with stunning views.

Furthermore, during the summer season, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented at the dam.

8. Projet de Canal Meuse et Moselle

Between 1827 and 1839, an ambitious initiative sought to link the Meuse in Liège with the Moselle at Wasserbillig, Luxembourg.

This endeavor aimed to establish a connection between the Meuse and Rhine basins, necessitating up to 400 kilometers of waterway and over 200 locks.

Supported by William I of the Netherlands, the project was ultimately foiled by the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and the rise of the railway.

Remnants of this undertaking are dispersed throughout the region, and in the municipality of Houffalize, one can observe one of the most complex infrastructures.

The unfinished Tunnel de Bernistap was intended to span 2.5 kilometers, with only 1,130 meters excavated.

Though entry is not permitted, there are 15 kilometers of marked trails along the towpath, enabling visitors to view the entrance and glimpse into the darkness.

9. Escapardenne Eisleck Trail

This renowned hiking trail spans over 100 kilometers, connecting Kautenbach in Luxembourg to La Roche-en-Ardenne in Belgium.

Clearly marked in both directions, the path is divided into five segments.

Heading northwest towards La Roche-en-Ardenne, Houffalize is positioned at the conclusion of the third stage, providing an excellent opportunity for day hikes.

Travelling southeast toward Asselborn leads walkers along the towpath of the unfinished canal.

Venturing northwest toward Nadrin reveals breathtaking panoramas as you cross a narrow ridge between the valleys of the eastern and western branches of the Ourthe.

10. Houffalize Panther (Panzer)

At the intersection of N30 (Rue de Bastogne) and Rue Saint-Roch stands a poignant reminder of the Battle of the Bulge in the form of a Mark V Panther tank.

This tank was part of the 116th Panzer Division, which captured Houffalize on December 19, 1944. The American counteroffensive commenced on January 3, forcing the German troops to withdraw by mid-January.

During the conflict, this Panther was overturned in the Ourthe and remained submerged for three years before recovery.

In 2017, the Houffalize Panther underwent a meticulous restoration process over the span of two years.

11. Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Forêt

Located in the woods north of Houffalize, a chapel situated along the road to Sommerain is considered a significant example of 18th-century religious heritage.

The earliest documentation of this site dates back to the mid-17th century when a local individual bequeathed 50 guilders for the establishment of a chapel in honor of the Virgin.

The existing hexagonal structure dates from the 18th century, exhibiting distinct Mosan features with onion domes crowning both the chapel and its front porch.

Inside, five paintings from an uncertain date adorn the walls, while the altar was crafted in 1766 and the wainscoting dates back to 1768.

12. Tour de l’Ancienne Église Saint-Urbain à Dinez

For photography enthusiasts, a picturesque site lies not far from Houffalize, in the hamlet of Dinez.

Here, standing solitary on a scenic hillside, is the whitewashed tower of the former church of Saint-Urbain.

Enclosed within a low wall, the church is now positioned amid a cemetery featuring some striking historical monuments.

The tower, dating back to 1755, remains intact while the rest of the church was demolished in the 1930s, replaced by a new structure across the road.

One element surviving from the old edifice is the basin of the baptismal font.

13. Outdoor Centre

The same company that offers equipment rentals at Barrage de Nisramont also facilitates various adventures in the Ardennes wilderness to the west of Houffalize.

From the dam, participants can kayak or navigate a raft downstream along the breathtaking Ourthe River to La Roche-en-Ardenne, with all necessary equipment included and a shuttle bus available for return.

Depending on water levels, an alternative route between Maboge and La Roche-en-Ardenne may be offered.

The Outdoor Centre also provides mountain bike rentals and can arrange rock climbing and abseiling expeditions throughout the region.

14. Carnaval du Soleil

During the first weekend of August, Houffalize welcomes a summer festival that has been celebrated for over 20 years.

The Carnaval du Soleil features parades, numerous activities for children, live music, a fireworks display, and various enjoyable traditions.

Among these is the coronation of the Sun King (Roi Soleil) and the Princess Carnaval in front of the town hall.

On Saturday afternoon, a children’s parade is held, while the main event is the Grand Parade, showcasing more than 30 troupes and floats.

15. Foire Sainte-Catherine

In November, another annual event, first held in 1338, takes place on the Saturday before the feast of Saint Catherine, offering a wide array of activities in a single day.

The festivities commence with a fanfare and a large market spans throughout the town.

Various performances of street theatre and live music entertain attendees, culminating in the election of a Miss Catherinette and a Mr Catherin each year.

One of the most intriguing spectacles is a competition to determine who can consume the most crâss d’jotte, a local cabbage dish akin to choucroute.

This recipe is deeply woven into Houffalize’s history, leading to locals being affectionately called “magneux d’jotte” (cabbage eaters).