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Belgium🇧🇪 | hikesGR 5 Trailcross-border route, varied terrain, long-distance | things to do and best time to go

Explore Ninglinspo River HikeExplore GR 129 Trail

Backpacking in GR 5 Trail
👌 Worth visitinghike ranked #7
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated June 13, 2026

Most people hear “GR 5” and picture only the big, heroic crossing of the Alps; they forget that one of its grittiest, most satisfying stretches cuts straight through eastern Belgium. Here, the GR 5 slices down from the Dutch border, through the Kempen and into the Ardennes, a long north–south backbone rather than a tidy weekend loop. The Belgian section isn’t postcard-pretty every step: you get pine plantations, farm tracks, even dull road bits between villages. But then the trail dives into real forest, heath, and river valleys, and it clicks. It’s long, committing, and more mentally tiring than technically hard, yet trains and buses make joining or bailing out surprisingly easy. Compared to shorter GRs like the GR 57 or GR 571, this one feels less curated and more like a raw, continuous journey.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Belgium Travel Guide.
Best time to go: March - October
Duration: 12 days
Distance: 200 kilometers
Total ascent: 3,000 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #7 hike in BelgiumReasons people choose to hike the here

The GR 5 Trail in Belgium is a backpacker’s playground, where every step is a dance between effort and reward. This trail offers a scenery-to-effort ratio that’s hard to beat. You’ll traverse rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages, all while feeling the burn in your legs.

Access is a breeze; public transport whisks you to trailheads, making it easy to hop on and off as you please. Plus, it’s low-cost—no pricey permits or fees here. You can choose your own adventure with flexible distances, whether you want a leisurely stroll or a full-day trek.

What makes the GR 5 truly shine is how seamlessly it fits into a longer backpacking route. You can easily connect it with other trails, creating a tapestry of experiences across Belgium. Each section rewards you with a new perspective, … read more 👉
The GR 5 Trail in Belgium is a backpacker’s playground, where every step is a dance between effort and reward. This trail offers a scenery-to-effort ratio that’s hard to beat. You’ll traverse rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages, all while feeling the burn in your legs.

Access is a breeze; public transport whisks you to trailheads, making it easy to hop on and off as you please. Plus, it’s low-cost—no pricey permits or fees here. You can choose your own adventure with flexible distances, whether you want a leisurely stroll or a full-day trek.

What makes the GR 5 truly shine is how seamlessly it fits into a longer backpacking route. You can easily connect it with other trails, creating a tapestry of experiences across Belgium. Each section rewards you with a new perspective, whether it’s the first cold beer in a local tavern or a breathtaking view from a hilltop. This trail isn’t just a hike; it’s an invitation to explore, challenge yourself, and savor every moment.
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💡 HighlightsTop highlights of GR 5 Trail

  1. Hoge Kempen National Park — inland dunes, open heath and pine forests you wouldn’t expect in Belgium. The sandy tracks and wide vistas feel almost coastal; in late summer the heather blooms and the place lights up, plus it’s great for birdwatching (and a mellow first day on the trail).
  2. Meuse Valley and Dinant — a dramatic river canyon with limestone cliffs, the citadel of Dinant clinging to the hill and saxophone-singing town façades right on the water. The contrast of steep rock faces and a lazy river makes for some of the most cinematic hiking in Belgium — and there are climbing routes and viewpoints you can’t get on flatter trails.
  3. High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) & Signal de Botrange — boardwalks over peat bogs, windswept moorland and Belgium’s highest point with a bleak, almost tundra-like
… read more 👉
  1. Hoge Kempen National Park — inland dunes, open heath and pine forests you wouldn’t expect in Belgium. The sandy tracks and wide vistas feel almost coastal; in late summer the heather blooms and the place lights up, plus it’s great for birdwatching (and a mellow first day on the trail).
  2. Meuse Valley and Dinant — a dramatic river canyon with limestone cliffs, the citadel of Dinant clinging to the hill and saxophone-singing town façades right on the water. The contrast of steep rock faces and a lazy river makes for some of the most cinematic hiking in Belgium — and there are climbing routes and viewpoints you can’t get on flatter trails.
  3. High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) & Signal de Botrange — boardwalks over peat bogs, windswept moorland and Belgium’s highest point with a bleak, almost tundra-like feel. It’s weirdly wild for this country: open horizons, bog plants, sudden mist — very different from forested lowlands and uniquely atmospheric.
  4. Semois Valley and Bouillon Castle — one of Europe’s most meandering rivers, carved into wooded hills, with the medieval fortress of Bouillon perched above. The Semois bends, cliffs and beech forests create intimate, photogenic valley scenery and a proper Ardennes castle to poke around after a long day’s walk.
  5. La Roche-en-Ardenne and the Ourthe Gorge — classic Ardennes: narrow river gorges, steep wooded slopes and a ruined castle watching over a cosy town. It’s big on atmosphere (and wildlife), with good river views, beer and hearty food in town — the sort of place where the trail rewards you with both scenery and a proper bed.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near GR 5 Trail

Private Beer Bike Tour in Rochefort in the Belgian Ardennes

Private Beer Bike Tour in Rochefort in the Belgian Ardennes

4.9(53) 1h 30m
✓ Free cancellation
From €40
per personViator
Liege Walking Tours

Liege Walking Tours

4.6(52) 2h
✓ Free cancellation
From €5
per personViator
The Battle of the Bulge Experience - A day tour from Brussels

The Battle of the Bulge Experience - A day tour from Brussels

4.9(36) 12h
✓ Free cancellation
From €1,100
per personViator
Premium beer bike with drinks and entertainment in Rochefort

Premium beer bike with drinks and entertainment in Rochefort

5.0(26) 1h 30m
✓ Free cancellation
From €48
per personViator
Discover Dinant while playing! Escape game - The alchemist

Discover Dinant while playing! Escape game - The alchemist

4.7(15) 2h
✓ Free cancellation
From €19.99
per personViator
Taxi Charleroi Airport Brussels

Taxi Charleroi Airport Brussels

4.9(9)
✓ Free cancellation
From €189
per personViator
e-Scavenger hunt Liège: Explore the city at your own pace

e-Scavenger hunt Liège: Explore the city at your own pace

3.8(16) 3h
✓ Free cancellation
From €31
per personViator
Discover Durbuy by playing! Escape game - The alchemist

Discover Durbuy by playing! Escape game - The alchemist

3.7(14) 2h
✓ Free cancellation
From €20
per personViator
Liege Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Liege Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

3.9(11) 2h
✓ Free cancellation
From €6.99
per personViator
e-Scavenger hunt Spa: Explore the city at your own pace

e-Scavenger hunt Spa: Explore the city at your own pace

4.3(8)
✓ Free cancellation
From €31
per personViator

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🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs


  • Weather: Spring and early autumn deliver the best balance—expect mild, often crisp days with less mud than winter’s soggy grip. Summer can scorch, pushing temps up to 25-30°C (77-86°F), which drains energy fast on exposed sections.

  • Temperature: Late April to June and September to October hover between 10-20°C (50-68°F), perfect for steady hiking without overheating or freezing your fingers off.

  • Daylight Hours: Peak daylight stretches from May to August, with up to 16 hours of light—ideal for long, unhurried days on the trail. Outside this window, shorter days demand tighter planning.

  • Crowds: Summer months bring local and international hikers, especially on weekends. Spring and autumn offer quieter trails, letting you own the path and soak in the solitude.

  • Seasonal Activities: Autumn
… read more 👉

  • Weather: Spring and early autumn deliver the best balance—expect mild, often crisp days with less mud than winter’s soggy grip. Summer can scorch, pushing temps up to 25-30°C (77-86°F), which drains energy fast on exposed sections.

  • Temperature: Late April to June and September to October hover between 10-20°C (50-68°F), perfect for steady hiking without overheating or freezing your fingers off.

  • Daylight Hours: Peak daylight stretches from May to August, with up to 16 hours of light—ideal for long, unhurried days on the trail. Outside this window, shorter days demand tighter planning.

  • Crowds: Summer months bring local and international hikers, especially on weekends. Spring and autumn offer quieter trails, letting you own the path and soak in the solitude.

  • Seasonal Activities: Autumn spices things up with harvest festivals nearby, adding cultural flavor to your trek. Spring bursts with wildflowers, turning the trail into a living canvas.

  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation and transport costs peak in summer. Booking in shoulder seasons often nets better deals and more availability.


Pro-tip: Aim for late May or early October—cool air, fewer people, and the trail’s character really shines when you’re not racing the crowds or the heat.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Belgium


Best quality hotels in Belgium

🥾 Hike detailsEverything you need to know before hiking GR 5 Trail

Total Distance: 620 kilometers (approximately 385 miles) stretches from the northern coast of the Netherlands to the southern tip in Nice, France, but the Belgian section is about 200 kilometers (124 miles).

Estimated Duration: Expect to take around 10 to 14 days to complete the Belgian section, depending on your pace and how often you stop to explore.

Difficulty Level: Moderate. While there are sections with steep climbs, most of the trail is manageable for hikers with a decent fitness level.

Starting Point: The trail officially starts in the town of Knokke-Heist.
  • Getting There: You can take
… read more 👉
Total Distance: 620 kilometers (approximately 385 miles) stretches from the northern coast of the Netherlands to the southern tip in Nice, France, but the Belgian section is about 200 kilometers (124 miles).

Estimated Duration: Expect to take around 10 to 14 days to complete the Belgian section, depending on your pace and how often you stop to explore.

Difficulty Level: Moderate. While there are sections with steep climbs, most of the trail is manageable for hikers with a decent fitness level.

Starting Point: The trail officially starts in the town of Knokke-Heist.
  • Getting There: You can take a train to Knokke from major cities like Bruges or Ghent. The train ride is straightforward, and the station is a short walk from the trailhead.

Major Landmarks: Along the way, you’ll encounter various points of interest.
  • Bruges: A picturesque medieval city known for its canals and cobblestone streets.
  • Ypres: Rich in WWI history, with memorials and museums worth a visit.
  • Mechelen: A charming town with a lovely cathedral and vibrant city life.

Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of terrains.
  • Paths: Expect a combination of well-marked trails, paved roads, and forest paths.
  • Scenery: You’ll see everything from coastal dunes to lush forests and charming villages.

Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: The region is rich in biodiversity.
  • Vegetation: You’ll find a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, wildflowers, and agricultural fields.
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and the occasional fox. The coastal areas are also great for spotting various seabirds.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

The GR 5 Trail in Belgium offers a mix of manageable challenges and rewarding vistas. As you lace up your boots, keep in mind that the weather can shift quickly. One moment, you’re basking in sunshine; the next, a drizzle might roll in. Layer your clothing. A breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof shell will keep you comfortable through the ups and downs.

The terrain is generally forgiving, but don’t underestimate the steep sections. Some ascents will get your heart racing, especially after a long day. Watch your footing on rocky paths and muddy stretches; a slip can happen when you least expect it. Navigation is straightforward, with well-marked signs guiding you along the way. Still, a map or a reliable GPS app is a good backup. Trust me, it’s easy to lose track when … read more 👉
The GR 5 Trail in Belgium offers a mix of manageable challenges and rewarding vistas. As you lace up your boots, keep in mind that the weather can shift quickly. One moment, you’re basking in sunshine; the next, a drizzle might roll in. Layer your clothing. A breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof shell will keep you comfortable through the ups and downs.

The terrain is generally forgiving, but don’t underestimate the steep sections. Some ascents will get your heart racing, especially after a long day. Watch your footing on rocky paths and muddy stretches; a slip can happen when you least expect it. Navigation is straightforward, with well-marked signs guiding you along the way. Still, a map or a reliable GPS app is a good backup. Trust me, it’s easy to lose track when the trail winds through dense woods.

Wildlife encounters are rare but not impossible. You might spot a deer or hear the rustle of small critters in the underbrush. If you do come across any wildlife, keep your distance. Respect their space, and they’ll likely do the same for you.

One practical tip: don’t underestimate the power of hydration. Fill your water bottle whenever you pass a stream or a tap in a village. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up, especially on those steeper climbs.

Timing is key. Start early to avoid the midday heat and give yourself ample daylight. The trail is popular, so you’ll likely share it with fellow hikers. Embrace the camaraderie; a friendly nod or a quick chat can brighten your day.

In essence, the GR 5 Trail is a well-managed route that rewards your efforts with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. Embrace the rhythm of the hike, and you’ll find that the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination.
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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

The GR 5 Trail in Belgium is a feast for the senses. Picture this: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of damp earth, and those rolling hills that seem to stretch forever. You’ll earn every breathtaking view, especially at the top of the climbs. But be ready for the mud—some sections can be a slog. It’s a true test, but the reward of a cold local brew at the end makes it all worthwhile.

✈️ When did I visit Belgium?
Belgium being my neighbour country, I have visited it many times, mainly for weekend city trips.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Belgium, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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