🥾 On the Road with Laurent & Julie: Hiking Adventure in the Belgian Ardennes - "Pure nature at Lake Bütgenbach"

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: On the Road with Laurent & Julie – 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 12/04/2025 we started this time from our luxury suite on Lake Bütgenbach.
You can find the hike on komoot under: Natur pur am Bütgenbacher See: Once around the Bütgenbacher See - and in a very relaxed way. The well-maintained path mostly leads directly along the water, through peaceful forests and open nature. Along the way, there are plenty of beautiful places to rest and soak it all in. The tour is easy to walk, ideal for families or anyone who simply wants to take a leisurely stroll. Highlight: the dam wall with its stunning view over the lake.

Important information about the route

• Starting point: Wellness-Suite BE-1084092-Bütgenbach Alternatively: Parking lot at the Worriken Sports & Leisure Center in Bütgenbach.
• Distance: Around 10.4 km (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate – suitable even for casual walkers. Well-marked, easy trails, no special skills needed.
• Duration: Approx. 3 hours, depending on breaks and pace
• Ascent: 70 m; Descent: 60 m

Getting There & Parking

🚗 By car:

• Parking: Free parking is available at the Worriken leisure centre or at Hotel Du Lac/Alter Bahnhof.
• Address: Worriken Leisure Centre: Worriken 1, 4750 Bütgenbach; Hotel Du Lac/Alter Bahnhof: Seestraße 53, 475

1. Lake Bütgenbach itself: A calm, mirror-like surface – the perfect place to unwind and take in the moment. Stunning photo ops at sunrise or sunset create memories you won’t forget.
2. Lakeside trails & nature paths: A varied mix of wide paths and narrow tracks hugging the shore, surrounded by forest, clearings, and open meadows – ideal for relaxed, nature-filled hikes.

3. Bütgenbach Dam: The trail crosses the impressive dam, offering a close-up view of its architecture – plus sweeping views over the lake and surrounding landscape.
4. Rest spots & benches along the way: Great for a breather, picnic, or just enjoying the view – many with direct lake access.
5. Worriken Leisure Center: A nice spot to take a break or grab a quick snack.

• Costs: The hike is free and accessible at any time.
• What to Bring: Although the route is not too demanding, it is advisable to bring enough water, especially on warmer days. There are several opportunities for breaks and refreshments along the route: Worriken Recreation Centre or Carol's Resto.
• Best time to visit: The best time is May to October, depending on whether you're looking for blossom, bathing or autumn colours. If you love peace and quiet, spring and autumn are great - if you want action and life by the lake, summer is ideal.
• Gear: Comfortable, weatherproof hiking shoes with good grip are ideal, as some parts can get slippery when wet.

Tips:

• At Lake Bütgenbach, you’ll find a 150-meter sandy beach—perfect for spreading out your towel and soaking up the sun. The beach is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM during July and August (weather permitting). Entry is €5.00 per day for adults and young people aged 12 and over. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 pay €3.50, while children under the age of 5 can visit free of charge.
• Looking for more action? You can also go sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, or simply take a refreshing swim in the lake.
• Just a short walk from the lake, Pub 24 serves up delicious burgers and a fantastic selection of beers—highly recommended!
• Restaurant Brüls: A fourth-generation family-run gem combining traditional flavors with modern creativity. Stylish, seasonal, and full of heart.
• The restaurant im Bütgenbacher Hof offers refined regional cuisine with a modern twist, elegant setting, fresh ingredients, and top-notch service.

No komoot? No problem, just follow the sign: "Around the lake".

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.