Two Ourthes Natural Park

The Two Ourthes Natural Park is located in the heart of the Ardennes, along the Luxembourg border. It encompasses 6 municipalities and covers some 76,000 hectares! It is a true oasis of greenery where preserved villages and unspoiled nature blend together.

The park is shaped by the two Ourthe rivers that flow through it. The Western Ourthe rises in the municipality of Gouvy and then flows towards Houffalize. The Eastern Ourthe flows through the municipalities of Saint-Ode and Bertogne before joining its sister river near the majestic Rocher du Hérou. This rock is home to a unique and fragile fauna, notably the common wall lizard. The Nisramont dam lake, where the two rivers meet, has a Scandinavian feel and offers a captivating natural spectacle in every season. The two Ourthes, now one, then flow into the charming town of La Roche-en-Ardenne. Its castle, perched on its rocky spur, dominates the horizon. If you are with family, don't miss its falconry displays and the nighttime events featuring the ghost of Berthe.

The two rivers meander through the park and its diverse landscapes: hills, valleys, dense forests, steep massifs, and vast open plateaus offering breathtaking panoramas. Among these unique natural environments are landscapes similar to those of the High Fens, including the Plateau des Tailles and the Mochamps Fen. Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore the peat bogs. The Freyr Forest and the Ourthe Orientale and Orti nature reserves are other natural sites worth visiting.

The park's flora and fauna are remarkable: black storks, red kites, and Tengmalm's owls roam its skies, while cranberries, lingonberries, and orchids grow in its soil. So many species testify to the park's ecological richness and its importance in biodiversity conservation.

The Two Ourthes Natural Park is also deeply marked by history. Bérismenil, Compogne, Houmont, Lavacherie, and Longchamps are just a few of the many charming and picturesque Ardennes villages you will encounter during your visit to the park. They blend seamlessly into the landscape, reflecting a certain harmony between humankind and nature .

Thanks to its size and diverse landscapes, the Two Ourthes Natural Park is perfectly suited to all kinds of activities: mountain biking, hiking , trail running, and more. It offers over 185 hiking trails spread across its six municipalities, as well as 29 marked mountain bike routes. These routes allow you to discover the park's natural beauty at your own pace. The park is also crossed by three long-distance hiking trails: the Transardennaise and the famous Escapardenne Eisleck route, a 108-kilometer trek through the Ardennes and Luxembourg. If you prefer water sports, the Ourthe River is ideal for kayaking.