Glamping in Belgium: the Most Beautiful Spots

What exactly is glamping?

Glamping, a portmanteau of 'glamorous' and 'camping', means camping with all the comforts. You sleep outdoors in nature, but in a well-equipped accommodation. Think of a spacious safari tent with a real bed, linen sheets and decorative lighting. Or a treehouse at five metres height with a panoramic window overlooking the forest. Or a Mongolian yurt with an authentic interior and a wood stove.

The big difference from traditional camping lies in the facilities. With glamping you do not need to put anything up or carry things around. Everything is ready. A good glamping site has sanitary facilities on site, an equipped kitchen or cooking area and sometimes even a jacuzzi or hot tub. It is the perfect choice for people who love nature but do not want to give up the comfort of a holiday home.

Glamping in the Ardennes

The Ardennes The Ardennes are the glamping destination in Belgium. The dense forests, winding rivers and rolling hills form the perfect backdrop for a special stay in nature. Safari tents overlooking the Ourthe valley, treehouses hidden among the oaks and yurts at the edge of a meadow, you find it all here.

Many glamping operators in the Ardennes combine their accommodation with activities. Kayaking on the Lesse, mountain biking through the forest or a guided walk with a local guide are part of the package. After an active day you return to your tent or treehouse and enjoy a meal by the campfire. That is the Ardennes glamping formula at its best.

Glamping in the Kempen

The Kempen The Kempen has a very different character from the Ardennes, but glamping is booming here too. The flat landscape with heathland, pine forests and small lakes lends itself well to glamping on a more intimate scale. Tiny houses hidden in a pine forest, canvas tents at the edge of a small pool or bubble tents with a transparent roof so you can watch the stars at night.

The Kempen is also ideal for those who travel by bike. Many glamping locations are situated along long-distance cycling routes. You cycle through the landscape all day and in the evening a cosy glamping stay awaits. Pets welcome is also a selling point at many Kempen glamping operators.

The most popular types of glamping accommodation

Belgium offers a wide variety of glamping types. These are the most popular:

• Safari tent: spacious canvas tent with real bed, curtains, lighting and sometimes a private terrace with a view. Suitable for couples and families.
• Treehouse: unique overnight stay in the treetops. From simple to luxury with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Romantic and unforgettable.
• Yurt: round Mongolian tent with wood stove and authentic interior. Warm in winter, cool in summer.
• Tiny house: compact but fully equipped little house, often in a beautiful natural setting. Great for two people.
• Bubble tent: transparent tent so you can look at nature and the starry sky from your bed.

Tips for booking glamping in Belgium

• Book early: the best glamping spots in Belgium are fully booked months in advance, especially in summer. Plan ahead.
• Ask about sanitary facilities: check whether the facilities are private or shared. For a luxury experience a private bathroom is a must.
• Watch the minimum stay: many glamping locations have a minimum of two nights, some even three.
• Check the bad weather policy: glamping is heavily dependent on the weather. Ask about cancellation conditions in case of bad weather.
• Pack warm clothes: even in summer, nights in the Ardennes can be cool.

Glamping vs. luxury holiday home: which do you choose?

luxury holiday home Glamping is a special experience, but it has its limits too. It suits less those who travel with a lot of luggage, are a large group or expect rain. A luxury holiday home offers more space, a fully equipped kitchen and more comfort for longer stays. For a long weekend glamping is wonderful. For a week with the family you might be better off choosing a spacious holiday home in nature.