8 Spooky Places and Legends in Belgian Nature

Mist between the trees, a rock with a strange shape, a cross in the middle of a deserted peat bog. In autumn nature takes on something mysterious, and nowhere is that more noticeable than at places with an old legend attached. From gnomes in the Ardennes to a pact with the Devil: Belgium is full of stories. Pull on your Dark Raven Hoodie, with a raven that keeps watch in the dark, and discover 8 places that are perfect for a Halloween walk.

1. Croix des Fiancés, High Fens

Where: near Baraque Michel (Jalhay), in the peat bog of the High Fens.

The story: in January 1871 the engaged couple Marie-Joseph Solheid and François Reiff wanted to walk home across the High Fens. They were caught in a snowstorm and lost their way. They died about 500 metres from the Baraque Michel inn, where they could have been safe. Their bodies were not found until March. A cross now stands on the spot: the Croix des Fiancés, the cross of the betrothed.

Walking: a marked loop of about 5 km from Baraque Michel, partly over wooden boardwalks. Stay on the paths: large parts of the reserve may only be entered with a certified guide. After the fire of August 2026, part of the High Fens is still closed off. Check botrange.be in advance to see which paths are open.

2. Rocher Bayard, Dinant

Where: on the bank of the Meuse, just outside the centre of Dinant.

The story: the Four Sons of Aymon fled from Charlemagne on their magical horse Ros Beiaard (Bayard). According to the legend, the horse split the rock in two with a single hoofbeat and jumped across the Meuse. That split rock, about 35 metres high, is still there.

The truth: the passage was hewn out in the 17th century so that the French army of Louis XIV could get through. But the story of the horse sounds much better.

Walking: easily reached on foot from Dinant, which you can also reach by train.

3. Rocher du Cuy, Libin

Where: near Libin, in the province of Luxembourg.

The story: Ardennes folklore tells of the nutons: small, handy little beings who live in caves and rocks. At night they would do work for people, in return for a little food. The Rocher du Cuy, also called Roche aux Nutons, is one of their legendary places.

Walking: an easy loop of about 5.5 km (roughly 2 hours), starting from the car park at the Château de la Rochette. Part of the route is not signposted, so bring a map or app. Halfway along there is a picnic table.

4. Trou des Nutons, Furfooz

Where: in the Furfooz nature park, near Dinant.

The story: according to the legend, the nutons lived here too, in a large, triangular cave along the walking path. The Trou des Nutons is one of the best-known nuton caves in Wallonia.

Walking: the Furfooz park lies in a Natura 2000 area, with caves, rocks and views over the Lesse. The cave is now a shelter for bats. You can read more about these nocturnal animals in our article on bats in Belgium.

5. Pont du Diable, Chaudfontaine

Where: in the woods above Chaudfontaine, near Liège.

The story: in the middle of the forest stands a dry stone bridge on slate rocks that... leads nowhere. According to the legend, the farmers of Ninane and the surrounding hamlets made a pact with the Devil to build it. That is why it is called the Pont du Diable, the Devil's Bridge.

Walking: a popular walking spot, with routes of roughly 6 to 11 km in the area.

A walk at dusk past a place like this is extra atmospheric. The Silver Howl Sweatshirt, with a wolf under the full moon, fits perfectly.

6. Saint Hubert and the stag with the cross, Saint-Hubert

Where: Saint-Hubert and the surrounding forests, in the province of Luxembourg.

The story: the nobleman Hubert was a fanatical hunter. One day in the Ardennes forest he saw a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers. He converted and later became the patron saint of hunters. Historians know that the legend was only linked to Hubert in the late Middle Ages: it was taken over from the story of Saint Eustace.

Walking: at Champlon (Tenneville) stands the Rouge Croix, a wayside cross from 1720, freely accessible. According to tradition, it is one of the places where Hubert received his vision. In autumn you can also hear real stags in the Ardennes forests: read more about the deer rut in the Ardennes. The image of a stag in the mist can be found on the Mist Crown Sweatshirt.

7. Montaigle Castle Ruins, Falaën

Where: on a rock above the Molignée valley, near Onhaye.

The story: no real legend is attached to this place, but the atmosphere is all the eerier. The medieval castle was destroyed in 1554 by the French army of Henry II. What remains are ruins on a rocky spur, surrounded by forest. On a misty autumn day it looks like the setting of a ghost story.

8. In Search of the Sleeping Giant, Kasterlee

Where: the Kabouterberg in Kasterlee, on the Campine ridge.

The story: the Kabouterberg is a play forest where, according to the story, gnomes once lived. It is not a real old legend, but for children it is a magical place.

Walking: the route "In Search of the Sleeping Giant" is 6.5 km long (there is also a shorter loop of 4 km) and starts at the Wintergat on Pater Damiaanstraat. The forest is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset. One of the few spooky spots in Flanders, and perfect for families.

Safe on the Trail Around Halloween

A walk at dusk or in the dark is exciting, but prepare well.

• Hunting season in Wallonia: from 1 October to 31 January there are driven hunts in the forests. On hunting days, paths in the hunting area are off limits. Watch for red notices at the start of the paths, and check chasseonweb.be to see which hunts are planned.
• Bring a torch, and a spare battery.
• Wear sturdy shoes and a rain jacket: paths are often muddy and slippery in autumn.
• Stay on the paths, especially in nature reserves such as the High Fens.
• Choose a guided night walk. Natuurpunt regularly organises evening and night walks in autumn, such as during the Night of Darkness in October.
• Let someone know where you are and when you expect to be back.

Warming up after the walk? On a clear evening you can also go stargazing in Belgium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of the Croix des Fiancés?

In January 1871 an engaged couple died in a snowstorm in the High Fens, about 500 metres from the Baraque Michel inn. A cross now stands on the spot as a memorial.

What are nutons?

Nutons are small, handy beings from Ardennes folklore. According to the stories, they lived in caves and rocks and helped people at night, in return for a little food.

Until when is there hunting in the Walloon forests?

The driven wild boar hunts in the forest run from 1 October up to and including 31 January. On hunting days, red notices hang at the start of the paths.

For Those Who Love the Dark Side of Nature

Mist, moonlight and an old legend: that is how an ordinary walk becomes an adventure. Discover our night designs in the Night Sky collection, such as the Lone Dusk Hoodie, with a lone wolf against a dusky sky, or the Night Watch T-shirt, with an owl that sees everything the night hides. Shipping is free across the EU from €45 (otherwise €4.99).