Our annual hiking trip to the Belgian Ardennes takes place in spring for the first time this year. We start with a circular walk of just over sixteen kilometres around Reinhardstein Castle, a route known for its hilly character and rugged charm. It’s demanding in places, yet perfectly manageable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
The trail follows the River Warche and winds past fast flowing water, steep rock faces and narrow forest paths. Several times along the way, the castle appears above the valley, as if it rises naturally from the wooded slopes. The mix of height differences, water, viewpoints and rocky terrain makes this five hour walk compact, varied and surprisingly dynamic.
An Idyllic Start Through Gently Rolling Meadows
Our walk begins later in the day than usual. We arrive at My Hotel Malmédy early in the afternoon and drop off our luggage. The modern and very comfortable hotel will be our base for the coming days. After a quick stop at the local supermarket for bread and toppings, we pack our lunch and continue to Xhoffraix, the starting point of our afternoon walk.
Next to the car park is a small park with picnic tables. We sit down for a simple lunch. It isn’t warm, but the sun breaks through the woolly clouds now and then. It feels fresh and pleasant — perfect walking weather.
After lunch we gather our things and walk to the start of the route. The free walking guide from VISITWallonia.be shows that this trail is marked with a green rectangle and a small duck. Once we spot the sign, we know we’re on the right path. The village lies quietly in the afternoon sun. Fresh spring colours along the roadside give the start of our walk a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
Through the Friendly Village of Xhoffraix
Along the edge of the village we pass several small Marian statues and tiny chapels. They form part of the religious heritage of the Ardennes and appear here surprisingly often. The statues stand quietly among the greenery and give the path a gentle, contemplative charm. They are small details, yet they fit beautifully with the calm atmosphere of Xhoffraix.
Just before we leave the built up area, a row of impressive villas appears. They are built from large natural stones and have a robust, rural look. This architectural style appeals to us. The houses sit spaciously among the greenery and seem almost to blend into the landscape. It’s a lovely sight and a surprisingly stylish beginning to the route.
Peacefully Grazing Cows in Flower Rich Meadows
The landscape then opens up. Wide, winding paths lead us past idyllic meadows full of wildflowers. The colours shift constantly. White ox eye daisies stand among millions of yellow buttercups. The terrain undulates only gently, making the first kilometres wonderfully relaxed.
Cows graze peacefully in the fields. They look up briefly as we pass, then continue without concern. The paths remain wide and easy to follow, with low shrubs offering the occasional patch of shade.
Gradually, the trees move closer to the path. The open fields remain visible for a while, but the landscape slowly changes character. The paths narrow and the atmosphere becomes more intimate. The sound of flowing water announces the transition to a different landscape.
Into the Forest Towards Reinhardstein Castle
We reach the edge of the forest and see the first small bridge of the route: Pont Benoît Servais. On the riverbank stands a memorial stone with a portrait of Benoît Servais. The inscription explains that he spent many years promoting hiking tourism around Malmedy and Waimes. The bridge carries his name in honour of his work developing the region’s walking routes. We walk to the wooden bridge and cross the gently babbling stream. From this point on, we leave the rolling meadows behind and step into the dense deciduous forest.
The path winds deeper into the woods. At first we still follow the stream, but soon the terrain begins to rise. The slope is steep in places, gentler in others. The trail alternates between narrow passages and wider stretches. The scent of damp earth and moss hangs in the air. We occasionally hear the water behind us, but the sound slowly fades.
After a short climb, the forest opens and we catch our first glimpse of the castle. It appears between the trees: an imposing structure of grey natural stone, with towers and steep roofs sharply outlined against the sky. Clouds drift slowly past, constantly changing the light. The castle seems to hover above the valley, surrounded by a sea of green.
Reinhardstein Castle
Reinhardstein Castle is the highest situated fortress in Belgium. It was built in the fourteenth century on a rocky spur overlooking the Warche Valley. For centuries it served as a fortified stronghold. After a long period of decline, it was restored in the 1960s and given the appearance it has today. You can join guided tours, explore medieval halls and view collections of historical weapons. Above all, the castle offers some of the most impressive viewpoints in the region.
Today the castle is closed. For that reason we decide not to descend but to continue the route. We don’t see this as a loss. As we climb higher, we see the castle from new angles. Sometimes it hides behind leaves, sometimes it stands fully exposed between openings in the forest. It remains an impressive sight, as though it naturally belongs to the landscape.
Via the Robertville Reservoir to Beautiful Views
We continue walking and cross several small bridges. The path keeps alternating between climbs and descents, with short, steep stretches in between. After a while we reach the Robertville reservoir. On the opposite side we see the dam, which is currently being restored. The scaffolding gives it a monumental look. From a distance it almost resembles a Roman amphitheatre.
The reservoir itself looks stunning. The clear water reflects the drifting clouds. Information boards tell us that Stage 6 of the Venntrilogie passes here. This long distance trail leads through three unique landscapes in the East Cantons. It sounds like something we would enjoy, but today we don’t have the time. We save the idea for another visit.
We continue the walk and climb again. A little later the castle reappears, this time lower in the valley and once more from a completely different angle. Its position remains impressive, as if it watches over the forest.
After more ups and downs along rocky slopes and open viewpoints, the Warche makes a wide bend. We follow the meander until we reach the edge of the forest. Ahead of us lie grassy fields with peacefully grazing cows. The transition from rugged woodland to open landscape feels like a natural conclusion to this beautiful part of the walk.
Back to Xhoffraix
We continue across a higher plateau. The valley now lies behind us, hidden by the hills. The path winds between open meadows, peaceful and pastoral. Then we enter the forest again. This time we walk through a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. The soft forest floor and the scent of pine remind us of walks in the Sauerland, though the Ardennes feel gentler and more natural.
Further on, lush ferns carpet the forest floor. A winding hillside trail leads us gradually downwards. We reach the Warche again and follow a wide, quiet asphalt road. We pass the Café Taverne of Camping Du Moulin, where a chalkboard proudly advertises “52 speciality beers”. The temptation is strong, but we decide to be sensible. Beer in our legs doesn’t seem wise with another climb ahead.
Biodiversity in a Former Quarry
A little later we reach an old quarry. Information boards explain that this area is part of the Life in Quarries project, a European initiative designed to promote biodiversity in both former and active quarries. Temporary pools are created here to support amphibians. Rock faces are made more attractive for swallows and bee eaters. Grasslands are restored so that rare plants and insects can return. The combination of rough stone and new life gives the area a special atmosphere. It becomes a place where industry and nature don’t compete, but complement each other.
After the quarry, a narrow forest path follows a stream uphill. We’re glad we skipped that beer, because the climb demands attention. Thousands of tree roots cross the path, and we need to watch where we place our feet. Even so, the trail is enjoyable and surprisingly easy to walk. The forest is beautiful: quiet, green and full of birdsong.
End of Our Walk Around Reinhardstein Castle
When we finally re enter the village of Xhoffraix, we feel a mix of satisfaction and regret. The walk has come to an end, but it was a beautiful route — varied, peaceful and full of surprises. We save the castle interior for another visit. It’s the perfect reason to return to this delightful corner of the Ardennes.
Practical Questions About Walking Near Reinhardstein Castle
The full circular walk is roughly sixteen kilometres and takes four and a half to five hours, depending on your pace and breaks.
The route is manageable for walkers with a good basic level of fitness. For beginners it may feel demanding because of the elevation changes and the overall distance.
Most walkers start in Xhoffraix, where you can park free of charge at the trailhead.
The walk is of medium difficulty. You’ll encounter several climbs, descents, rocky paths and sections with tree roots. None of it is technically challenging.
Follow the green rectangle with a duck symbol. The signs are clearly visible at junctions and along the trail.
Yes. The free walking guide from VISITWallonia.be includes a full route description. A GPX file is also available.
Yes, the castle can normally be visited on a guided tour. Check the opening times beforehand, as it isn’t open every day.
The route is beautiful in every season, but especially in spring and autumn, when the forest is at its most colourful.
There are a few options. At the reservoir you’ll find Chalet du Barrage, and later on the route you pass the Café Taverne of Camping Du Moulin. Still, it’s wise to bring enough water.
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead because of livestock, steep paths and protected nature areas.
You can expect around 350 to 400 metres of elevation gain in total. The climbs are spread throughout the route, which makes them easier to manage.
There are a few rocky stretches and some steep parts, but nothing technically difficult. Good walking shoes are recommended, especially after rain.
Yes, the route passes directly along the reservoir, so it’s easy to combine both. There are also additional walking trails around the lake. Stage 6 of the long‑distance Venntrilogie route passes through this area.
Toilets are available at the castle and at the cafés along the route, depending on their opening hours. There are no public facilities in the forest.
Bring enough water, some snacks, sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket, a map or GPX file, a charged phone and, if you like, walking poles. The terrain can be uneven in places.
There are local buses from Malmédy and Waimes to Robertville and Xhoffraix, but the service is limited. Check the timetable in advance.
The VISITWallonia.be Pass is a digital discount card that you can download for free on your phone. It gives you discounts at more than 200 tourist attractions, museums and even some accommodations across Wallonia.
It’s definitely worth requesting the pass, as many castles participate. It costs nothing and saves you money on entry fees.
The area around Xhoffraix, Malmédy, Robertville and the Warche Valley offers plenty of excellent places to stay. Whether you prefer modern comfort, boutique charm or a peaceful natural setting, there’s something for every type of traveller.
- My Hotel Malmédy: A modern four star hotel with spacious rooms, a wellness area, a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant. It’s the perfect base for exploring the region in comfort.
- Daft Hotel: A creative boutique hotel surrounded by nature. It offers a unique mix of design, tranquillity and a touch of playfulness. You can even book glamping options or relax in a campfire bath.
- Hostellerie de la Chapelle: A stylish hotel in a beautifully renovated building. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the restaurant serves refined dishes in a warm atmosphere.
- Hotel Le Val d’Arimont: A resort style accommodation set in a green valley near the High Fens. It offers various room types, holiday homes, sports facilities and a peaceful natural environment.
- Hôtel Grand Champ: A small and friendly hotel with a generous breakfast and a calm, rural setting. Ideal for travellers who enjoy personal service and a quiet atmosphere.
At the invitation of Visit Wallonia, we explored several beautiful walking routes in the Belgian Ardennes, including this circular hike around Reinhardstein Castle. The content of this blog has been created independently and objectively, based entirely on our own impressions.
