🥾 On the Road with Laurent & Julie: Hiking Adventure in the Belgian Ardennes - The Peaks of the Warche Xhoffraix

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: On the Road with Laurent & Julie – 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 29/03/2025, we set off from our exclusive luxury holiday home in Xhoffraix BE-1091349-Xhoffraix. You can find the hike on komoot under the title: Die Gipfel der Warche take you on a varied hike through the idyllic landscapes of Eastern Belgium. Starting in Xhoffraix, you’ll follow scenic trails, enjoy stunning views (including a look at the Reinhardstein Castle), and experience the pure joy of nature. With every step, take in the unique charm of the region and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Warche.

Important information about the route

• Starting point: Holiday home BE-1091349-Xhoffraix Alternative: Playground in Xhoffraix
• Distance: Around 17 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging hike. A good level of fitness is required. Mostly well-maintained paths. Sure-footedness is essential.
• Duration: Around 4-5 hours, depending on pace and breaks
• Ascent: 410 m; Descent: 430 m

Getting There & Parking

🚗 By car:

• Address: At the playground in Xhoffraix, 28, rue Marie Solheid, 4950 Malmedy
• Parking: Free parking available next to the playground

1. Relaxation by the Water: After the biting wind on the plateau, the banks of the Warche and the Bayehon invite you to take a well-earned break.
2. Natural Color Contrast: As you climb out of the valley, the crystal-clear river water stands out beautifully against the lush green surroundings.

3. Historic Stopover: Hidden in the quiet seclusion of the forest lies Reinhardstein Castle – a true historical highlight.
4. Challenging Ascent: The steep and slippery trail up to the ridge demands full concentration, but rewards you with sweeping views of the Warche’s gentle curves winding through the valley.

5. Robertville Dam: Another highlight is the impressive Robertville Dam, whose vast waterscape creates a striking contrast to the surrounding natural scenery.
6. Adventurous Descent: A steep, almost mountaineering-style descent leads down to the campsite by the old mill – the gateway to the Warche Valley.

• Costs: The hike is free of charge and accessible at any time.
• What to Bring: Be sure to bring water. Along the way, you’ll find several idyllic spots to rest or enjoy a picnic. There are two places to grab a bite to eat or drink: the Chalet du Barrage near the Robertville Dam and Camping du Moulin in Bevercé.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer lush green forests and pleasant temperatures. Winter hikes are also highly recommended – just be cautious of icy conditions.
• Gear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential, as the trail can be slippery in some sections.

Tips:

• Treat yourself to a local beer 🍻 at Camping du Moulin – the selection is wide and sure to please. Just don’t forget: there’s still a short stretch of the trail ahead of you!
• No komoot? No problem! Simply follow the trail marked with a green rectangle and the “duck” logo.

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.