Ninglinspo: a fairytale Stream in the Ardennes

Between the hills of the Ardennes, south of Liège, the Ninglinspo stream winds its way through a narrow valley that is considered one of Belgium’s most attractive hiking areas. This small tributary of the Amblève flows through a landscape that feels both wild and almost fairy-tale like. Hikers here encounter a nature that changes in short intervals: narrow gorges, rocky paths, small waterfalls, and pools where clear water shimmers.

The stream flows between Vert-Buisson (Theux) and Sedoz-Nonceveux (Aywaille). Over a length of 3 kilometres, the stream races from an altitude of 378 metres to 140 metres, which corresponds to a gradient of 8%.

Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails of varying lengths. However, it is also possible to explore the valley freely, starting at the car park in Sedoz.

Within just a few minutes it becomes clear that the path does not simply run alongside the water but crosses it again and again. Stones and wooden planks serve as crossings, and good balance is often required. Especially after rainfall, the path becomes slippery, reinforcing the impression of moving through a wild, barely tamed landscape. The hike is more demanding than it might first appear.

Along the way, the pools and cascades bear poetic names such as the “Baths of Diana” or the “Bath of Venus”. These names date back to the 18th century, when the valley was already described as a romantic excursion spot. Little has changed since then: the sound of rushing water, the play of light and shadow in the forest, and the sense of seclusion still lend the landscape a timeless quality.

Don’t forget the Viewpoints

Directly behind the Sedoz car park begins a wooded ridge that runs along the stream, offering its own picturesque trails. Those who take the climb reach several viewpoints that reveal the valley from a completely different perspective. The most impressive are the Crahay rock formations and the Drouet viewpoint, which offer sweeping views of the area.

The mountain trails can be reached from the valley path, but they form their own route and differ clearly in character from the narrow, water-shaped Ninglinspo trail. Combining the two gives a particularly varied impression of the landscape.

Hikers return to Sedoz with the feeling of having crossed through a small, self-contained world. The Ninglinspo is not a spectacular natural wonder by international standards, but the mixture of rawness and variety makes it one of Belgium’s most memorable hiking destinations. The real charm lies in its simplicity: walking along the water, the constant ups and downs, the interplay of rocks, roots, and streams.

The Ninglinspo is no hidden secret. On sunny weekends, the trail quickly fills with families, dog walkers, and visitors from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Those seeking silence are better off choosing an early weekday or the off-season. In autumn, for example, the valley is particularly impressive with its reddish-brown leaves, while in winter, ice and snow once again transform the landscape.

A visit to the Ninglinspo can easily be combined with other activities in the region, such as exploring caves, or further hikes and bike rides along the Amblève or the Ourthe.