Malmedy, Belgium Travel Guide

Discover Malmedy, a charming Belgian town in the Ardennes, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and lively festivals.

Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, Malmedy is a picturesque town in Belgium known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This charming destination offers an array of attractions that cater to a variety of interests, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. Malmedy boasts a fascinating history, with landmarks such as the Malmundarium, a former monastery that now serves as a cultural and historical center. Here, visitors can explore exhibits on local traditions, crafts, and the town's storied past. The town is also home to the beautiful Saint Pierre Cathedral, a testament to its architectural heritage. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Malmedy, with its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic trails. The nearby High Fens-Eifel Nature Park offers a haven for hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. Malmedy is also renowned for its lively festivals and events. The Cwarmê Carnival, held annually, is one of the most famous in Belgium, drawing visitors from all over to enjoy the colorful parades, music, and traditional costumes. Food lovers will delight in the local cuisine, which features hearty dishes and regional specialties like the famous Malmedy tart. Whether you're exploring its historical sites, enjoying the natural beauty, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Malmedy offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Malmedy.

Visit the Malmundarium to learn about Malmedy's history and traditions.
Explore the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Plan your visit during the Cwarmê Carnival for a vibrant and festive experience.
Try local specialties like the Malmedy tart at one of the town's charming eateries.
In winter, enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby snowy landscapes.

Explore Malmedy: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Malmedy

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Nationalpark Eifel

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Nationalpark Eifel, a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts in Germany.

4.7

Fort Eben-Emael

Discover Fort Eben-Emael, a historic military fortress near Liège, Belgium, rich in World War II history and stunning architectural marvels.

4.6

Abbey of Stavelot

Explore the Abbey of Stavelot, a captivating blend of history, culture, and serene beauty nestled in the heart of Belgium's enchanting Stavelot.

4.2

Wilder Kermeter natural adventure park

Discover the breathtaking beauty and thrilling adventures at Wilder Kermeter Natural Adventure Park in the heart of the Eifel region.

4.8

Best landmarks in Malmedy

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Cascade du Bayehon

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascade du Bayehon, a stunning waterfall nestled in the verdant landscapes of Malmedy, Belgium.

4.4

Abbey

Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of Malmedy Abbey, a peaceful retreat in the heart of Belgium's Ardennes region.

4.4

Malmundarium

Explore the cultural heritage of Malmedy at Malmundarium, a captivating local history museum showcasing the region's rich history.

4.3

Rocher De Falize

Explore the stunning panoramic views of Rocher De Falize, a scenic spot in Belgium, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

4.5

Best restaurants in Malmedy

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Le Sparta

Discover the taste of Greece in Malmedy at Le Sparta - where authentic flavors meet warm hospitality.

4.5

Arimont Valley Hotel

Experience tranquility and luxury at Arimont Valley Hotel in Malmedy - your gateway to nature's wonders in Belgium.

4.3

L'Endroit

Experience authentic Belgian cuisine at L'Endroit in Malmedy - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

4.4

Au Petit Chef

Experience authentic Belgian cuisine at Au Petit Chef in Malmedy – where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.

4.3

Best bars in Malmedy

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Belgium Peak Beer

Discover the essence of Belgian brewing at Belgium Peak Beer, where local flavors and craftsmanship come together in a picturesque setting.

4.5

Brasserie de Bellevaux

Discover the flavors of Belgium at Brasserie de Bellevaux, a charming brewpub in Malmedy offering local beers and delicious cuisine.

4.5

L'Endroit

Discover the authentic flavors of Belgium at L'Endroit in Malmedy, where local ingredients meet culinary tradition in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Au Péché Mignon

Explore the charming Au Péché Mignon for a delightful breakfast experience in the heart of Malmedy, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Malmedy

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Bowling 362

Experience fun and excitement at Bowling 362, Malmedy’s premier bowling alley with diverse entertainment options for all ages.

4.0

Scotch Inn

Scotch Inn in Malmedy: A cozy bar and pub offering local drinks, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.2

L'AdamRé

Experience the vibrant flavors of Malmedy at L'AdamRé, a prime destination for culinary enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

4.0

Taverne de Rome

Discover the charm of Taverne de Rome in Malmedy, where delicious Belgian cuisine meets a warm pub atmosphere.

4.5

Best shops in Malmedy

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Action

Explore Action in Malmedy for unique gifts, home goods, DIY supplies, and more in a friendly shopping environment.

4.2

Espace Mode Malmedy

Discover the latest fashion trends for all ages at Espace Mode Malmedy, a premier clothing store offering stylish selections for every occasion.

4.3

Extra Shop Malmedy

Discover unique home goods and local charm at Extra Shop Malmedy, the perfect stop for souvenirs and everyday essentials in the heart of Belgium.

4.2

Rond Point

Explore the best of Malmedy at Rond Point, where local beers, fine cigars, and gourmet treats await every traveler.

4.8

Explore Malmedy on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Malmedy, mapped for you.

Malmedy Essentials

Malmedy is located in the Walloon region of Belgium, in the province of Liège. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 140 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a train to Verviers, which is about a 30-minute drive from Malmedy. From Verviers, you can take a local bus or taxi to Malmedy. Alternatively, renting a car from Brussels or Liège can provide more flexibility for exploring the region.
Malmedy is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local buses operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Renting a bicycle is a popular option for exploring the scenic routes around Malmedy. If you plan to explore the broader region, renting a car is advisable.
The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Malmedy. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the town center for cash withdrawals.
Malmedy is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Malmedy, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Belgium. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Malmedy. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but neatly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be quiet and respectful when entering churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening). A handshake is a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t leave a large tip in restaurants; service charge is usually included.
To experience Malmedy like a local, visit the local markets and participate in community events. The Cwarmê, Malmedy's famous carnival, is a must-see if you're visiting in February. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Try local dishes like 'Boudin Blanc' and 'Tarte au Riz'. For a unique experience, explore the Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve, which offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

When is the best time to visit Malmedy?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Malmedy

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Malmedy. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
- GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNein
  [nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
- Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
- How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh het-eh gern-eh dee spay-zeh-kart-eh, bit-teh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-eh kine fly-sh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merkht-eh bit-teh tsah-len]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vekh]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ar-tst]
- I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [ikh been fer-loh-ren]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkht-eh kow-fen]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shaw-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kaw-stet es]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [ker-nen zee den price zen-ken]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpayt ist es]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oohr]
- Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
- MorningMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
- EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
- TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
- 1Eins
  [ayns]
- 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
- 3Drei
  [dry]
- 4Vier
  [feer]
- 5Fünf
  [foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [zeks]
- 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [ahkt]
- 9Neun
  [noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [tsayn]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
- What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [ker-nen zee meer tsie-gen (owf dehr kahr-teh)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr naykhs-teh (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

History of Malmedy

Malmedy was founded around 648 AD by Saint Remacle, who established a Benedictine monastery in the region. The monastery became a focal point for religious and cultural life, influencing the development and growth of the town over the centuries.
In the early Middle Ages, the Abbey of Stavelot-Malmedy wielded significant power and influence. Founded by Saint Remacle, the abbey was a center of religious, cultural, and economic life. The abbey's lands and wealth contributed to the prosperity of Malmedy.
During World War II, Malmedy was the site of a tragic event known as the Malmedy Massacre. On December 17, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, American prisoners of war were executed by German SS troops. This atrocity remains a somber chapter in the town's history, commemorated by a memorial at the site.
After the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 redrew the map of Europe. As a result, Malmedy was annexed by Prussia. The town remained under German control until the end of World War I, when it was transferred to Belgium under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
One of the most vibrant cultural traditions in Malmedy is its annual carnival, known locally as 'Cwarmê.' This event, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, features elaborate costumes, traditional music, and lively parades. The four-day celebration is a highlight of the town's cultural calendar and attracts visitors from all over.
Malmedy is situated near the linguistic border between the French-speaking Wallonia region and the German-speaking community of Belgium. This unique position has given Malmedy a rich cultural tapestry, with influences from both French and German traditions evident in its architecture, cuisine, and local customs.
The Malmundarium is a historical and cultural center located in the heart of Malmedy. Housed in the former Benedictine monastery, the center includes museums and exhibitions dedicated to the town's history, religious heritage, and traditional crafts such as leatherwork and paper-making. It serves as a key destination for understanding the local culture and history.