Relive the Battle of Waterloo as if you were there thanks to the Van der Valk Waterloo Hotel

On June 18, 1815, the plains of Waterloo became the scene of a decisive confrontation for Belgium and Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte, having returned to power a few months earlier, tried to regain the upper hand against the allied armies led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher. In one day, the fate of Europe changed dramatically.

Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo marked the end of his reign and closed a major chapter of French imperial history. Today, this name still resonates far beyond our borders. Waterloo evokes military strategy, the courage of soldiers, grand political ambitions, and the profound consequences of a battle that shaped modern Europe.

Visiting Waterloo is therefore much more than just a cultural outing. It's walking in the footsteps of an event that changed the course of History.

During the reenactment weekend, the site comes alive again. Hundreds of reenactors in uniform replay battle scenes, present the lives of soldiers, and recreate the military atmosphere of the time. Visitors can discover different bivouacs, observe the daily gestures of the troops, attend demonstrations, and immerse themselves in the universe of 1815.

The Hougoumont Farm, a strategic location of the battle, occupies a central place in the experience. It's here that visitors can discover an allied camp, animations, period trades, and demonstrations that help to better understand the reality of the terrain. Napoleon's Last Headquarters in Vieux-Genappe completes this immersion by offering a more intimate look at the last hours of the Emperor before the battle.

Throughout the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2026, families, history enthusiasts, and the curious can enjoy a lively and accessible experience. Children discover History differently, enthusiasts appreciate the attention to detail, and everyone leaves with the feeling of having come close to a founding moment of European history.

It's impossible to talk about Waterloo without mentioning the famous Lion's Mound. Visible from afar, this impressive monument dominates the battlefield and offers an exceptional view of the places where the battles took place. Climbing the steps of the Lion's Mound is to gain a perspective on History, both literally and figuratively.

From the top, the landscape allows for a better imagination of the battlefield's scale, the positions of the armies, and the intensity of the clashes. Nearby, the 1815 Memorial, the Panorama, and the various historical sites complete the visit. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach, both educational, immersive, and emotional.

For a successful historical weekend, the ideal is to take your time. Arrive the day before, enjoy the spectacle, visit the bivouacs, discover the Lion, then extend the experience with a good meal: that's a beautiful way to experience Waterloo without rushing.

Located in Waterloo, the Van der Valk Waterloo Hotel is particularly suited to enjoy the event in the best conditions. After a day full of discoveries, walking, and emotions, you will find comfort in a welcoming, modern, and warm hotel.

The establishment offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a friendly bar, and spaces designed for relaxation. Its restaurant, set in an elegant atmosphere with an industrial and warm style, features generous cuisine, prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal products. It is the perfect address to start the day with a complete breakfast, take a gourmet break at noon, or end the evening with a pleasant dinner.

The Club Bar also allows extending the day in a relaxed atmosphere, over a drink or a convivial moment. In summer, the outdoor terrace adds a particularly pleasant touch to the stay, especially after a day spent exploring the historical sites of the region.

The hotel also has free parking and charging stations for electric vehicles, a real plus for visitors coming by car to discover Waterloo and its surroundings.

To experience the reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo, two Van der Valk addresses can meet the visitors' desires. The Van der Valk Waterloo Hotel will appeal to those who wish to stay closest to the historical ambiance, in the very city of Waterloo, with convenient access to essential sites.

The Van der Valk Nivelles-Sud Hotel, on the other hand, offers another interesting option for visitors wishing to combine the event with a wider getaway in Walloon Brabant. With its large parking, brasserie, wellness area, and easy access from several major cities, it offers a comfortable alternative for a family, couple, or friends' stay.

But for this article, the choice is clear: if you want to relive the Battle of Waterloo as if you were there, the Van der Valk Waterloo Hotel puts you at the heart of the experience.

Between the Lion of Waterloo, the Hougoumont Farm, Napoleon’s Last Headquarters, and the unique atmosphere of the reenactment, everything invites you to slow down, observe, and be carried away by the story of the place.

To fully experience this historical weekend, book your stay at the Van der Valk Waterloo Hotel and enjoy an escape where History, comfort, and gastronomy elegantly meet.