Europe Attractions - Belgium - The Belgian Ardennes

If you ask any wise tourist to make a top 5 list of European destinations that he or she would recommend, Belgium will definitely be on that list. It is one of Europe's smallest yet most beautiful countries, a source of architecture, history and art.



Being encircled by Germany, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, Belgium can be seen as a true European heart. Belgium spreads over a surface of 30518 square kilometers while being called home by over 10 million people. It is also a country that takes full advantage of its assorted physical geography, from the artistic mountainous region of Ardennes in the south to the wild coastline of the North Sea.



There are countless attractions that you might want to see while visiting Belgium and it will take you quite a while to accomplish this task. However, if you are short on time, there are a number of destinations that will help you appreciate this one-of-a-kind country.



The Ardennes are one of Belgium's most impressive areas mostly due to their natural wilderness and rich diversity of fauna and flora. You will definitely be left astounded at the sight of vast forest covered hills crossed by crystal clear rivers and unlimited villages nestled by wide valleys. In this villages you will find, interestingly enough, that folklore and traditions are still powerfully encompassed within people. It is also the place where voyagers may become familiarized to some of this region's most unique arts and crafts.



If you plan to visit the Ardennes you might want to take that trip during springtime. It is the optimum season to enjoy the numerous sports and attractions offered here. Those interested in walking, mountain biking, fishing, climbing or even horse riding will have lots of choices to choose from. Winter sports fans will also feel like home in the Ardennes. Cross country skiing or snow racing are just some of the activities that make the Ardennes such an entertaining paradise during the winter. Speaking of fun, visiting some of the caves in this area might be exceptionally interesting and worthwhile.



Belgium is famous for its long and rich history, so if you are looking for some of the best conserved castles and citadels in Europe, this is the right place to be. Smart people, the Belgian are positively aware of the crucial role of these silent testimonies of the past. Numerous special events held within these walls try to recreate as genuine as possible the dark times of the Middle Ages.



Situated in an impressive valley in Ardennes, the town of Spa is certainly the world's most important site of healing hot springs. The town has a very long history, dating since the Roman Empire, when it was known under the name of Aquae Spadanae. The town of Spa is so renowned that it has basically became an eponymous for any source of hot mineral springs. Today, any place that benefits from a natural water source is known under the name of „spa".



Motorsports fans are also quite intrigued in Spa as it annually holds the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is one of the most difficult, yet beautiful circuit in Formula One. Rain is almost a must during the Formula One weekend each year so the thousands of racing fans will most likely be treated with probably the best race of the entire Formula One season.



If you want to see with your eyes the splendor of the Belgium's Ardennes, and also relax in one of the finest hotels from Europe, please visit Hotel Spa Balmoral (previously known as Dorint Spa Balmoral Hotel). I have tried it, and trust me, it's a perfect match.