The 10 best walks in Belgium near Martin’s Hotels
Hiking in Belgium offers a wealth of varied landscapes: deep forests, peaceful lakes, green hills and unspoilt countryside. Staying in a hotel isn’t just about exploring a city or enjoying the comfort of a stylish room. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside. Martin’s Hotels are ideally situated for combining city breaks with nature getaways. Just a few minutes’ walk from these hotels, you can often find magnificent walking trails, suitable for both casual walkers and keen hikers. Here are some of the most beautiful walks to discover near Martin’s Hotels in Belgium.
Martin's Brussels EU
In the heart of the European Quarter lies Martin’s Brussels EU, an ideal base from which to explore the Belgian capital.
Whilst Brussels is renowned for its architecture, cuisine and European institutions, the city also boasts several remarkable natural areas. Just a few minutes from the city centre, you can access vast woodlands and magnificent parks.
Must-try walks 🚶
Forêt de Soignes (Zoniënwoud): Just 20 minutes from the city centre, you’ll find a real little forest paradise. I recommend the Sentier des Quatre Moulins, a peaceful yet scenic route of around 10 km. Just bring your trainers – no fancy gear needed.
Hallerbos: A little further afield, but well worth the trip, especially in spring with its famous carpet of blue hyacinths. The loops range from 4 to 7 km, ideal for a morning stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
Tips 💡
🌅Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
🥨Bring a water bottle and some snacks if you plan to walk for more than 2 hours.
☕A quick detour to a nearby café on your way out of the forest is always worth it
Martin's Brugge & Relais
Located in the heart of Bruges’ historic centre, Martin’s Brugge offers the perfect base from which to explore one of Europe’s most charming cities. Known for its romantic canals, medieval houses and cobbled streets, Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
Walks 🚶
The canals of Bruges: An urban route, but so charming. Expect a walk of 5 to 12 km, depending on your preference. Do it in the late afternoon to catch the golden light on the water.
Damme – Groede: This walk takes you from town to countryside. Expect a walk of 10–15 km for a complete immersion in the Flemish countryside. Don’t forget your camera – the windmills make for perfect photo opportunities!
Tips💡
👟Wear comfortable shoes for Bruges’ cobblestones.
🚲You can combine cycling and walking if you want to see more in a single day.
Martin's château du lac - Genval
On the shores of Lake Genval lies the elegant Martin’s Château du Lac, housed in a former château of remarkable charm.
The lake’s natural setting creates a peaceful and refined atmosphere. The tree-lined banks, elegant villas and reflections on the water provide a particularly pleasant backdrop for a stroll.
The area is ideal for those who enjoy relaxing walks, but also offers several routes for venturing into the surrounding woods.
Walks to try:
Genval Lake and surrounding woods circuit: 5 to 10 km around the lake. Ideal for a morning stroll before breakfast.
Petite Gette Valley and Rixensart: Forest loops of around 8–12 km, perfect for those who love peace and nature.
Tips💡
🧥Take a light jumper; it can be chilly by the lake in the morning.
🦢Make the most of the benches to take a break and simply admire the lake… it completely changes the pace of a walk.
Martin's Louvain-La-Neuve
Located in the heart of the university town of Ottignies–Louvain-la-Neuve, Martin’s Louvain-la-Neuve enjoys a particularly pleasant setting.
Although the town is dynamic and bustling thanks to the university, it is also surrounded by numerous green spaces. With its lake, woods and country lanes, the area offers a perfect balance between modern urban life and unspoilt nature.
Hiking enthusiasts will easily find routes suited to different levels, ranging from simple walks around the lake to proper forest hikes.
Hikes:
Bois des Rêves: Trails of 5–15 km. I recommend taking a map or using GPS, as some loops are quite winding.
Lac de Louvain-la-Neuve: An easy 7–10 km walk around the lake. Ideal for families or a leisurely jog.
Tips 💡
🌅Best to set off early in the morning to avoid joggers and cyclists.
📸Don’t forget your camera for the lake, especially in autumn when the colours are at their best.
Martin's Red
Located in Tubize in Walloon Brabant, this hotel is set in a peaceful setting on the edge of the Pajottenland. This region is known for its countryside, rolling hills and charming little villages. Just a few minutes from the hotel, there are several walking routes where you can enjoy the pleasant natural surroundings, taking in farm tracks, woodlands and open countryside.
Walks:
Tubize countryside: Trails of around 5 to 8 km through fields and small villages. These paths allow you to discover the typical rural landscapes of Walloon Brabant and offer an easy and pleasant walk.
Hallerbos: A 4–7 km hike through one of Belgium’s most famous forests. In spring, the forest becomes particularly spectacular thanks to the carpet of blue hyacinths covering the ground.
Tips 💡
🌷Ideal in spring to enjoy the blossoming landscapes, especially in the Hallerbos forest.
💦Make sure you wear good walking shoes, as some country paths can be muddy after rain.
🌅Setting off early in the morning allows you to enjoy a quieter walk and perfect light for photos.
Martin's Rentmeesterij
Located in Bilzen in the Limburg region, this hotel is set in the heart of an area rich in nature and heritage. Situated within the historic Alden Biesen estate, it offers a particularly peaceful setting, surrounded by gardens, forests and landscapes typical of the Limburg Hesbaye region. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring the gentle countryside, dotted with villages, orchards and quiet footpaths.
Hikes:
Alden Biesen Estate: A walk of around 5 to 8 km around the castle and its gardens. The paths wind through parks, tree-lined avenues and the open landscapes typical of Limburg.
Trails in the Haspengouw region: Several circular walks of between 8 and 15 km allow you to explore the surrounding countryside, known for its orchards and rolling landscapes, which are particularly beautiful in spring.
Tips 💡
🌿Spring is one of the best times to go hiking in the region thanks to the blossoming orchards.
📸Bring a camera: the landscapes around Alden Biesen are particularly photogenic.
🦋Make the most of your hike by visiting the historic estate and its gardens afterwards
Martin's Klooster
Located in the heart of Leuven, this hotel, housed in a former monastery, combines historic charm with an ideal location. The city is known for its lively student atmosphere, but it is also surrounded by plenty of green spaces. Just a few minutes from the centre, several footpaths allow you to explore peaceful natural surroundings featuring forests, rivers and landscapes typical of Flemish Brabant.
Walks:
Abdij van Park: A walk of around 5 to 8 km around the abbey and its ponds. The paths wind through very peaceful landscapes combining nature, heritage and countryside.
Meerdaalwoud: A large forest near Leuven with several trails ranging from 8 to 15 km. The forest paths offer an immersive hiking experience in a preserved natural setting.
Tips💡
👟Make sure you wear good walking shoes for the forest trails.
🌸Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant seasons for exploring the forests around Leuven.
🏙️After your walk, a stroll through Leuven’s historic centre is a great way to continue exploring the city.
Martin's Patershof
Located in Mechelen, this unique hotel is housed in a restored former church. The city lies between Brussels and Antwerp and boasts a rich historical heritage. But the surrounding area also offers several natural spaces perfect for a leisurely walk. The landscapes alternate between rivers, nature reserves and green spaces ideal for getting some fresh air.
Walks:
Vrijbroekpark: A nature park with several walking trails of around 5 to 7 km. The route passes through gardens, ponds and wooded areas.
River Dyle: Several walks along the river allow you to cover between 6 and 10 km in a pleasant natural setting surrounded by water and greenery.
Tips💡
🌞These walks are particularly pleasant in spring and summer.
🚶♂️As the paths are fairly flat, they are suitable for walkers of all abilities.
⛪Take the time to visit Mechelen’s historic centre after your walk.
Martin's Dream
Located in the historic city of Mons, this hotel is housed in a former chapel that has been converted into a modern and elegant establishment. Mons boasts a remarkable historic centre, but its surroundings also offer several natural areas perfect for hiking enthusiasts. With its forests, slag heaps and nature reserves, the region offers a varied and surprising landscape to explore.
Hikes:
Bois de Colfontaine: A large forest with several trails ranging from 6 to 12 km. The paths wind through a peaceful, densely wooded setting, ideal for a nature walk.
Héribus Slope: A walk of around 4 to 6 km, offering the chance to explore a former slag heap transformed into a nature reserve with a beautiful view of the region.
Tips💡
👟Make sure you wear sturdy shoes for the forest paths or the climbs up the slag heaps.
🌄The slag heaps offer stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset.
⛪Combine your hike with a visit to the historic centre of Mons and its famous Grand-Place.
Manon
