Activity Snapshot
Watervallen van Coo
Grand Coo, 4970 Stavelot
My review 4 out of 5 stars
Price / tickets
Accessibility
Activity type
Best for
Parking
Watervallen van Coo is one of the most well known natural landmarks in the Belgian Ardennes. Located near the village of Coo, close to Stavelot, this spot is often mentioned as a must see destination when driving through eastern Belgium. Watervallen van Coo attracts tourists, families, cyclists, and day trippers, mostly because of its reputation rather than its actual scale or experience.
After coffee and cake at Le Coffee Ride, we drove towards the waterfalls. The route itself is scenic, typical Ardennes countryside with winding roads, forests, and river views. Parking near the Watervallen van Coo is paid, but relatively inexpensive. Payment is only possible at a physical parking meter, EasyPark is not supported here yet, which feels slightly outdated compared to other tourist locations in Belgium.
First Impressions of Watervallen van Coo
Watervallen van Coo consists of a double waterfall on the Amblève river. With a height of approximately 15 meters, it is often described as the highest waterfall in Belgium, although this title is debatable depending on how waterfalls are measured. The water flows strongly after rainfall, but during dry periods the spectacle is noticeably less impressive.
The area around the Watervallen van Coo feels heavily oriented toward tourism. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and signage dominate the immediate surroundings. While the setting is green and pleasant, it lacks the raw and untouched feeling many travelers expect when visiting a natural waterfall.
The Trail and Access to the Waterfalls
There is a short walking trail leading down to the Watervallen van Coo. The path is mostly made up of stairs, which means the visit is not particularly accessible for people with limited mobility. The trail is easy and short, but it does not offer many alternative viewpoints or extended nature walks.
The best view of the Watervallen van Coo is actually from inside Plopsaland Ardennes. From the amusement park, you get a clear and direct view of the waterfall itself. Outside the park, the viewpoints are more limited, and photography can be challenging due to fences, crowds, and angles.
Is the Walk Worth It
The walk itself is fine, but not memorable. You come, you see the water, you take a few photos, and you leave. There is no long hiking experience attached to the Watervallen van Coo unless you deliberately combine it with longer Ardennes trails in the wider region.
History of the Watervallen van Coo
The Watervallen van Coo did not fully form naturally. The smaller waterfall existed as early as the 15th century, while the larger waterfall was artificially created in the 18th century. Monks from the former Abbey of Stavelot altered the course of the Amblève river to prevent flooding in the nearby village of Petit Coo.
This makes the Watervallen van Coo an interesting mix of natural force and human intervention. It explains why the waterfall looks structured and controlled rather than wild or dramatic.
Water and Environmental Information
The Amblève river plays a central role in the landscape around the Watervallen van Coo. Water levels fluctuate depending on rainfall and seasonal conditions. During wetter periods, the waterfall gains power and volume, while in dry summers it can look surprisingly modest.
Upstream from Coo lies the Coo Trois Ponts pumped storage power station. This hydroelectric installation uses large reservoirs to store and release water, which also affects water flow in the region. As a result, the water behavior near the Watervallen van Coo is partially regulated rather than entirely natural.
The surrounding environment consists mainly of forested hills, riverbanks, and managed green spaces. Wildlife is present, but limited near the waterfall itself due to constant human activity.
Watervallen van Coo and Plopsaland Ardennes
Plopsaland Ardennes, formerly known as Plopsa Coo, is directly integrated into the landscape around the Watervallen van Coo. For families with children, this combination makes sense. The waterfall becomes part of a larger day out rather than a standalone destination.
For visitors without children, Plopsaland adds little value unless you specifically enjoy theme parks. In fact, without the amusement park, Watervallen van Coo would likely see far fewer visitors.
Honest Verdict, Is Watervallen van Coo Worth a Stop
Watervallen van Coo is not a destination to plan your day around. The only real reasons to visit are if you are already passing through the area, cycling or driving through the Ardennes, or visiting Plopsaland Ardennes with family.
As a standalone natural attraction, Watervallen van Coo lacks impact. The waterfall is relatively small, heavily commercialized, and surrounded by infrastructure that breaks immersion. Compared to other nature spots in the Ardennes, this feels more like a roadside attraction than a true highlight.
That said, as a short stop, it is perfectly fine. Parking is cheap, access is easy, and the waterfall has historical value. Just do not expect a dramatic or unforgettable nature experience.
Practical Notes for Visiting Watervallen van Coo
Parking is paid but affordable, payment is done at a parking meter only. The walking route involves stairs and can be slippery after rain. Best views are from inside Plopsaland Ardennes. Combine the visit with nearby towns like Stavelot or longer hikes if you want more value from the area.
Watervallen van Coo works best as a brief pause during a larger Ardennes road trip, not as a main destination.
