Destination Houffalize
The Houffalize destination is a charming town in the Luxembourg province of Belgium, known for its picturesque location in the Ardennes and its rich history. Houffalize is my favorite starting point for hikes in the Ardennes. Small and cozy.
The city lies on the Ourthe Orientale river and is surrounded by dense forests and undulating high plateaus, which are mainly used for agriculture.
The history of Houffalize is closely linked to the events of the Second World War. During the Battle of the Bulge, Houffalize was a strategic point that was hotly contested. The city suffered heavy destruction from Allied bombing, particularly on the night of January 5-6, 1945, when the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force bombed the city to disrupt German supply lines. This attack turned Houffalize into a field of bomb craters, and the city had to be rebuilt after the war.
Today, Houffalize is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ardennes and the tranquility of the rural surroundings. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Houffalize is particularly known for its mountain bike trails, which are among the best in Europe.
In addition to nature, Houffalize is also known for its cultural heritage. The city is a member of Douzelage, a town twinning association of 24 cities from across the European Union. This active town partnership began in 1991 and events take place regularly, such as a market with products from other countries and festivals.
Walking Tour Houffalize:
In addition to the core town, the municipality of Houffalize includes six other districts: Mabompré, Mont, Nadrin, tailles, Tavigny and Wibrin. Each of these districts has its own charm and offers visitors unique insights into rural life in Belgium.
Houffalize's economy is heavily influenced by agriculture and tourism. The region is known for its local products, particularly the beer from Achouffe, a village in the municipality of Houffalize. The Achouffe brewery is famous for its craft beers, which are appreciated far beyond the borders of Belgium.
Overall, Houffalize is a place that delights visitors with its natural beauty, colorful history and rich cultural offerings. It is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the peace and beauty of the Belgian Ardennes.
Some pictures from Houffalize:
I recommend renting a holiday home for your trip to Belgium, the best way to do this is here:
Culinary delights in Houffalize
Houffalize offers a rich culinary diversity, making it hard to single out just one restaurant. During my last visit, I dined at 'Brasserie Le Rallye' and had a truly explosive taste experience!
The beef burger with fries was anything but ordinary. The local creation impressed me both visually and in terms of taste. The burger was a real treat! And the Belgian fries are legendary anyway. For this special experience, I paid 23.50€. A bit steep, but prices in Belgium are generally a bit higher.
As a drink, I chose a local beer from the Achouffe brewery, right here in Houffalize. The famous gnomes with the red caps are the trademark of this brewery.
All in all, I can highly recommend 'Brasserie Le Rallye'. If you're in Houffalize and value unique taste experiences, you should definitely stop by. Of course, there are many other great restaurants in the region, but this one particularly impressed me.
Brasserie Le rallye:
Campervan sites in Houffalize
Why Houffalize is Attractive for Campers:
Nature at its best: The Ardennes offer a breathtaking natural landscape with dense forests, clear streams, and impressive rock formations.
Hiking trails: An extensive network of hiking trails invites you to go for long walks and bike rides.
Activities: Besides hiking and biking, there are numerous other leisure activities such as canoeing, climbing, or mountain biking.
Charming villages: The small villages around Houffalize offer an authentic atmosphere and invite you to linger.
Campsites in Houffalize:
In Houffalize and its surroundings, there are various campsites that cater to different needs. Some offer simple pitches, while others have extensive facilities with sanitary facilities, power connections, and other services.
Popular campsites:
Camping Au Bout du Monde: This campsite is located in the middle of nature and offers pitches for motorhomes and tents. There is a bar, a restaurant, and a playground.
Camping C&P Buitensport: This campsite is ideal for families and offers a variety of activities for children. There is a pool, a playground, and a sports field.
Camping du Viaduct: This campsite is located near an impressive viaduct and offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. There are pitches for motorhomes and tents as well as a variety of sanitary facilities.
Tip for vanlifers: In the parking lot in front of the campsites, you can park for free and use the extremely clean public toilets!
Campsites directly in Houffalize:
Panther Tank in Houffalize
The Panther tank is an important historical heritage and a symbol of the Battle of the Bulge for the city of Houffalize. After extensive renovation work, the Panther tank has returned to Houffalize. This tank of the 116th German Panzer Division entered the city on December 19, 1944 and has become an emblematic object of the tourist city. During the Battle of the Ardennes, small Ardennes towns such as Houffalize, La Roche and Manhay suffered particularly because they were in the center of road junctions. Houffalize was bombed several times by the Allies, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Of 346 buildings, 268 were completely destroyed and 78 were severely damaged. In order to preserve the Panther tank in the long term, the city called in experts from the War Heritage Institute at Bastogne Barracks and a German company. The camouflage painting in three colors and the correct markings were carried out on site by specialists. The chains were also reattached on site.
Panther Tank in Manhay
A few kilometers north of Houffalize there is another, the “Panther in Manhay” refers to a German Panzerkampfwagen V, better known as the Panther, from the Second World War, which is located in Grandmenil, part of the municipality of Manhay in Belgium. This tank is a Panther version G and is a historical relic from the Battle of the Bulge. He belonged to the 2nd SS Panzer Division “Das Reich” and was left behind by the Germans during their retreat on December 26, 1944. The Panther Ausf. The driver's hatch was removed in favor of movable periscopes, and simplifications were made in production to address material shortages and improve manufacturing rates. This particular tank is a significant part of Manhay's history and serves as a reminder of the intense fighting that took place in the region during the war. If you're in the corner and interested, you can look at the Panther and also a Sherman in Manhay.
Panther Tank Manhay on YouTube: