The Two Ourthes Nature Park (PNDO – Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes)
The Two Ourthes Nature Park is an integral part of the Rhenish schist massif and lies on the oldest rocks in Belgium. It is located in the north-eastern part of the province of Luxembourg and runs along the border with the Grand Duchy, covering 76,000 hectares of craggy reliefs in the Ourthe valleys.
The eastern Ourthe has its source on the edge of the village of the same name, in the commune of Gouvy. It wanders through the countryside, making its way towards the small town of Houffalize. The western Ourthe, meanwhile, rushes through the commune of Sainte-Ode and flows between Tenneville and Bertogne to join its sister at the confluence near the Hérou rock.
The two rivers unite to form the Ourthe and continue towards the pretty town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, winding along a course edged with precipitous forests which open up to reveal superb rocky sites.
To the North and the West, at a height of around 600 metres, high plateaux covered with heaths and peatlands, the living relics of the last ice ages, lend the landscapes a Nordic touch: cold climate, peatlands, acidic streams and very humid natural environments of great biological interest.
Wide grassy plateaux and deep hardwood or softwood forests overlook the communes of Tenneville and Gouvy. Many villages standing on the edge of ridges and in the hollow of valleys still harbour lovely architectural heritage. This magnificent region has been enhanced to allow visitors of all kinds to enjoy nature and heritage that we are delighted to showcase. Here you will find peace and quiet, a warm, authentic welcome, delicious local products and the opportunity to hike along natural forest trails, by the water’s edge or up hillsides that reveal vast landscapes.
Spring mist, the light of the setting sun, the clarity of a windy day… whatever the season, superb views appear at every bend in the path!
The Two Ourthes Nature Park encompasses the six communes of Bertogne, Gouvy, Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Sainte-Ode and Tenneville, with a total population of around 22,000 people. It was created by the Walloon Government decree of 12 July 2001.
The Two Ourthes Nature Park (PNDO - Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes)
Rue de La Roche, 8
6660 – Houffalize
