Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves
The Atomium, the Waterloo battlefield from the Lion’s Mound, a Cistercian ruin, Namur’s citadel, Dinant and the caves of Han.
- Distance
- approx. 188 km (117 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 35 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Belgium
- Best time to go
- June–September
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- July 26, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 188 km (117 mi) with 9 stops, from Brussels to Durbuy. About 2 h 35 min of driving in total. Best time to go: June–September. No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.
More road trips in Belgium
Photos along the route
Route description
Start at the Atomium on the northern edge of Brussels, a giant steel model of an iron crystal from the 1958 World’s Fair. The whole Brussels region is a low-emission zone: most foreign-registered vehicles must be registered online in advance (free), and older diesels are banned, so check before you drive in. Then take the ring road south to Waterloo, about 25 km, where the Lion’s Mound overlooks the fields where Napoleon was defeated in 1815.
The Memorial 1815 museum lies underground beside the mound, and the Hougoumont farm, a key point of the battle, is a short drive away. Head east to Villers-la-Ville, where the roofless church and cloisters of a large Cistercian abbey stand in a wooded valley. Then continue to Namur, 35 km, where the Sambre and the Meuse meet below the citadel.
A cable car lifts you from the old town to the citadel, one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Guided tours explore its tunnels. From Namur, follow the N92 south along the Meuse, a road lined by cliffs, castles and rock needles, to Dinant, 30 km, with its onion-domed church under the citadel. The Meuse valley is good for kayaking in summer.
Drive south-east to Han-sur-Lesse, about 30 km, where an old tram takes visitors to the entrance of one of Europe’s great cave systems. Allow about two hours for the visit. Finish at Durbuy, a tiny town on the Ourthe, 35 km away. The E411 motorway is toll-free. Roads along the Meuse are busy on summer weekends, and spring and autumn are quieter.
Which stops are on Waterloo to the Meuse?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Brussels
Belgium - 26 km
Atomium
OdditiesBrussels, BelgiumNine steel spheres forming a giant iron crystal, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, with exhibitions and a view from the top sphere. Parking at the Heysel; buy tickets online to skip the queue.
- 331 km
Lion’s Mound, Waterloo
HistoryBraine-l’Alleud, BelgiumAn artificial hill topped by a cast-iron lion, raised where the Prince of Orange was wounded in 1815. Climb 226 steps for a view of the battlefield; the underground memorial museum is next door.
- 421 km
Villers Abbey ruins
HistoryVillers-la-Ville, BelgiumThe extensive ruins of a Cistercian abbey in a wooded valley, with a roofless church and a restored medicinal garden. Paid entry; parking across the road.
- 530 km
Namur
Belgium - 61 km
Namur Citadel
HistoryNamur, BelgiumOne of Europe’s largest fortresses, on the rock where the Sambre meets the Meuse, with tunnels you can tour. A cable car runs up from the town; the ramparts and views are free.
- 728 km
Dinant
Belgium - 831 km
Caves of Han-sur-Lesse
NatureHan-sur-Lesse, BelgiumA vast cave system carved by the Lesse, visited on a guided walk through huge halls after a ride on an old tram. Tickets from the village; combine with the wildlife park run by the same site.
- 939 km
Durbuy
Belgium
How do you drive Waterloo to the Meuse in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Brussels → Villers Abbey ruins · 57 km · 0 h 48 minOn the way: Atomium, Lion’s Mound, Waterloo.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Druivenland (19 km); Camping Manoir de la-Bas (18 km).
- Day 2: Villers Abbey ruins → Dinant · 60 km · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Namur, Namur Citadel.Overnight nearby, for example: Aire de camping car – Givet (15 km); Camping de Devant-Bouvigness (2 km).
- Day 3: Dinant → Durbuy · 71 km · 0 h 59 minOn the way: Caves of Han-sur-Lesse.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Eau Zone (9 km); Camping Le Festival (15 km).
When is the best time for Waterloo to the Meuse?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Waterloo to the Meuse?
No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.
- Belgium: No motorway tolls for cars. Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent; register foreign vehicles. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Brussels: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
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FAQs
How long is Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves?
3-day road trip of about 188 km (117 mi) with 9 stops, from Brussels to Durbuy. About 2 h 35 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 35 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves start and end?
It starts in Brussels and ends in Durbuy.
Which countries does Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves pass through?
Belgium.
Where can you camp along Waterloo to the Meuse: battlefield, abbey and caves?
OpenStreetMap lists 119 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Brussels Generation Europe Motorhome spot, Bergendal and Camping Diepvennen.
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