Durbuy

Europe

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Belgium

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Durbuy

Durbuy, a small town located in the Wallonia region of Belgium, is known as one of the smallest cities in the world and offers a unique charm that captivates tourists from all over. With narrow cobblestone streets winding through historic medieval buildings, Durbuy provides an experience that seemingly transports visitors back in time. Its natural attractions are equally impressive. The Ourthe River flows calmly and beautifully through the town, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. Another highlight is the topiary park, adorned with over 250 plants shaped into various artistic creations.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, Durbuy is also renowned for its diverse outdoor activities, making it a favorite destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing can be enjoyed in the surrounding area, offering stunning natural scenery and refreshing experiences. In winter, the area around Durbuy becomes a popular spot for skiing and other snow activities. After a day of outdoor adventures, visitors can indulge in local cuisine at various restaurants and cafes that offer Belgian specialties, such as local beer and the famous Belgian chocolate. Durbuy truly offers a perfect combination of history, nature, and adventure.

Explore Durbuy

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Travel Tips for Durbuy

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Durbuy

A guide to Durbuy's local transportation

Tourist Train (Petit Train)

Bicycles

Canoeing

Buggies and Quads

Hot Air Balloons

Walking Tours

Buses

The "Petit Train" tourist train in Durbuy is a fun way to explore this small town. With a route that circles the town center and surrounding areas, the train offers beautiful views and historical information. It is ideal for families and tourists who want a brief tour without much walking, costing €6-€8 per person.

Practical Tips for Durbuy

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What activities can be done on the Ourthe River?

Visitors can enjoy various exciting outdoor activities on the Ourthe River. Canoeing and kayaking are popular choices, offering the experience of navigating the river with beautiful natural views.

Additionally, beginner-friendly rafting is available in some of the river’s more rapid sections. Fishing is another common activity, with various types of fish inhabiting the river. Picnicking by the river or walking along the trails that follow it also provide more relaxed ways to enjoy the beauty of the Ourthe River.

Is Durbuy a good place for outdoor activities?

Durbuy is an excellent place for various outdoor activities. It certainly offers a unique appeal to nature and adventure lovers. Besides water activities on the Ourthe River, the area around Durbuy features challenging hiking and biking trails with spectacular natural views.

Tourists can also try buggies and quads for more extreme adventures or engage in rock climbing and caving in the nearby karst areas. Even in winter, Durbuy and its surroundings offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on smaller slopes.

Does Durbuy have shopping centers worth visiting?

Although Durbuy is better known for its historical and natural charm, the town also has some interesting shops and boutiques worth visiting. In the town center, tourists can find small stores selling local products, such as Belgian chocolate, local beer, and unique handicrafts.

Periodic local markets offer various antiques, fresh produce, and regional specialties. However, for a more extensive shopping experience, tourists might need to visit nearby larger cities like Liège or Namur.

What are the accommodation options in Durbuy?

Durbuy offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From cozy boutique hotels in historic buildings to friendly bed and breakfasts, there are many choices for those seeking comfort and personalized service.

Tourists can also opt to stay in gites (holiday homes) for more privacy or camp in designated areas for a closer-to-nature experience. Many accommodations in Durbuy offer packages that include breakfast, and some even provide outdoor activities as part of their services.

How can one get to Durbuy from Brussels?

To get to Durbuy from Brussels, tourists can choose from several transportation options. The most common way is by train, where the journey from Brussels to Barvaux station takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, including one transfer in Liège or Namur.

From Barvaux, tourists can continue their trip with a taxi or local bus for about 10 minutes to Durbuy. Another alternative is to use a private car or rent a car, offering a more direct and flexible trip with a travel time of about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.