Discover Pepinster: Soiron, Culture and Hiking Experiences

Pepinster between landscapes, history and special discoveries

Pepinster combines impressive cultural experiences with a landscape that is particularly evident around the incorporated village of Soiron. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Pepinster can shape their stay according to different interests: on the one hand, there are historical landmarks and sacred art; on the other, a green setting and an annual hike. This creates a destination that offers not only individual sights, but also different ways of exploring.

Soiron: a green valley and remarkable buildings

Soiron lies in a green valley with woodland, orchards and pastureland. The clear waters of the Bola flow through this landscape. Travellers who value nature observation and walks when planning their trip will find a different experience here from a purely cultural and historical stay. The landscape can be planned as a focus in its own right, without requiring a specific circular route or walking time.

The history of the village also goes back a long way. There was already a chapel in Soiron in 1086. The Saint-Roch church is a listed building dating from the early 18th century. Inside, there is a large high altar in the Louis XIV style, which comes from the Cistercian abbey of Boneffe sur Mehaigne. Visitors interested in church art and regional history will therefore find several specific points of interest.

The cultural profile also includes the figure of Christ known as the Vieux Bon Dieu. It is the oldest surviving polychrome wooden Christ figure in Belgium. The sanctuary of the Vieux Bon Dieu also contains a cross dating from the 9th or 10th century, probably originating from Theux. The two works of art represent different historical periods and make the visit interesting even for travellers who want to discover sacred art not only through buildings, but also through individual surviving objects. Soiron is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia” and is incorporated into the municipality of Pepinster.

Hiking and planning your visit

The annual Hoëgne et Vesdre hike offers a special opportunity to experience Pepinster actively. It takes place in Pepinster on the fifth weekend of the year. Those wishing to include this date in their travel plans should take the season and the specific event weekend into account. For other stays, the landscape around Soiron remains an independent reason to combine nature and culture.

Fort de Tancrémont is open every first Sunday from April to October. This fixed arrangement can make planning an excursion easier, provided your stay falls within this period. Another visible but inaccessible feature is Textile de Pepinster: the structure can be seen from the banks of the Vesdre along the N61, but cannot be entered. It is therefore more one of the impressions you take in while travelling than a regular sightseeing attraction.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Pepinster, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip in advance. If your time is primarily to be devoted to the landscape of Soiron, nature and the village scenery take centre stage. A holiday apartment suits a travel plan in which you want to arrange each day yourself between culture, landscape and events.

For further guidance, you can also visit the pages for Beaufays, Esneux, Anthisnes, Thimister-Clermont, Soumagne, Chaudfontaine, Hamoir and Herstal.

For the higher-level travel overview: Liège.