Walking has always been one of my favorite ways to clear my mind. It’s a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and the (digital) overstimulation that sometimes leaves me feeling completely drained. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Austria for a beautiful hike; often, you can find lovely routes right in your own town. But Belgium contains a lot of hiking opportunities. One of the country’s most famous hikes is the Ninglinspo trail. Are you looking for a hike that’s not too long but still challenging? Then this might be exactly what you’re looking for!
The Ninglinspo hike: hiking next to the only ‘mountain river’ of Belgium
The Ninglinspo trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Belgium. You find this trail in the heart of Ardennes, near the town of Aywaille. It takes you through a breathtakingly beautiful valley. The valley is complete with stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear streams.

The Ninglinspo trail has been rated as one of the most beautiful hikes in Belgium. Do nature and hiking interest you? Than this trail is something for you! It’s a moderately challenging hike, spanning over 6 km long. It has two routes, a yellow and a blue one and is taking around 3 hours to complete.
As you hike through the valley, you’ll encounter a series of waterfalls at various points of the trail, including the lovely Cascade de Bernister. These waterfalls offer a stunning sight to behold, and it’s heaven for everyone who likes photography.
One of the highlights of the Ninglinspo hike is the footbridge that spans the river. This offers spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding forests. This bridge is particularly stunning during the autumn months when the leaves change color and the valley is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors.
The Ninglinspo hike is also a great opportunity to spot local wildlife, including birds and dear deer. In fact, we saw several! It is important to note that the hike is only accessible during certain months of the year. When you come to hike this trail be sure to check the opening times and weather reports before starting the trail.
The Ninglinspo Trail: what you need to know
- There is a free parking lot at the start of the blue and the yellow paths of the Ninglinspo Trail
- If you combine the blue and yellow pats you can avoid the large and less cozy roads (take the yellow path when you reach the view point!)
- Don’t forget your good hiking shoes, especially when it rains!
- This trail can be crowded. But on a rainy winter day your have the whole track for yourself (or for your family, as we turned it in to a family hike)!
- Don’t forget to look around and enjoy, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Belgium!



You find more information about the Ninglinspo here. Looking for more activities in Belgium? Click here!
You can find more family-friendly destinations here.