W8kmTunnelTheBernistap

Wonderfully beautiful walk along the Tunnel of Bernistap

Let yourself be swept away by the overwhelming beauty of the Ardennes with this dynamically walking route around the legendary Tunnel of Bernistap!

This journey is more than just walking; it is a journey of discovery full of breathtaking views and historical intrigue. Dive into pure, unspoiled nature while admiring the fascinating waterworks up close.

The Canal of Bernistap: The Canal of Bernistap is a part of the Ourthekanaal, an unfinished piece in the territory of the municipality Houffalize in the province of Luxembourg

The government of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands began construction of a Meuse-Moselle canal in January 1829, through the Ardennes. It was to be a narrow and shallow canal for flat-bottomed barges. The canal was meant to cross the watershed between the Eastern Ourthe and the Sûre. East of the village of Bernistap, this watershed was formed by a 490-meter high slate hill, now on the border between Belgian Luxembourg and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A deep artificial valley was dug into this hill, but the highest part would be overcome with a canal tunnel measuring 2528 meters in length. The Belgian Revolution of 1830 put an end to the tunnel works when they had reached 1130 meters.

The ruin of the canal and the tunnel can be accessed from the village of Buret near Tavigny. Access to the tunnel entrance and certainly inside the tunnel is prohibited.

Follow the traces of this forgotten heritage and be surprised by the unique combination of human history and wild nature.

11 km version: W11kmTunnelDeBernistap (= https://www.routeyou.com/nl-be/route/view/18040740?c=4c43409de1dc4516)

Link for FREE GPX download: https://www.routeyou.com/nl/route/view/18056702?c=4c4b5f3e65864cac

Parking by car is easy at the church of Buret (Église Saint-Hubert).