🇧🇪 Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Malmedy ?
41 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities. Click to discover each address in detail.
Malmedy occupies a distinctive position within Belgium's Eastern Cantons: a French-speaking town enclosed in a historically German-speaking region, it changed nationality several times before 1920. This identity ambiguity has forged its own character, visible in its mixed architecture and the Cwarmê carnival, one of Wallonia's oldest, which structures local life far beyond its four days of festivities.
The town is best visited between May and September, two days being enough to explore the cathedral Saints-Pierre-Paul-et-Quirin and venture into the nearby Hautes Fagnes. A car helps for nearby trails, though the centre walks easily enough. Avoid February weekends unless booked well ahead: the Cwarmê saturates accommodation within a twenty-kilometre radius.
Landmarks & heritage (16)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Baugnez Massacre Memorial
Sober and poignant memorial commemorating the massacre of American soldiers by the SS in December 1944. An essential place of remembrance for understanding the history of the Battle of the Bulge.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Guillaume Apollinaire Museum
Dedicated to the poet who stayed in Stavelot in 1899, this intimate museum displays letters, manuscripts and works related to this formative period for Apollinaire. A little-known literary pilgrimage site, even among poetry enthusiasts.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Notre-Dame de Chèvremont Chapel (Malmedy)
Small chapel nestled on wooded heights overlooking the town, accessible on foot via a forest path. Clear view over the roofs of Malmedy and the surrounding hills.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Former Malmedy Tannery
Industrial remnant from the town's leather-working past; Malmedy was long renowned for its leather. The rehabilitated buildings echo this vanished economic identity.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Stavelot Henri II Tower
Medieval relic of the 12th century integrated into the urban fabric, this square tower bears witness to the fortifications of the former abbey principality. Often overlooked by hurried visitors, it deserves a closer look.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Stavelot Abbey
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the seventh century, now converted into museums and a performance venue. Its cloister and three museums – dedicated to Apollinaire, the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, and the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy – make it a densely cultural and authentic location.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Ancient Abbey of Stavelot
A few kilometres away, the ruins and restored buildings of this medieval abbey house three museums, including one dedicated to Guillaume Apollinaire and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Essential viewing in the region.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Cathedral of Saints Peter, Paul and Quirin in Malmedy
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the seventh century, now a cathedral. Its Baroque bell tower dominates the town and houses the relics of Saint Quirin, venerated since the Middle Ages.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Grand-Place de Stavelot
The beating heart of the town, surrounded by timber-framed houses and buildings of Ardennes rubble stone. The Saturday morning market brings together local producers and residents in an atmosphere of authentic village life.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum
Museum tracing the circuit's history since its creation in 1921, with historic racing cars and rare archives. A must for any motorsport enthusiast.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALandmark
Place Albert Ier
Historic heart of Malmedy, surrounded by typical Ardennes façades. This is where the city's pulse beats, with the weekly market and carnival festivities.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Warche Bridge at Stavelot
Old stone bridge spanning the Warche at the foot of the town, an ideal starting point for a riverside walk. Picturesque views of Stavelot's slate roofs from the water's edge.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALandmark
Collégiale Saint-Sébastien de Stavelot
Baroque church of the 18th century built on the remains of the former abbey church. Houses reliquaries of Saint Remacle and a remarkable gilded shrine that has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Malmedy Historical Museum
Housed in an 18th-century building, it traces the town's history from medieval times through to reintegration into Belgium after 1918. Rich in documents and local objects.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Sainte-Marguerite Chapel, Stavelot
Small Romanesque chapel from the 12th century perched above the old town, often open during heritage days. Its austere architecture and views over the Amblève valley make it a discreet yet memorable stop.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALandmark
Malmedy Carnival Museum
The Cwarmê of Malmedy is one of Wallonia's oldest carnivals. This museum traces the history of the Haguètes, these emblematic masked characters, with rare costumes and archives.
Nature & parks (7)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Roannay Valley
Small tributary of the Amblève carving a hidden ravine south of Stavelot, virtually unknown to tourists. The valley-floor trail runs along wetland meadows where grey herons hunt at dawn.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Lake Robertville
Reservoir lake nestled in the Ardennes hills, ideal for swimming in summer and walks year-round. The forest reflections on the water are particularly beautiful in autumn.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Warche Valley – Sentier des Moulins
Walk along the Warche through beech forests and former mills. The rushing water, moss-covered rocks and peaceful setting make this one of the region's most beautiful trails.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
High Fens – Trail from Botrange
Access to Belgium's largest protected natural area, with ancient peatlands and moorland landscapes stretching to the horizon. In winter under snow or in autumn through the mist, the atmosphere is absolutely striking.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SANature
Hautes Fagnes – Baraque Michel Nature Reserve
Belgium's largest protected natural space, near Malmedy. Thousand-year-old peatlands, heathland and mysterious mists – wild and unspoilt nature that takes your breath away.
Nature
Long-Distance Trail GR 15 – Malmedy–Stavelot Section
Emblematic section of the GR 15 linking Malmedy to Stavelot via ridges and valleys. Changing landscapes, passages through deep forest and views over the Amblève – the region's signature hike.
Nature
Malmedy State Forest – Bayehon Stream Trail
The Bayehon is a wild torrent with hidden waterfalls in primeval forest. One of the few places in Belgium where nature seems completely untouched.
Viewpoints (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Croix des Fiancés Viewpoint
Natural viewpoint offering a sweeping view over the Amblève valley and the river's meanders. A rarely visited spot that locals jealously guard.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Viewpoint from Thier de Stavelot
Elevated position south-east of the city centre offering a 180° panorama over slate roofs, the abbey bell tower and surrounding wooded hills. Accessible on foot in 10 minutes from the Grand-Place, ideal at sunset.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Panorama from Reinhardstein
The ruins of the medieval Reinhardstein Castle overlook the Warche Valley. The path from Ovifat offers spectacular views across the wooded hills of the Ardennes.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint
Signal de Botrange
Belgium's highest point at 694 metres above sea level. Panoramic views over the High Fens and, on clear days, as far as the German Eifel. A unique atmosphere in winter under snow.
Activities (8)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Stavelot Carnival – Blanc Moussis
One of Wallonia's most singular carnivals, featuring white-masked characters with long red noses who whip the crowd with pig's bladders. Held each year in March—if you're passing at that time, do not miss it.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
One of the world's most legendary Formula 1 circuits, with the notorious Eau Rouge corner. Guided tours of the circuit are available outside race weekends.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Eau Rouge - Raidillon Corner
The Eau Rouge-Raidillon sequence is one of the most photographed corners in motorsport. Accessible on foot from the paddock during open-day events.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Museum
Housed in the vaulted cellars of the abbey, this museum traces the history of the legendary neighbouring racing circuit. Historic racing cars, champions' helmets and rare archives for motor sport enthusiasts.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Cross-country Skiing – High Fens Domain
In winter, the High Fens transform into a cross-country skiing paradise with more than 60 km of marked trails. One of Belgium's rare destinations for this sport in open countryside.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAActivity
Reinhardstein Castle
A restored medieval castle perched on a rocky spur above the Warche. Guided tours in period costume on weekends in season – one of the best-preserved castles in the Ardennes.
Activity
Brasserie Lupulus – Visit and Tasting
Craft brewery with a reputation that extends beyond Belgian borders, located in the Saint-Vith region less than an hour away, though its beers are found throughout Stavelot. The guided tour of the brewery and tasting of their hoppy IPAs are worth the journey for any craft beer enthusiast.
Activity
Stavelot Washhouse and Tanners' Walk
3 km walking circuit through the medieval alleys of the lower town, along the former tanners' quarter and its water ditches. Discreet explanatory panels, Flemish village atmosphere out of season.
More to discover (6)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Le Colophon Bookshop-Gallery
Independent bookshop in the town centre also doubling as a small gallery for contemporary Ardennes artists. Good selection of books on local history, the Fagnes and nature, run by a passionate bookseller who gives pertinent advice.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Saturday Morning Market, Stavelot
Weekly market on the Grand Place bringing together local honey producers, Ardennes charcuterie, seasonal vegetables and farmhouse cheeses. The place where residents do their shopping and where you feel the true pulse of the town.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Malmedy Weekly Market
Every Friday morning, Albert I Square comes alive with local producers: cheeses, Ardennes charcuterie, honey, seasonal vegetables. The best place to feel the pulse of the town.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace
Cwarmê – Malmedy Carnival
Recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, this four-day carnival in February transforms the city. The Haguètes in oilcloth costumes and feathered hats are unique in the world.
Place
Fagnes Distillery – Ardennes Pékèt
Artisanal distillery near Stavelot producing an Ardennes juniper spirit (pékèt) infused with wild moorland herbs. Tasting on-site and direct sales – an ideal bottle as an authentic souvenir of the region.
Place
Bookshop-Gallery Le Grenier aux Livres
Independent bookshop and art gallery run by an enthusiast, specialising in Ardennes and regional literature. A valuable cultural hub in a city of this size.