Three streams to Castle Reinharstein

The trail visits some of the prime hiking areas in Eastern Belgium. Unless you enjoy the crowds, try not to go on a weekend in summer. Having said this, we were entirely alone on the first (along the Ghaster stream) and the last (from Reinhardstein to Ovivat on forest trails) part of the hike.

Ovivat is a small village, with ample parking along the roadside, near the church. Ovivat people seem to enjoy partying, as almost every time we passed they were either setting up or breaking down some shelter for village festivities near the church - or were busy celebrating.

The trail leaves the center of the village in northern direction, past new constructions or renovations, showcasing some of the fine modern East-Belgium architecture. Once you leave the village, an exercise parcour invites you to some gymnastics.

Once you reach the Ghaster, follow it downstream. This part of the trail is wild and little used. Later, you join the main trail along the Bayehon river. Most visitors follow it upstream to see the Bayehon falls, though we continue downstream. Shortly after is the Moulin du Bayehon, offering refreshments, including Belgian Beer.

At reaching the Warche, we turn right, extending our trip to reach Reinhardstein via the crest on the opposite side of the Warche stream. Untill here, the southernmost point of the hike, it was all downhill; now the strenuous part begins.

You get your first glimpse of Reinhardstein from the top of the crest. Before you reach Reinhardstein, you still have to cross the Warche again.

The castle Reinhardstein is privately owned, but offers guided tours on weekends and some holidays. The castle (a ruin until recently) has been beautifully restored. There is a little beergarden on the grounds. The shortest way back to the car wold be had by following the road. Our trail, however, follows little used forest trails, and avoids much of the traffic.