Guide · Ardennes · Autumn
When the mist hangs between the spruces, a deep, raw roar echoes through the forests of the Ardennes. The Belgian Ardennes are one of the finest places in Western Europe to experience the red deer rut: large, quiet forests and stags that you hear more often than you see. This guide tells you when to go, where, and how to do it without disturbing the animals.
When is the rut in the Ardennes?
The rut of the red deer runs from about mid-September to mid-October, peaking in late September. In the Ardennes the forest is already turning colour by then, which makes it extra atmospheric.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mid-September | The first stags start roaring |
| Late September | Peak: lots of roaring, even during the day on cool, grey days |
| Early to mid-October | The rut fades; the roaring decreases |
Where can you experience the rut?
The largest numbers of red deer live in the forests of the provinces of Luxembourg and Liège. Good areas and options include:
- The forests around Saint-Hubert: one of the largest continuous forest areas in Belgium, with a rich deer tradition.
- The Forest of Anlier (Forêt d’Anlier): an extensive, quiet forest in the south of the province of Luxembourg.
- The Baraque de Fraiture and the Plateau des Tailles: open raised bog and forest on the highest part of the Ardennes, with wide views.
- The Domain of the Caves of Han: during the rut the domain organises visits at sunrise and dusk in its wildlife park. An easy way to hear deer up close.
- Guided rut walks: tourist offices, nature organisations and local guides offer evening and morning walks every year, for example around Houyet, Saint-Hubert and Anlier. A guide knows where the deer are, which greatly improves your chances.
Watch out for closed forests. In autumn some forests in Wallonia are temporarily closed to visitors on certain days. This is shown by red-and-yellow signs at the entrance to the forest. Don’t enter on those days, and check with the tourist office or on the Walloon government website before you set off to see which forests are closed. This is another reason why a guided walk is the safest and easiest choice.
Tips for your visit
| Best time | At sunrise, and from the hour before sunset into the evening |
| Weather | Cool and still is ideal; sound then carries far |
| Bring | Binoculars, warm clothes in dark colours and a raincoat |
| Behaviour | Be quiet, don’t use a torch or flash, don’t wear perfume and keep your distance |
| Dog | Best left at home, or at least on a short lead |
Deer have an excellent sense of smell. So stand with the wind in your face and wait quietly: you often hear the stags long before you see one. Let your eyes get used to the dark instead of switching on a light.
Make it a weekend in the Ardennes
The rut coincides with the start of the mushroom season and the autumn colours. During the day, with some luck, you will also see wild boar or a roe deer at the forest edge. If you want to see the raised bog too, read our guide Wildlife watching in the High Fens.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the rut in the Ardennes
When is the rut in the Ardennes?
From about mid-September to mid-October, peaking in late September.
Where can you hear stags roar in Belgium?
Mainly in the forests of the provinces of Luxembourg and Liège, such as around Saint-Hubert, in the Forest of Anlier and around the Baraque de Fraiture. The Domain of the Caves of Han organises guided visits during the rut.
Can you go on your own or do you need a guide?
You can go on your own, on the regular walking paths. A guided walk greatly improves your chances, and you can be sure you won’t end up in a closed forest.
Why are some forests closed in autumn?
In Wallonia, forests can be temporarily closed to visitors on certain days in autumn. Look out for the red-and-yellow signs at the entrance and check in advance which forests are closed.
Habitat · Belgium
