Attractions and Places To See around Pepinster - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pepinster include a blend of natural landscapes and historical landmarks. The town is situated in Belgium, offering diverse outdoor experiences and cultural insights. Visitors can explore natural gorges, impressive engineering feats, and protected heritage sites. This region provides a variety of attractions for those interested in both nature and history.
Best attractions and places to see around Pepinster
- The most popular attractions is Ninglinspo Valley, a gorge known for its captivating scenery. It features winding paths alongside the Ninglinspo stream and numerous small waterfalls.
- Another must-see spot is Gileppe Dam Lion, a man-made monument that crowns the dam wall. This 13.5-meter sandstone sculpture serves as the emblem of the Gileppe dam.
- Visitors also love Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower, a man-made monument with a 77-meter high lookout tower. It offers views over the dam and reservoir, accessible via glass-enclosed elevators.
- Pepinster is known for natural gorges, historical industrial sites, and protected heritage sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural monuments to engineering marvels.
- The attractions around Pepinster are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 1100 photos shared across 54 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ninglinspo Valley
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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Venus' Bath
Highlight • Waterfall
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Small Waterfall on the Ninglinspo
Highlight • Waterfall
To the left of it is a small "cave"
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Gileppe Dam Lion
Highlight • Monument
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Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful walk, highly recommended.
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The first part along the Ninglinspo is beautiful, it is also a super tourist attraction so it can be a bit more crowded. Once the walking route continues you can continue to enjoy a beautiful walking path in nature with less people around you.
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waterfall in a mesmerizing forest
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The Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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This work of art, made from granite, was the first of its kind in Belgium. The dam was built between 1867 and 1875. Between 1967 and 1971 it was consolidated and the capacity of the reservoir was increased to 26.4 million m³ of water. The lake is fed by the Gileppe, the Louba and the Soor. Two 75m high collection towers direct the water to turbines. The famous Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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One of the many beautiful spots in the valley. The many small waterfalls are wonderful. It is best to drive shortly after a rainy period so that there is enough water available.
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Just pause and enjoy.
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This "bathtub" shows very well what the water can do with its natural power over the millennia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Pepinster?
Pepinster is rich in natural beauty. The most popular natural attraction is the Ninglinspo Valley, a stunning gorge known for its winding paths, numerous small waterfalls like Venus' Bath, and the impressive 'Grand Chaos' with its large quartzite boulders. The Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower also offers beautiful lake views and is surrounded by natural landscapes.
Are there any significant historical landmarks or heritage sites in Pepinster?
Yes, Pepinster has a rich history. The Gileppe Dam Lion, a 13.5-meter sandstone sculpture, crowns one of Europe's oldest dam walls, built between 1867 and 1875. The Gileppe Dam itself is an impressive engineering feat. Additionally, the former Textile de Pepinster building, with its Art Deco facade, stands as an iconic industrial landmark. Pepinster also has several protected heritage sites, including Sclassin Castle, Roman fortifications of Becoën, and a 17th-century house.
What kind of outdoor activities, like hiking, are available near Pepinster?
The region around Pepinster is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy invigorating hikes through the Ninglinspo Valley, which is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardennes. The Gileppe Dam area also serves as a starting point for family-friendly hiking trails. For more options, explore various routes in the Hiking around Pepinster guide, which includes moderate trails like the Becoën-Souquenry Ford loop.
Is the Gileppe Dam area suitable for families?
Absolutely! The Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower is highly recommended for family outings. It features a 77-meter high lookout tower accessible by glass elevators, offering fantastic views. The dam wall has interesting information boards, and the area is a starting point for many family-friendly hiking trails. The iconic Gileppe Dam Lion is also a sight that children often enjoy.
Where can I find impressive viewpoints in the Pepinster region?
For breathtaking views, head to the Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower. From its 77-meter height, you can enjoy dream views over the dam and reservoir. The Ninglinspo Valley also offers several scenic viewpoints along its winding paths, showcasing the natural beauty of the Ardennes with its waterfalls and unique rock formations.
What are some options for cycling around Pepinster?
Pepinster offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find numerous options for road cycling and touring. For example, there are easy routes like the Route de la Filature – Pepinster Town Center loop, or more challenging ones such as the View of the Valley in Fraipont – Fayenbois Forest loop. Discover more detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Pepinster and Cycling around Pepinster guides.
Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower is noted for its accessibility. The panoramic viewing tower, which offers stunning views over the dam, is accessible via two glass-enclosed elevators, making it suitable for wheelchair users.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Pepinster?
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and the unique blend of nature and history. The Ninglinspo Valley is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ardennes, with its captivating scenery and the feeling of walking through the stream. The Gileppe Dam is appreciated for its impressive structure, the panoramic views from the tower, and its family-friendly infrastructure.
What is the best time of year to visit Pepinster for outdoor activities?
The region's natural attractions, like the Ninglinspo Valley, are particularly enjoyable on sunny days, suggesting spring, summer, and early autumn offer the best conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration. These seasons provide pleasant weather for enjoying the scenic trails and viewpoints around the Gileppe Dam.
Are there any less crowded walking routes near Pepinster?
While the Ninglinspo Valley can be popular, arriving early in the day is a good tip to experience it with fewer crowds. For other options, exploring the various hiking routes listed in the Hiking around Pepinster guide might lead you to less frequented paths, especially those slightly further from the main highlights.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the main attractions?
Yes, the Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower features a restaurant on the upper floor of the lookout tower, offering fantastic views. There is also a café at the dam itself, providing convenient options for refreshments during your visit.
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