I truly love autumn in Belgium with all its magnificent colors and nostalgic vibes. It is the perfect season to go hiking in the woods and look for nature’s little treasures like toadstools, chestnuts and acorns. I don’t care what kind of weather it is during autumn, the autumn foliage makes every day brighter and beautiful.
On rainy days, the scent of rain, moist forest soil and leaves floats through the air. A perfume I absolutely love! The red and golden autumn foliage brings warmth and color to the grey, moody and colder days. When the sun shines, it seems like nature sparkles with its final beauty and charm, as if it had been waiting all year for this magical moment to climax.
Even though we don’t really celebrate Halloween in Belgium (it is starting to become more popular though), also here pumpkins are associated with autumn, whether it is to eat or decorate the house. So visiting a pumpkin farm or pumpkin patch is definitely one of my favorite autumn activities as well!
Unfortunately for many, autumn is also a reminder that all things come to an end. People tend to get more depressed since the days get shorter and darker. Especially now that we are in lockdown and not able to see many people. I prefer to link autumn more with cozy and nostalgic vibes though!
So I made it my mission to look for the best places to experience autumn in Belgium, so you can soak up the same positive autumn vibes and learn to see its beauty. This article will show you where to go to spend the perfect autumn day in Belgium and to brighten your spirit!
This post shall be updated every time I discover more places to visit in autumn!
Most beautiful places to experience autumn in Belgium & go forest bathing
Did you know that being surrounded by nature has a positive effect on your mindset? Walking through a magnificent forest is a soothing and relaxing experience. The fresh air gives an energy boost and nature’s raw beauty brings instant happiness! The Japanese gave it a name; shinrin-yoku, which means forest bathing. It is even included in their national health program to reduce stress and depression! The goal of forest bathing is to live in the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural setting. So going for a hike in the woods is not only the perfect autumn experience, it will increase both your physical and mental health!
These are some of the most beautiful places to go forest bathing and to fully experience autumn!
Nismes, Namur
Nismes is a small village about 100 km south from Brussels. Even though you will already find the perfect autumn vibes in the town center with its charming houses covered in red foliage such as the Château Bivort, a water mill and the ruin of the old “Pont d’Avignon” castle. It is not the town itself, but the nature surrounding it, that makes it the perfect place to experience autumn in Belgium.
Its main attraction is Fondry des Chiens, a chasm of about 100 m long with a depth of 20 m. The view of this small canyon surrounded by the colorful trees is absolutely splendid! To reach it and experience even more autumn vibes, I strongly recommend to do the 8 km hike that starts at the town’s church, Saint-Lambert de Nismes. It is indicated with a yellow rectangle and will guide you through the magnificent woods of Les Abannets and the nature reserve of Dourbes.
Walking under a red and golden roof of leaves, while soaking up the scent of the moist soil with the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, gave me the ultimate feeling of happiness. Especially when I found a lot of toadstools along the way!
Before arriving at Fondry des Chiens you’ll pass the viewpoint of La Roche aux Faucons and the train track of the Trois Vallées steam locomotive and its tunnel decorated with leaves. This was a nice unexpected extra! Unfortunately the train did not run due to Covid-19 restrictions. You can check the train’s timetable here.
The detailed itinerary of this hike can be found here.
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Domaine de Chevetogne, Namur
Even though I definitely recommend visiting this recreational domain during summer with its many activities such as canoeing, mini-golf and swimming, the Domaine de Chevetogne must not be overlooked during autumn in Belgium. All activities will be closed, but you can still visit the park for free during low season. There are no crowds and you can enjoy a walk through its colorful woods in all calmth. Next to its beautiful forest and gardens, you will find wooden cabins, dreamy ponds and cute constructions like a hobbit house; fairy-tale autumn vibes guaranteed!
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