What to do in the Ardennes in autumn?
Our favourite ideas around Malmedy
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to discover Malmedy, the High Fens and East Belgium. The forests turn shades of yellow, orange and red, the landscapes take on a completely different atmosphere and the cooler temperatures are perfect for getting outdoors.
Walks through the High Fens, the Warche Valley, forest-lined lakes, cycling, traditional village festivals or outdoor activities at Activ Park: here are some of our favourite ideas for making the most of an autumn day or weekend around Malmedy.
Enjoy the autumn colours of the High Fens
From October onwards, the forests and landscapes of our region gradually begin to change. Shades of green give way to yellow, orange and red, sometimes creating spectacular views.
It is an ideal time to go walking, slow down, enjoy nature and discover the many landscapes around Malmedy.
The wildfire that affected the High Fens in the summer of 2026 naturally left its mark on our region. Part of the nature reserve was unfortunately burned and some areas still need to be protected.
However, the High Fens cover a vast area and are still home to countless trails, landscapes and hidden natural gems waiting to be discovered.
Before setting off, simply check which routes are accessible and respect any restrictions that may be in place to give nature the opportunity to recover.
Discover the Warche Valley and Reinhardstein Castle
Close to Malmedy lies one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings: the Warche Valley.
In autumn, the forests surrounding the valley take on magnificent colours. As you follow the trails, Reinhardstein Castle suddenly appears, perched high above the valley.
With the hills, forest, River Warche and the silhouette of a medieval castle rising from the landscape, some of the views look almost like something straight out of a Disney film.
At Activ Park, we are fortunate to be located very close to this beautiful valley. We also offer a GPS walk of approximately 1.5 hours, allowing you to explore the surrounding landscapes at your own pace.
A great way to start or finish a day with us.
Walk around Lake Robertville
Another beautiful place to discover in autumn is Lake Robertville.
Located just a few kilometres from Malmedy and Activ Park, the lake offers beautiful scenery, particularly when the surrounding forests take on their autumn colours.
A walk around the lake is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the peace, the water and the wooded landscape. Depending on the route you choose, you can also combine your walk with the Warche Valley and the area around Reinhardstein.
It is an excellent way to start the day before heading to Activ Park for a more active afternoon.
Discover East Belgium by bike
ast Belgium also has a fantastic network for cycling enthusiasts.
The RAVeL network makes it easy to reach Waimes, for example, before continuing your ride through the landscapes of East Belgium.
For something a little different, the area around Bütgenbach is also well worth exploring. Lake Bütgenbach provides a beautiful setting for a walk or cycle ride around the water.
In autumn, the combination of the lake, surrounding forests and seasonal colours creates some wonderful scenery.
Whether you choose a traditional bike or an e-bike, cycling is a great way to discover East Belgium while enjoying its peaceful surroundings and nature.
Experience the last village festivals of the season
Discovering our region also means discovering its traditions.
October gradually marks the end of the traditional village festival season. Around Malmedy, villages such as Ligneuville and Chôdes continue to keep these popular local traditions alive.
Music, entertainment, meeting people and local traditions allow visitors to experience another side of our region and the friendly atmosphere that is so characteristic of its villages.
Chôdes is also the village where Activ Park is located.
If your stay happens to coincide with one of these festivals, make the most of it. It is a great opportunity to experience the region differently and spend some time with local people.
Make the most of autumn with activities at Activ Park
After exploring the region, it’s time for some action.
Located in Malmedy and surrounded by woodland, Activ Park can turn a simple autumn day into a real experience with friends, family or colleagues.
Paintball in the heart of the forest
Paintball is particularly enjoyable in autumn.
Our six playing fields take on a completely different atmosphere as the forest changes colour. Natural obstacles, woodland, varied terrain and specially designed game areas create a genuine outdoor experience.
Several options are available depending on the age and expectations of your group, from Paintball Kids and Paintball Soft Impact .50 to Paintball Hard .68 for those looking for a little more adrenaline.
Try axe throwing
Looking for something original without committing several hours to an activity?
Axe throwing is a great way to add a challenge to your day. After a short introduction, everyone can work on their technique and, most importantly, try to land that axe right in the centre of the target.
It is an accessible and sociable activity that is particularly popular with groups of friends and colleagues.
Bubble Soccer, Human Table Football and other challenges
Looking for something even more fun?
Bubble Soccer quickly turns a simple game of football into a succession of bumps, bounces and plenty of laughter.
With Human Table Football, the participants themselves become the players in a giant table football game.
You can also try Battle Archery, archery or the Shooting Zone.
The big advantage is that you can combine several activities in one location. Book a single activity to complement your day exploring the region, or combine several challenges and make Activ Park the centrepiece of your programme.
What if the autumn weather doesn’t cooperate?
Let’s be realistic: in autumn, a few drops of rain can occasionally join the programme.
But that’s also part of the charm of our region.
With good shoes and suitable clothing, cooler weather certainly doesn’t have to spoil your day. When playing paintball, it can even add to the atmosphere of our woodland fields.
Between activities, participants can also take a break and enjoy the facilities at Activ Park.
Eat and extend your day at Activ Park
There’s no need to get straight back into the car after your activity.
Pizzellas, drinks and snacks are available on site. For groups, a range of meal options can also be arranged in advance.
This makes it easy to plan a full day: explore the region in the morning, enjoy some activities in the afternoon, then finish with a meal or drink together.
Our ideal itinerary for an autumn day around Malmedy
Want to enjoy the region without spending your entire day in the car?
Start the morning with a walk in the High Fens, around Lake Robertville or through the Warche Valley.
Prefer cycling? Head towards Waimes and the RAVeL network or explore the landscapes around Lake Bütgenbach.
After lunch, completely change the pace and head to Activ Park for an afternoon of paintball, axe throwing or a combination of several activities.
And if a village festival happens to be taking place nearby that weekend, why not finish your day there?
Autumn: the perfect season to discover a different side of Malmedy
You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy Malmedy, the High Fens and East Belgium.
Autumn offers something completely different: colourful forests, sometimes misty landscapes, lakes surrounded by nature and an atmosphere that is particularly well suited to outdoor activities.
Whether you’re spending a weekend in the region or simply looking for things to do around Malmedy in autumn, combine nature, discovery and activities.
And if you want to add a little challenge, plenty of fun and some great memories to your programme, discover the different activities available at Activ Park and create a day that suits you.