The nature Park of the Two Ourthes is part of the schistose massif of the Rhine basin and rests on some of the oldest rocks of Belgium. It is situated in the northeast of the province of Luxembourg along the border with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its area of 76,000 hectares covers the steep slopes of the Ourthe valley.
The source of the Eastern Ourthe is situated in the village of the same name near the municipality of Gouvy. The river then winds its way through the countryside to the small town of Houffalize. The Western Ourthe rapidly flows through Sainte-Ode and between Tenneville and Bertogne to finally unite with the other branch of the river near Le Hérou.
After having merged to form the Ourthe, the two rivers flow towards the beautiful town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, meandering through a landscape characterised by wooded slopes and dominated by impressive rock formations.
In the north and the west, at an altitude of about 600 metres, the high plateaus covered with heath and moorland are living relics of the last ice ages. They give the landscape a Nordic character: a cold climate, peat bogs, acid streams, very wet and biologically valuable natural environments.
Vast grassy plateaus and dense deciduous or coniferous woods overlook the municipalities of Tenneville and Gouvy. Numerous villages are nestled on the edge of the ridges or in the deep valleys and harbour a beautiful architectural heritage. As a result of the valorisation of this superb region, visitors of all kinds are able to enjoy its unique nature and valuable heritage… You will find peace and quiet there, a warm and sincere welcome, the pleasure of savouring local products and the opportunity to go for a walk on woody trails, along watercourses or in the hills, where vast landscapes unfold before your eyes.
A hazy spring mist, a beautiful sunset, clear skies on a windy day… whatever the season, a different landscape unfolds at every turn of the road !
The Nature Park of the Two Ourthes comprises 6 municipalities (Bertogne, Gouvy, Houffalize, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Sainte-Ode and Tenneville) and has a population of approximately 22,000. It was created by decision of the Walloon government on 12 July 2001.
Parc Naturel des Deux Ourthes
Rue de La Roche, 8
6660 - Houffalize
Tél. +32(0)61/21.04.00
info@pndo.be
www.pndo.be