Attractions and Places To See around Stavelot - Top 20

Stavelot is rich in history, centered around the Abbaye de Stavelot. This ancient Benedictine abbey complex houses three distinct museums: the Musée de la Principauté de Stavelot-Malmedy, the Musée du Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and the Musée Guillaume Apollinaire. Additionally, the Église Saint-Sébastien is home to the magnificent 13th-century reliquary shrine of Saint Remaclus, and the charming Place Saint-Remacle features 18th and 19th-century architecture, including the historic Fontaine du Perron.

Absolutely. You can visit the Bayehon Waterfall, a roughly nine-meter-high cascade within a deep, wooded gorge. The Wooden boardwalks through the High Fens offer opportunities to enjoy diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty. The Trôs Marets Valley provides an idyllic hiking experience through a wild river valley. Other natural highlights include the Cascade de Coo, the Amblève River, and the peaceful Stavelot Ponds.

The Stavelot region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore numerous marked hiking and cycling trails, including the RAVeL Ligne 45. For more specific routes, consider the cycling routes around Stavelot or the mountain hikes, which feature trails like the Bayehon Waterfall loop. Canoeing on the Amblève River is also a popular option.

Yes, Stavelot offers several family-friendly options. Near the Cascade de Coo, you'll find Plopsa Coo, an amusement park, and Coo Adventure, an outdoor activity center. The Wooden boardwalks through the High Fens are also suitable for families. Additionally, the Wild Park Coo allows visitors to observe animals native to the Belgian forests.

Beyond the main attractions, you can visit the Fromagerie du Bairsoû, located on the heights near Stavelot, to sample local cheeses with a scenic view. For a unique cultural experience, plan your visit around the annual Laetare Carnival, famous for its 'Blanc Moussis' figures. The View of Reinhardstein Castle offers a picturesque distant view of a fairytale-like castle.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Stavelot, offering pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural sites like the Hautes Fagnes and waterfalls. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, though some paths in the High Fens can be slippery in wet weather, requiring sturdy shoes.

Yes, the Stavelot region caters to various hiking levels. You'll find trails ranging from easy walks, such as those on the Wooden boardwalks through the High Fens, to more challenging routes in areas like the Trôs Marets Valley. The nearby mountain hikes guide provides options with different elevations and distances.

Many of the natural areas around Stavelot are dog-friendly. The hike through the Trôs Marets Valley is specifically mentioned as suitable for hikers with dogs. When exploring trails in the Hautes Fagnes, always check local regulations regarding dogs, especially in protected areas, and ensure your dog is on a leash where required.

Stavelot is a great base for cycling. You can find a variety of routes, including those along the RAVeL Ligne 45. For detailed options, explore the cycling guide for Stavelot, which features routes like the RAVeL L47a Cycle Path and loops around the Amblève River. There's also a dedicated road cycling guide for more challenging rides.

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and diverse landscapes, from the wild river valleys of Trôs Marets Valley to the unique environment of the Wooden boardwalks through the High Fens. The historical significance of the Abbaye de Stavelot and the picturesque Bayehon Waterfall are also highly rated for their scenic and cultural appeal.

Yes, the Robertville Dam is a notable man-made monument in the vicinity. While the dam itself is impressive, it also serves as an excellent starting point for walks in the surrounding area, including routes that lead towards the nearby Reinhardstein Castle.