The rock formations take up a length of about 100 meters and a height of 20 meters. Not only is this a viewpoint for tourists, but it’s also home to a diverse range of fauna and flora. It is definitely a highlight in Belgium.

Getting to Nimes

The nearest train station from Nismes is in Couvin. From this station on you could take a bus that takes you to the town of Nismes. If you choose to come by car you can easily park right next to the tourist office, which offers free parking!

Getting to Fondry des Chiens

There are several ways of getting to the rock formations. The easiest way is parking right next to the rock formation. But… how does this saying go? It’s about the journey, not the destination. Seeing Fondry des Chiens can easily be combined with a beautiful hike. Nismes offers many hiking trails. Most of them start next to the church of Nismes. In this table, I’ve summarized the most popular hikes to Fondry des Chiens:

All trails entail different distances and unique features. There is no need to worry about finding your way as the signs are well visible on your route. My friend and I hiked the 9 km trail (red + white flag: Les Abennets) and ended our trail with our visit to Fondry des Chiens. Feeling satisfied and tired, we decided to spend some time in the town of Nismes (which of course, included drinking Belgian beer ).

The professionals at the tourism office of Nismes will gladly assist you with more information about the routes (free map!), the ‘what to do’s’ and a public toilet.

There you go, some inspiration for your next trip to Belgium!  Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path. 

Peace and love!

The post Fondry des Chiens, the Grand Canyon of Belgium appeared first on Simply By Joy.

The Nature site ‘Le Hérou’ offers a challenging hike, beautiful views, and peaceful surroundings. The cherry on the cake is definitely standing on the top of the Rocher du Hérou, being the flank of a long and unique rock formation found at the meanders of the Ourthe. Hike up and you will be rewarded with wonderful landscapes.  The park is located in Houffalize, which is not too far from other recommendable nature spots (Nisramont for example).

You can make the hike as long as you please, starting from the parking lot right next to the viewpoint or basically anywhere else. As we traveled by van we had decided to park right next to the church of Nardin. There, we walked our way down till we reached the Ourthe. Note: the time we visited was a very dry period for Belgium. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes/clothes and be aware of slippery roads.

We ended up hiking about 8 km, with lots of steep hills to cover. Lotte and I didn’t really have a plan for our hike, but once we did learn that the blue-wavy signs direct you to Rocher du Hérou. 

The area is known for its nature and the challenges that it brings along. But also, of course, for the beautiful views. Be aware that this hike might be challenging so take it slow and be careful. Hiking is not racing, of course. Also, make sure to bring enough refreshments. Further… just enjoy nature and take it all in!

It’s not only the Rocher du Hérou that makes the hike a must-do, but it’s also the other viewpoints and beautiful sites.

There you go, some inspiration for your next trip to Belgium! Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t litter, and stay on the path.  Cheers.

More trips in the South of Belgium here.

The post Rocher du Hérou – Natural park of the two Ourthes appeared first on Simply By Joy.

What to expect & what not to expect

Stairs, stairs, and stairs. No, the steps aren’t like the stairs at your home…  Some steps are narrow, some are steep. I do not recommend this hike for people who aren’t feeling fit. During the hike, you get to points where you can choose for more challenging routes. When you consider taking these paths, think of the route you’d still have to walk. Even though the route is tough I still recommend you take it. It is challenging but rewarding! Rumors go that Hua Mountain is the most dangerous hike in the world. Well… Please, do not believe this! Even Chinese children and the elderly hike it.  It might have been like that in the past, but nowadays the stairs are fenced off.

The peaks

Plank trail

Must do! A plank road in the sky?! You can find the plank road on the South East of the Mountain. Be prepared for a very long waiting line! Take 35 Yuan in your pocket as rent for the gear!

Useful information

The best time to visit the mountain is from March to November (especially September). It can be very hot during that time, make sure to bring enough water. I advise you not to go on the weekend or during a Chinese national holiday. It’ll be packed! When you get there, you’ll have to buy an entry ticket. Prices vary from season to season.

Transportation Xi’an – Hua Mountain

There are two options when you’re coming from Xi’an. It might be convenient to have a translation of these words, it could make your journey a bit easier:

• One-Way Ticket: Dānchéng piào, 单程票  
• Round-Trip Ticket: Wǎngfǎn piào, 往返票
• Hua Shan Station: Huàshān huoche zhan, 华山火车 站  
• Xian North Station: Xī’ān běi, 西安北

The high-speed train from Xi’an North Railway to Huashan North takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The North Railway station in Xi’an is very convenient to reach. There are free busses at the back of the Hua Shan station that will bring you to the entrance of the mountain. Be careful with unofficial cabs and never buy tickets of a not-ticket office!

The normal train from Xi’an Railway station. Make sure you go to the Xi’an Railway station, not Xi’an North Railway station! This train ride will take you about 1,5 – 2 hours.

Buses are available from the east side of Xi’an Railway station to the entrance of the mountain. The indication of the buses should be convenient because other buses to Terra Cotta Warriors leave from the same location. Make sure you get on the right bus!

Some more advice

• The biggest tips I have for you: be aware of scams! Only buy tickets at a ticket office, never drive unofficial taxis, … An official taxi will also raise his price, especially if you are not Chinese. Go as low as you can and accept the fact that you’re being ripped off.
• Bring enough water with you. There are little shops on the mountain but as you might already imagine, they’re expensive as hell!
• Start slow. If you’re wanting to hike the whole mountain you should start slow. I took a cable car to one of the peaks and started my hike from there (which was still very challenging).

Cheers! Safe travels!

The post Hiking up Hua Mountain, Xi’an appeared first on Simply By Joy.