W7kmTunnelTheBernistap

Wonderfully beautiful hike along the Tunnel of Bernistap

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

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

The Channel of Bernistap: The Channel of Bernistap is part of the Ourthe Canal, an unfinished piece on the territory of the municipality of 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, cutting through the Ardennes. It was to be a narrow and shallow canal for flat-bottomed boats. The canal was supposed to cross the watershed between the Eastern Ourthe and the Sûre. To the 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 1130 meters had been completed.

The ruins of the canal and the tunnel can be reached from the village of Buret near Tavigny. Access to the tunnel mouth and definitely in the tunnel is prohibited.

Follow the tracks 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)

8 km version: W8kmTunnelDeBernistap (= https://www.routeyou.com/nl-be/route/view/18056702?c=4c4b5f3e65864cac)

Link for FREE GPX download: https://www.routeyou.com/nl-be/route/view/18082450?c=36ac8cecb1b34eb4

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