Discover Malmedy: Culture, Nature and Local Traditions

Malmedy combines a vibrant urban history with experiences in the surrounding landscape and its own culinary tradition. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Malmedy can therefore plan their stay in many different ways: with culture in town, a hike along the Warche, excursions into nature or discoveries relating to local customs.

Culture and history in Malmedy

A special starting point for exploring the city’s cultural history is the Malmundarium. It is housed in a former Benedictine abbey that has become a cultural and tourist attraction. A visit therefore combines historic architecture with a place where Malmedy presents its history and cultural identity.

The Cwarmê Carnival is also part of the city’s long history. It is documented in an archival record dated 25 June 1459. Those interested in long-established celebrations and regional traditions will find a tangible link to Malmedy’s past here.

The Malmedy Battle Tour is a walking route through the town centre featuring 22 photo panels. It focuses on the city’s tragic history in the winter of 1944/45. The memorial route commemorates the civilian and military victims of the fighting and bombardments in December 1944. For your trip planning, this tour is particularly interesting if you would like to learn about the city’s history not only in a building but also through stops throughout the town centre.

Nature between the High Fens and the Warche

The Hautes Fagnes nature park begins north of the municipality of Malmedy. Covering 4,500 ha, it is Belgium’s largest nature reserve. The landscape thus offers a second side to the destination: the city’s cultural impressions can be followed by a stay in an extensive protected natural area.

For a river-focused hike, the GR 56 Malmedy / Robertville stage via the Warche variant is a good option. From Malmedy, the well-maintained trail continuously follows the river upstream. This description can help you choose the right day’s itinerary: you can plan a route whose character comes from following the Warche, without limiting your stay in the town to cultural attractions.

Carillon and regional cuisine

Malmedy’s carillon has shaped life in the town since 1786. It consists of 35 bells cast by Malmedy’s Martin Legros. This detail allows the city’s history to be experienced acoustically as well as through its craftsmanship.

“Cûh’née” is also part of the local tradition. The dish consists of baked potatoes with butter, pickled herrings and onions. The tradition is very old; an article from 1890 mentions it as a rural custom. Those who would also like to discover regional dishes when planning their trip will find a specific speciality that is closely connected with the history of the place.

Which accommodation suits your trip plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide which priorities should shape your stay. For travellers interested in culture, Malmundarium, the carillon and the Malmedy Battle Tour take centre stage. Those who would like to focus more on landscapes and outdoor activities can consider the Hautes Fagnes nature park and the Warche section of the GR 56. Cûh’née adds a culinary tradition to this selection. For further orientation, Longfaye, Bevercé, Xhoffraix, Pont, Bellevaux-Ligneuville and Chodes are also among the options for further destinations in the surrounding area.

This allows you to discover Malmedy according to your preferred travel rhythm: as a cultural destination with historical depth, as a starting point for a hike along the Warche or as a place where nature, the carillon and regional cuisine come together.

For the broader travel overview: Liège.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Kelmis, Verviers.