🥾 Laurent & Julie on Tour: “Enchanted Ardennes Loop: From Spa to the Malchamps Moor”

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 24/05/2025, we set off right in the heart of Spa—straight from Spa-Géronstère station. Just a few steps away are our exclusive holiday homes, but the moment we left the station, we were plunged into stunning natural panoramas. Despite being so close to the bustling town center, it felt as though we’d been whisked away to another world.

Under the name „Zauberhafte Ardennenrunde: Von Spa ins Moor der Malchamps“, you can also find this route on komoot. Our stage led us along a gently rising forest track beside the crystal-clear Ruisseau de La Picherotte—perfect for moody snapshots. After about eight kilometres, the trees thinned and we stepped onto boardwalks that carried us into the mysterious Fagne de Malchamps moor. All around, bubbling streams and moss-clad roots sang their own concert—a true nature high!

• Starting point: Spa-Géronstère Train Station
• Distance: Approximately 16.4 km (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate hike. Good overall fitness required. Well-maintained paths; no special technical skills needed.
• Duration: About 4 hours, depending on breaks and pace
• Ascent: 370 m; Descent: 360 m

Getting There & Parking

🚗 By car:

• Parking: At Spa-Géronstère station or at “Le Waux-Hall de Spa”
• Address: Route de la Géronstère 10, 4900 Spa

Four-legged hikers are also well catered for: many bridges have been specially designed to be dog-friendly. However, the bridges in the Fagne de Malchamps are very narrow. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the entire hike.

1. La Picherotte: A clear stream whose play of light and water provides enchanting photo opportunities.
2. Bois des Minières: A quiet section of forest with a dense canopy of leaves, ideal for a short breather.

3. Various Bridges: Several charming bridges that span the stream—ideal for a quick snapshot.

4. Picnic Spot by the Pond: A picturesque pond—ideal for a picnic or a short break.

5. Fagne de Malchamps: Mystical raised bog with boardwalks, inviting you to observe animals and plants.

5. Parc de Bérinzenne: A well-signposted nature conservation center featuring educational trails on bog formation and restoration.

6. Culinary Pit Stop at La Source de La Géronstère: A forest-edge restaurant offering snacks and beverages—ideal for a tasty refreshment on the trail.

7. Small Woodland with Stream: Final passage through a quiet forest with a babbling brook.

• Costs: The hike is free and accessible at any time.
• What to Bring: Be sure to bring plenty of water. Along the way, picturesque rest spots invite you to pause or picnic. At the forest edge of Spa, you can also stop at the restaurant La Source de La Géronstère for snacks and drinks.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for lush green forests and pleasant temperatures; winter is also lovely, though watch out for icy patches.
• Equipment: Sturdy, waterproof footwear; wind protection for the exposed plateau.

Our Tips:

• No private pool at your holiday home? No problem—immerse yourself in the bubbling delights of the Thermes of Spa and indulge in warm thermal springs and aromatic saunas!
• Craving glamour and thrills? Dress up for an unforgettable evening at the elegant Casino de Spa!
• Motorsport fans shouldn’t miss a visit to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps racetrack!
• Linéa | Brasserie Restaurant welcomes you in the historic Villa Les Érables with modern, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Under Chef Frédéric Scavone, homemade pasta creations and a personalized tiramisu take center stage—perfectly paired with a carefully curated wine and cocktail list.
• La Cour de la Reine iin Spa is an elegant bistronomy restaurant in a stylish villa, serving creative, locally inspired dishes with classic touches. Led by Chef Jérémy Finck, the menu changes monthly.

We hope you have a wonderful time on this beautiful loop from Spa to the Malchamps Moor!

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.