Semois Valley National Park

Semois Valley National Park is a protected area in Wallonia, in southern Belgium, stretching across the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg. Established in 2022, it is one of only two national parks in the whole of Wallonia, a status that already marks it out as an exceptional site on the region's conservation map.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park lies in the vicinity of Auby-sur-Semois, at coordinates close to 49.79°N, 5.23°E. It sits on the border between two Walloon provinces, Namur and Luxembourg, following the course of the river Semois, whose valley gives the park its name.

How large is Semois Valley National Park?

The park covers a total area of 28,903 hectares. That is a substantial territory spanning parts of two provinces, making Semois Valley National Park one of the larger protected areas in Belgium and underlining its importance for nature conservation beyond a purely local scale.

What was the park created for?

The national park was established with a dual purpose. The first is protecting nature within its boundaries, preserving the valuable ecosystems of the Semois valley in as undisturbed a state as possible. The second, equally important, is developing sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to experience the region's natural qualities without harming the environment that makes them worth visiting. This twin mission, conservation paired with tourism carried out in harmony with nature, has been the foundation of the park since it was founded.

Why is this park significant for Wallonia?

Being one of just two national parks in all of Wallonia gives Semois Valley National Park a distinctive standing. Designating an area as a national park requires meeting strict criteria on ecological value and the scale of protection involved, which explains why so few such areas exist in the region. Founded in 2022, the park is also one of the most recent examples of Belgium's nature conservation policy in action.

Frequently asked questions

When was Semois Valley National Park established? The park was established in 2022.

Which provinces does the park span? It extends across the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg, in Wallonia.

How big is the park? The park covers an area of 28,903 hectares.

How many national parks does Wallonia have? Wallonia has two national parks, and Semois Valley National Park is one of them.

What is the purpose of the park? Its dual purpose is to protect nature within its territory and to develop sustainable tourism in the surrounding region.