Durbuy, known as the smallest town in the world, is located in Wallonia, Belgium. It is a municipality in the Ardennes department in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium. The charming town is perfect for tourists who love outdoor activities and amazing scenery. From hiking to Paintball, Canyoning to Kayaking, there are so many activities to enjoy in Durbuy. But, with so many options, it can get hard to decide what to do and where to go. In this article, we’ll suggest 10 things to do in Durbuy and 5 places to avoid.
1. Hiking
Hiking is one of the top activities to do in Durbuy. The area is riddled with trails that range from easy to very hard. Some of the best trails include the Trappist Trail and the Red Cliff Trail, both offering stunning views of forests and rivers. If you’d like to check out some smaller trails, try Grand Bois or Fond-de-Bonval. Hiking is a great way to experience the great outdoors and take in the beauty of nature in Durbuy!
2. Canyoning
Canyoning is one of the best ways to explore the unique rock formations in Durbuy. You can climb, abseil and rappel down the gorges to get to the bottom of the canyon, while also exploring its natural beauty. There are several companies that offer guided tours and they will provide the necessary safety equipment. Get ready to make your way through the canyons and explore the wonders of nature!
3. Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers looking for a fun adventure should definitely check out Durbuy. The banks of Ourthe River provide great biking trails with stunning views. The mountain bike loop around Durbuy is great for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. You can also try out the challenging Circuit de VTT La Roche-en-Ardenne, which features tight turns, bridges and jumps. Whatever trail you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
4. Kayaking
If you’re looking for a calm outdoor activity, then kayaking is the perfect choice for you. The Ourthe River flows through Durbuy and provides an excellent opportunity for kayaking and canoeing. You can rent kayaks from several nearby rental points and make your way along the calm rivers, surrounded by forests and hills. Stop periodically to soak in the amazing views or stop for a picnic at one of the banks.
5. Paintball
Paintball is one of the most fun activities for groups in Durbuy. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, then this is the perfect choice for you. There are several paintball parks in the area that offer courses and packages for groups of all sizes. From wooded courses to structures fields to obstacle courses, you can get your heart pumping in no time!
6. 4X4 Adventures
If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, then a 4X4 Adventure is the perfect choice. Several companies in Durbuy offer guided 4X4 tours across the rugged terrain of the Ardennes. You can explore lush forests, meadows and rocky hills as you drive around. Make sure to stop at the picturesque lookouts for some stunning views!
7. Donkey Rides
Donkey rides are a great way to explore the charming town of Durbuy. You can rent donkeys from one of the local farms and go on a leisurely ride through the cobblestoned streets. Donkeys are slow enough for kids to keep up and long enough for adults to hop on, making them a great way to explore the city with all ages.
8. Golf
Golfers will love the variety of courses in Durbuy. Domaine de Courson features one of the most beautiful golf courses in the area. The course consists of three 18-holes, a 9-hole practice course, and an academy course. The fairways are surrounded by the beauty of nature and the views are breathtaking. With twelve players’ parcours, the course promises to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
9. Go Karting
Go Karting is one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Durbuy. Red Aventure organizes races on their courses and they have circuits of different difficulty levels suitable for everyone. The tracks consist of winding roads and curves, so you can get your adrenaline pumping in no time! Plus, you can even race against your friends to add an extra element of competition.
10. Climbing
Climbing is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities in Durbuy. The town offers some of the best sites for sport climbing in the region. Chances are, you’ll find climbers of all levels at the local crags, from beginners to pros. There are several spots spread throughout the town, so you can choose the one that best suits your level and have some fun scaling the walls of the area!
Things to Avoid in Durbuy
1. Speleology
Speleology is one of the most dangerous activities in Durbuy and is not recommended for inexperienced adventurers. The area is home to several deep and complex cave systems and they can be difficult to navigate. Unless you’re an experienced speleologist and have the right knowledge and equipment, it’s best to avoid this activity.
2. La Sauvenière Parc
La Sauvenière Parc, though a great place to check out, is best avoided during busy periods. The park usually gets very crowded during weekends and holidays, making it hard to explore. Moreover, it often becomes noisy and erratic, which ruins the vibe of the place. So, it’s best to visit La Sauvenière Parc during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
3. Off Road Driving
Off road driving is a great way to explore Durbuy, but it is best avoided during wet periods. The roads near Durbuy tend to become very slippery during rainy days, which makes it difficult to control an off-road vehicle. Moreover, it might lead to damage to the vehicles or worse, injuries to the drivers. So, it’s best to avoid off road driving when it’s raining.
4. La Citadelle
La Citadelle is a great place to explore the history of Durbuy, but it has its own set of issues. The narrow and winding stairs of the fortress can be difficult to navigate and might cause fatigue. Moreover, the place can get quite crowded if there is a show or an event taking place. So, it’s best to visit during weekdays to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
5. Adventure Parks
Adventure parks are great attractions in Durbuy, but they are best avoided during summer. During the warmer months, these parks tend to get crowded, making it hard to enjoy the attractions. Moreover, the heat can cause discomfort and dehydration, ruining your outdoor experience. So, it’s best to visit adventure parks during cooler months to make the most of your experience.