🥾 Laurent & Julie on Tour: Kids Safari Heppenbach: 5 km Family Hike in the Ardennes

The Belgian Ardennes are a true hiker’s paradise – and we want to show you why. As an avid hiker and member of the Casapilot team, I had the idea to share our tours with you and let you experience the beauty of this region for yourself. From now on, every two weeks we’ll lace up our hiking boots 🥾 and head out directly from one of our holiday homes. We’ll share our experiences and routes with you on our blogs: Laurent & Julie on Tour – sometimes relaxed, sometimes adventurous, but always right in the heart of nature. You can find the exact routes on our blog or on komoot. Just download the app, visit our Casapilot profile, and start exploring! I’m sure the perfect route is just a click away. And who knows – maybe your next hike will start right from your holiday home. So check back regularly – it’s worth it!

On 11/05/2025, we embarked on a KidsTour, a 5 km family hike featuring sound stations, a forest theater, and art installations in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. We set off from our family holiday home with wellness area in Heppenbach. You can find the hike on komoot under: SinneSafari Heppenbach – Naturabenteuer für kleine Entdecker: Track wild animal signs in the Heppenbach forest and listen to the whispering trees! In the enchanted deciduous woods you’ll discover sound stations like the Tree Organ, a natural forest theater, and mysterious artworks—from the sparkling Glass House to the gigantic “Crown Twelve.” It’s a sensory adventure that turns little explorers into great researchers!

Important information about the route

• Starting point: Our family-friendly holiday home with wellness area in Heppenbach BE-1091350-Heppenbach
• Distance: Approximately ± 5 km (circular route)
• Difficulty: Easy hike for all fitness levels. Well-maintained paths. No special skills required. Ideal for families with small children, though only partially suitable for strollers.
• Duration: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on breaks and pace
• Ascent: 80 m; Descent: 90 m

Getting There & Parking

🚗 By car:

• Parking: Free parking is available at the Heppenbach forest nature trail.
• Address: Waldlehrpfad Heppenbach, Grillhütte GPS: 50.359372, 6.233715

1. Glass House: A mysterious installation featuring immortalized children’s stories behind sparkling glass – art and imagination united in the forest.

2. Tree Organ & Forest Theater: Perfect for taking a breather, having a picnic, or simply enjoying the view in peace. Play the resonant tones of the Tree Organ or take a seat on the natural stage and listen to the forest’s idyllic concert.

3. "Crown Twelve": A large-scale natural art installation made from branches and twigs, inviting guessing and wonder.

4. Explorer Trail “With All Senses”: Numerous additional art and play stations—feel, touch, experiment—here everyone becomes a little researcher!

• Costs: The hike is free and accessible at any time.
• What to Bring: Even though the route isn’t overly challenging, it’s advisable to bring plenty of drinking water, especially for the little ones. Energy bars, fruit, or sandwiches for the mini breaks.

💡Kids’ Extras: A magnifying glass, a small notebook, and a pen for tracking discoveries.

• Best time to visit: Best in late spring through early autumn: when the ground is dry and the deciduous forest is especially green. Check the weather forecast—paths can become slippery when it rains.
• Gear: Sturdy footwear.

Our Tips:

• Just a few steps from the trailhead you’ll find Meat & Greet, perfect for a refuel after your sensory safari in the Heppenbacher Forest: meat lovers are in for a treat—from juicy steaks to handcrafted burgers 🍔. The menu changes monthly to highlight regional ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.
• Craving delicious Belgian fries 🍟? Then make your way to Fritüre Peters in Amel!
• If you’re after even more action, head to Actionzone Outdoor Park in Deidenberg for paintball, arrow tag, or bubble soccer to get your adrenaline pumping!

No komoot? No problem, just follow the sign: "Naturerlebnispfad"

We wish you lots of fun retracing the trail.

Please note that all hiking routes and information on our blog are intended for inspiration only. Responsibility for safety, trail conditions, and current local circumstances lies with the respective authorities or local officials. If you need assistance while on the go, you can reach emergency services throughout Europe by dialing 112. We also recommend the ECHO112 app, which automatically transmits your location to emergency responders in case of an emergency.