Waterloo
The site of the famous 1815 battle that ended Napoleon's rule, featuring the iconic Lion's Mound memorial, battlefield museums, and historic visitor centre. The rolling fields where 200,000 soldiers clashed remain remarkably evocative and educational.
Things to do
- Lion's Mound — Climb the 226 steps to the top of this iconic artificial hill crowned with a cast-iron lion, offering panoramic views across the 1815 battlefield.
- Waterloo Battlefield Museum — Explore comprehensive exhibits detailing the battle's strategy, weapons, and personal accounts of soldiers from both sides through interactive displays.
- Last Headquarters of Napoleon — Visit the modest farmhouse where Napoleon stayed before the battle, now a museum containing his personal effects and war maps.
- Wellington Museum — Discover the Duke of Wellington's perspective on the battle through artifacts, correspondence, and period furnishings in his former quarters.
- Panorama Museum — View a 110-meter circular painting depicting the climactic moments of the battle, immersing visitors in the scale and intensity of combat.
- Walking the Battlefield Routes — Follow marked trails across the actual fields where regiments fought, with numbered information points explaining troop movements and key moments.
Food to try
- Belgian Waterloo Beer — Sample locally-brewed craft beers with names referencing the battle, offering hoppy and traditional Belgian ale styles enjoyed in village cafés.
- Walloon Vegetable Soup (Soupe de Légumes) — Taste this hearty regional soup featuring seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and locally-sourced ingredients served warm in village restaurants.
- Liège Waffles (Gaufres de Liège) — Enjoy caramelized waffles topped with pearl sugar and chocolate, a beloved Walloon sweet treat found at market stalls and cafés throughout Waterloo.
- Ardennes Ham — Sample this smoked and cured ham from the nearby Ardennes region, traditionally served sliced as a charcuterie item or in local sandwiches.
- Walloon Cheese Tasting — Try regional varieties like Remoudou and Herve cheeses at local fromageries, often paired with crusty bread and local honey.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Battle Solemnity — While the battle is a tourist attraction, locals regard it with historical reverence; speak respectfully on the grounds and avoid loud behavior near memorials.
- Visit in June for Reenactments — If possible, time your visit for June when the battlefield hosts the annual Waterloo reenactment with hundreds of costumed participants recreating the battle.
- Learn French Place Names — The region uses French names for villages and sites (Walloon tradition); familiarize yourself with key names like Mont-Saint-Jean and La Haye-Sainte for better navigation.