27 Things to Do in Durbuy : Fun Activities in and Around The Smallest City in the World
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Are you looking for the best things to do in Durbuy?
You’ve landed on the right article! I’ve lived in Belgium my entire life and I’ve been to Durbuy several times. I absolutely love this touristic but picturesque “city” (I mean… it’s a village, but shhh, don’t tell them I said that).
For such a small place, you’ll be surprised by the amount of things you can do!
From hiking and adventurous activities to exploring historic sights or just wandering around the cobblestone streets, you can definitely spend a couple of days here.
I have kids too, so I wanted to mention that Durbuy is a very kid-friendly place with lots of options for fun family time!
Are you ready to discover what to do in Durbuy? Let’s get to it!
Top things to do in Durbuy, Belgium
1. Explore the old city centre
To begin let us provide you with a bit of history about the old city centre of Durbuy.
The town of Durbuy was founded in 985 by Duke Godfrey of Lower Lorraine. The old town was built in the 12th century and is, nowadays, still a well-preserved medieval town.
Strolling around the city centre is one of our favourite activities in every destination.
So take the time to soak up the energy of Durbuy’s historic centre, it is full of charming narrow streets and picturesque buildings.
Visitors can explore the city centre on foot; it’s small and easily walkable. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a number of historic monuments.
But it’s the cobblestone streets and the fairytale feeling that makes this town such an appealing destination in Belgium!
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THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
2. Enjoy the views from La Belvédère
La Belvédère is one of the best things to do while visiting Durbuy.
This viewpoint offers an incredible panoramic view of the entire town, which is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
But the view during the day is definitely not bad either – try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon if you’re going in the summer to avoid crowds (And as always, the golden hour is the best time for pretty pics).
The Belvédère Tower is located on the edge of town which is technically only a 10-minute walk but you can only access the tower on days when the little tourist train is running (a visit is included in the train ride).
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
3. Visit Roche à la Falize
The Rocher d’Homalius, better known as Roche à la Falize or the Anticlinal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Durbuy.
The unique rock formation is a huge chunk of sandstone that was formed 300 million years ago and is part of the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark (one of only 147 parks with UNESCO status).
The top of the upside-down U-shaped rock is the highest point in the city.
There are many walking trails on top of the rock that offer breathtaking views of Durbuy and the surrounding countryside.
It can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the city centre. The charming square in front (where the mini-golf is also located) is a great spot to hang around for a while.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
4. Admire Durbuy Castle
The Château d’Ursel or better known as the Château de Durbuy is a castle located on a hill in the middle of town that dates back all the way to the year 899.
After being destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, the family Ursel became the owners in 1756.
The Durbuy Castle is not open to the public but it’s definitely worth admiring from the outside!
One of my favourite things to do here is to rent a kayak and take it down the Ourthe River – you’ll peddle right past the castle.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
5. Take a dive into history in the Corn Hall Museum (Hall aux blés)
Although the name suggests this building was used for storing corn, the Corn Hall was actually used as a market hall.
It is one of the oldest buildings in Durbuy. Archaeologists date it back to around 1530, but it was first mentioned in books in 1380.
Unfortunately, the hall was heavily damaged by a fire in the 16th Century. But thanks to two extensive renovations in the 17th century, a big part is still conserved today.
Nowadays it functions as a museum (Durbuy History and Art Museum (DHAM)) combining historical heritage with modern art exhibitions. There are 3 different exhibitions each year.
practical information
🕒 Open from 10:30 to 17:30
except during March 19th and May 1st (closed on Friday)
and between May 1st and July 30th (closed on Friday)
⌛ 1 hour
🎫 An adult ticket to the museum costs €6 and a reduced ticket €3 (seniors, students, teachers). Children <12yo are free. An entree ticket with audioguide is €6. A combo ticket with the Topiary Park is €7.
💡 Tip: On the first Sunday of each month the entry is free for everyone!
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
6. Spot figures at the local Topiary Park
Durbuy’s topiary park is a fun trip, especially when you’re visiting Durbuy with kids.
This 10.000m² park is home to over 250 sculptures, all made from local plants (most of them are from Boxwood) and trees.
And did you know that it’s the largest topiary garden in Europe?
The sculptures range from simple shapes like hearts and stars to more complex designs like mermaids, Manneken pis, and so on.
Visitors are free to walk around the park and take in the sights. And on warm days, the park is a great place to picnic or relax with a book too.
practical information
🕒 Open in February and November from 9:00 to 17:00, from March – October from 09:00 to 18:00, and in December and January from 10:00 to 16:00.
⌛ 1 hour
🎫 A regular ticket to the park costs €5, seniors pay €4,50, kids age 6-12 pay €1. Visit the park’s website for combo packages with the mini golf, the Mega Liths Museum, DHAM and more.
💡 Tip: If you’re interested in medicinal plants, you will want to visit Herba Sana which is also located in Topiary Park.
🐕 Dogs permitted
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
7. Climb Les Escaliers du Thier des Béguines
The Escaliers des Béguines is a staircase built by the Beguines in the 17th Century.
The Recollectine nuns lived in Durbuy for more than 130 years. They wanted to help the residents by building a pharmacy and running a girls’ school.
The stairs are located on the edge of town and are carved out of the anticline that winds their way up to the top of a hill.
From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the entire town. First, you need to conquer the 172 steps but it’s definitely worth the effort.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
8. Taste one (or all) of the local beers
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique beer-drinking experience, be sure to check out the local brews in Durbuy.
Durbuy is home to several craft beers, each with its own unique take on Belgian-style beers. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or rich, malty stouts, or just like beer in general, this is a good place to test your tastebuds.
Unfortunately, Brewery Marckloff is no longer in business, but you can still find their beer at some local bars and restaurants.
Durbuyse is a lighter blonde ale that’s perfect for summer days. Durbuy-Z is a slightly darker amber ale with a hint of caramel sweetness. And finally, Durbuy is a full-bodied dark beer with notes of chocolate and coffee.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
9. Visit the Saint Nicholas Church
The Saint Nicholas church is located in the centre of Durbuy, Belgium. It was built in the 17th century and is named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
The interior of the church is decorated with stained glass windows and a beautiful pulpit and baptismal font.
With its 40m in length, the Saint Nicholas church looks very impressive for a town as small as Durbuy.
practical information
🕒 Open every day, from 9:00 to 17:00.
⌛ 1 hour
🎫 Admission is free.
💡 TIP: Mass is held every Sunday, and all are welcome to attend.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
10. Play mini-golf
If you’re looking for Durbuy things to do with kids, check out the local mini-golf.
Durbuy’s mini golf is located in the centre of the town, next to the Anticlinal, making it the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.
The course consists of 18 holes, and each hole is themed after a different aspect of Durbuy’s history or culture.
For example, one hole is modelled after the local castle, while another features a replica of the town’s famous clock tower.
practical information
🕒 Open every day (closed in January) from 10:00 to 18:00, in summer open until 21:00.
⌛ 2-5 hours
🎫 A regular ticket to the mini golf costs €9.
💡 Tip: You can get a combi ticket with the Topiary Park for €9 per person.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
11. Dive into the jam-making process at Confiturerie Saint-Amour
Saint-Amour is a confectionery shop that specializes in jams and marmalades. You can find it in the maze of cobblestone streets.
The shop has been in business for over 50 years and prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients.
During the jam-making process, fruit is slowly cooked in large copper kettles to preserve its flavour and texture. Once the fruit has reached the perfect consistency, it is spooned into jars and sealed by hand.
The finished product is truly delicious – and perfect for spreading on a freshly baked piece of bread.
If you’re ever in Durbuy, be sure to stop by Saint-Amour and pick up a jar (or two) of their delicious jam.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
12. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Ourthe
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Durbuy is to go for a leisurely stroll along the river.
The Ourthe flows through the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are also numerous benches along the river where you can sit and take in the scenery.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
13. Visit the Durbuy Christmas Market
The Durbuy Christmas market is a must-see attraction if you’re in the Belgian Ardennes around the holidays.
The town transforms into a winter wonderland, with stalls selling Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts. There’s also plenty of good food to be found, from traditional Belgian waffles to savoury bratwurst.
💡 And be sure to check out the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which takes place on the Sunday evening before Christmas.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
14. Ride the mini-train all around town
The tourist mini train in Durbuy is a great way to see the town and it’s one of our top things to do in Durbuy with kids!
The train goes through the town and makes a stop at the castle and then goes back into town.
Tickets can be bought at the hotel “Le Sanglier des Ardennes” which is the starting point.
practical information
🕒 Train runs all year round, but only on weekends and holidays in January and February.
⌛ 30 minutes
🎫 A regular ticket costs €12 and €8 for kids.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
15. Go shopping in the quaint shops in La Vielle Ville
Shopping in Old Town Durbuy is a unique experience.
The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with charming shops, and the proprietors are happy to chat with visitors. There are several souvenir shops, as well as stores selling local handicrafts.
Prices are a bit high, but it’s worth it to support the local businesses.
There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing the shops and enjoying a bite to eat.
things to do around Durbuy
16. Discover Wéris and its megaliths
The Wéris megaliths are located in the town of Wéris, in the province of Luxembourg. Wéris is located about 5 kilometres from Durbuy, and is easily accessible by car (10-minute drive).
The megaliths are a collection of ancient stones. They are thought to date back to the Neolithic period and are some of the largest megaliths in Europe.
The two main dolmens (aptly called Wéris I and Wéris II) were built in the 4th millennium BC, and are some of the oldest structures in Belgium.
The Wéris I dolmen is a large, rectangular slab of limestone, while the Wéris II dolmen is a circular cairn made of small stones.
Mind that you likely won’t be alone visiting the megaliths because they are a popular tourist attraction.
If you have the time, explore the surrounding area to see more ancient ruins and monuments.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
17. Explore the Caves of Hotton
The caves of Hotton are a natural wonder in the Ardennes region of Belgium and they’re located about 35 km from Durbuy.
The caves were formed over millions of years as the Meuse River carved its way through the limestone hills.
Today, visitors can explore the caves and learn about their history and geology.
The caves are known for their dramatic formations and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. A 35m chasm, or sinkhole, is one of the highlights of the cave. You need to descend 580 steps to get there.
The temperature in the cave is a constant 12°C, so be sure to bring a jacket.
practical information
🕒 Open from April to September from 10:00 to 16:00 (in summer to 17:00) and from November to March, only weekend visits during fixed times (12:30, 14:00 and 15:30).
⌛ 1 hour
🎫 A ticket costs €15 and €12 for kids.
💡 Unfortunately, the caves are not accessible to people using wheelchairs.
In addition to the trip, the Hotton Caves feature a big free parking lot, a wooden playground, and a reception building with restrooms. There is also a cosy place to have a drink and think about the souvenirs you want to buy in the attached souvenir shop.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
18. Learn about Indian Culture at Château de Petit Somme – Radhadesh
Château de Petit Somme Radhadesh is a magnificent castle located in the Belgian Ardennes in the town of Petit Somme, a few kilometres outside Durbuy.
This fairy-tale-like castle was built in the early 1900s and is now used as a hotel and conference centre.
The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The interior of the chateau is just as impressive as the exterior, with sumptuous furnishings and lavish decor. The chateau is also home to a number of interesting historical artefacts.
practical information
🕒 Open every day during the summer season, from 9:00 to 16:00/17:30
⌛ 2-5 hours
🎫 Only visits as part of a guided tour in English (€8)
💡 Tip: Make sure to try out their vegetarian restaurant
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
19. Find your way out of Le Labyrinthe de Barvaux
Le Labyrinthe de Barvaux is an attraction in the town of Barvaux, a 10-minute drive from Durbuy.
The attraction is a maze made of walls and hedges, and it is said to be the largest maze in Europe. The maze was built in 1997, and it covers an area of more than 11 acres with 600,000 maize grains.
Visitors can explore the maze by following the pathways and trying to find their way to the centre through the 9 different sections.
There are also several checkpoints along the way, and visitors who make it to the centre can claim a prize.
practical information
🕒 Opening hours differ depending on the activity you choose.
The Steel Mouse: July and August daily from 10:00 – 15:30; weekend from 10:00 – 15:30 in September and October.
Escape Mystery: July and August: Wednesday to Saturday from 17:00 to 19:30; Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 15:00 and Saturday from 16:00 to 18:00 in September and October
⌛ 2-3 hours
🎫 A regular ticket to the maze costs €18 and €16 for kids <12yo. Toddlers <3yo are free
💡Tip: bring your own pencil to solve the enigmas you encounter along the way.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
20. Milk goats at Chèvrerie de Borlon
The Chèvrerie de Borlon is a cheese farm and shop located in the town of Borlon.
The farm produces a variety of goat cheeses, which are sold at the farm shop and also distributed to local restaurants and grocery stores.
At the Chèvrerie de Borlon you can cuddle goats or even follow a workshop on how to milk a goat yourself.
While it’s open to the public you must make a call beforehand. The shop is open every weekend. Check out their website for the contact information.
Outdoor activities in Durbuy
21. Go kayaking on the river Ourthe
Kayaking the Ourthe River is a great way to spend a summer day. The river winds its way through the Ardennes region of Belgium, providing beautiful scenery.
The best way to start is at Adventure valley, where they rent everything you need and opens its kayak activities in April to October. There are other several kayaking rental companies in the area, so It’s easy to get out on the water. The only challenge is avoiding the occasional tree branch or rock in the river!
There are 4 different kayaking routes that you can take, ranging in length from 4 kilometres to 23 kilometres.
It is possible to rent a single-person kayak or a tandem.
💵 Prices start at around €31 for mono boat rental, and €52 for a double boat.
💡 The Ourthe is a natural river, so the water level can be low in summer. Make sure to check the water level before you go. Adventure awaits!
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
22. Go mountain biking in the stunning nature of the Ardennes
Mountain biking in the stunning nature of the Ardennes is a truly unique experience.
The natural beauty of the area provides a perfect backdrop for a day of cycling, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. You can easily download 1 of the seven routes on, youroute.com.
Don’t worry if you are just a beginner, you can pick the trail that matches your level. The more advanced riders will love the variety of the many hills and drops.
At Adventure Valley, they rent out mountain bikes, even electrical ones.
💵 Prices start at €27 for a half-day rental.
💡Tip: make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring plenty of water!
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
23. Go adventuring at Adventure Valley Durbuy
At Adventure Valley Durbuy, you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing. The park is also home to some beautiful nature trails that are perfect for a relaxing walk or a scenic bike ride.
If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping adventure, you can try out the zip line or the aerial adventure course. You can also stay overnight in one of the park’s accommodations!
Heights aren’t really my thing, but maybe one day I will try out the aerial adventure course (haha).
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
24. Take a horseback riding tour
If you’re looking for a unique thing to do, Durbuy is a great location to try a horseback riding tour.
There are several reputable companies that offer guided tours through the beautiful Belgian countryside, and it’s a great way to see some of the area’s stunning scenery. You’ll also get the chance to learn about the history and culture of the region, and to ride horses along the riverbanks and beautiful woods.
Durbuy horse riding and Les écuries de Ninane are two of the most popular companies that offer horseback tours. You can easily contact them through Facebook. For more information, you can always go to the tourist office in the centre.
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
25. Hike your heart out
The municipality of Durbuy is well known for its hikes.
There are many different hikes to choose from, depending on your level of experience and fitness.
The most popular hike in the area is the Durbuy and Bohon loop. This hike of almost 7km takes you past a variety of natural settings and spectacular views of the green valleys.
Another popular hike is the Barvaux and Durbuy Tourist Path. This is a 10km hike that takes you through the villages of Barvaux and Durbuy. You’ll get to see some of the area’s most beautiful scenery, including the Ourthe River, forests, and fields.
The best way to find out about all the different hikes in the area is to go to the tourist office in the centre of Durbuy and ask for a map. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect hike!
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
26. Find local treasure while Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Players hide containers, called caches, and record the coordinates of the cache online. Other players then use the coordinates to find the caches.
Durbuy is a great place to geocache because it is full of forests, hills, and valleys. There are also plenty of hiding spots for caches. It’s hiking with a purpose, I love it.
You can use the app to find geocaches near you. Once you find a cache, you can sign the logbook and return the cache to its hiding spot. You can also leave a small trinket in the cache for the next person to find.
Geocaching is a great way to explore Durbuy and find hidden treasures!
THINGS TO DO IN DURBUY
27. Go on a fishing trip
There are several well-maintained fishing spots in and around Durbuy, with plenty of rainbow trout and grayling to be caught.
The locals are happy to share their tips on the best spots to try, and there’s no shortage of cosy cafes and pubs in which to enjoy a refreshing drink after a day on the water.
How to get to Durbuy from Brussels
👉 By public transport
You can get to Durbuy by train, but there is no direct connection from Brussels and there’s no train station in The Old Town.
If you want to get to Durbuy by train, it’s going to be quite a trip.
OPTION 1: Catch a train to Barvaux. From Barvaux Station, you can take a shuttle bus that will bring you directly to Durbuy. It will take you almost 3 hours to get to Durbuy Centre.
OPTION 2: catch a train to Liège-Guillemin and then another one to Bomal. From Bomal you can hop on bus #465 or #10/4 which will bring you to Durbuy.
💡 Good to know: A regular train ticket costs €10 while kids up to 12 travel for free and senior citizens get a discounted price. Check available train schedules and ticket prices here.
👉 By car
The fastest route to get to Durbuy from Brussels is by car.
Take the E411 motorway towards Namur and then the N4 highway towards Rochefort. Once in Rochefort, take the Durbuy exit and follow the signs to the town centre.
👉 Parking in Durbuy
In Durbuy centre, there are several paid parking spaces. However, there’s also a large free car park at 900 meters from the town.
There are shuttle buses that drive back and forth to Durbuy Centre every 10 minutes – or you can just walk.
If you have a mobile home or a caravan, you can park your vehicle at the specially designed motorhome parking in Barvaux. This will cost you €10/night.
Where to stay in Durbuy
These 27 things to do in Durbuy we mentioned aren’t possible to do in just one day.
That’s why we’d recommend spending at least one night in town, but two or three would be even better.
We’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Durbuy, depending on your budget and preferences.
🛏️ Luxury: Hotel Sanglier des Ardennes
As a luxury option, we would recommend Hotel Sanglier des Ardennes. This 4-star hotel is located right in the centre of Durbuy, close to all the best things to do.
Their rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar, as well as a spa area.
🛏️ Mid-range: Hotel le clos des Recollets
For a mid-range option, we suggest staying at Hotel Le Clos des Récollets.
The hotel is located right in the historical heart of Durbuy. It’s a small but cosy hotel with its own restaurant. The biological breakfast with local produce is really yummy!
🛏️ Budget: Hotel La Passerelle
Hotel La Passerelle is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Durbuy.
The hotel is located 6km outside the centre of Durbuy, but you’ll get lovely walks along the Ourthe or through the forest to make up for that.
where to eat in Durbuy
When it comes to gastronomic pleasures, Durbuy has a lot to offer. There are many restaurants in the city, and they all serve delicious food.
If you’re looking for something special, head to La table de Manon. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern French cuisine.
If you are looking for a restaurant to enjoy dinner with your family, head to La Cannette. A family-friendly restaurant serving typical local dishes. The restaurant is located in an old farmhouse and has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy your meal on a sunny day.
A popular Italian restaurant is Mama Gusto located in Barvaux. The restaurant is known for its delicious, homemade Italian food.
In addition, there are a number of pubs and cafes scattered throughout the town that offer great food and drinks at reasonable prices.
A bar you can’t miss is Tortuga Bar. They offer over 150 different types of rum, as well as delicious cocktails and a great atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Durbuy
Wrapping up: things to do in Durbuy, Belgium
As a Belgian starting a blog about my country has opened my eyes to the never-ending list of towns and cities waiting to be explored. From the southernmost part of Belgium to the smallest city in the world. And I’m so happy to share my findings with you. Durbuy is a must-visit town that I don’t want you to miss out on.
With so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 27 things Durbuy to do that will help you make the most of your visit.
I hope that my recommendations have inspired you to visit Durbuy and experience its magic for yourself!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
