Ghent to Spa Road Trip: Uncover Belgium's Hidden Gems

The road from Ghent to Spa traces a diagonal across Belgium, connecting the medieval splendor of the Counts' Castle to the thermal springs of the Ardennes. This 180-kilometer journey, typically taking 2 hours via the E40 and A27, passes through landscapes that shift from flat polders to rolling wooded hills. A lesser-known fact: the town of Spa gave its name to the English word for mineral springs, and the route passes near the site of the 1914 Battle of the Yser, a poignant reminder of World War I.

For those wondering is it worth driving Ghent to Spa, the answer lies in the journey itself. While the direct highway is efficient, the best stops and hidden gems reveal a Belgium of cycling pastures, Roman ruins, and artisan bakeries. To truly savor the drive, consider our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The journey begins in the flat, canal-crossed landscape of East Flanders, transitions through the rolling hills of Brabant with its orchards and hop fields, and culminates in the Ardennes' forests and valleys near Spa. The route passes near the Hoge Kempen National Park (considered a must-stop for hiking) and the Meuse River valley.

• Ghent: Gravensteen Castle, canals, and street art
• Hageland: Wine route tasting at Achelse Kluis
• Tongeren: Roman walls and the Teseum museum
• Spa: Domain of Bérinzenne nature center and waterfalls

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Two UNESCO sites lie near the route: the Grand-Place of Brussels (accessible via a 10-minute detour) and the Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes (south of Mons, but a 40-minute deviation). Spa itself is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO listing, recognized in 2021 for its casino, thermal baths, and 18th-century architecture.

Local Commerce & Culture

Along the E40, roadside farm stalls sell local cheeses (like Herve) and smoked sausages. In Tongeren, the Sunday antiques market is one of Europe's largest. For souvenirs, Spa produces its own brand of bottled mineral water and a local pâté called pâté de Spa.

The most straightforward route from Ghent to Spa uses the E40 eastbound to Liège, then the A27 south to Spa. For a more scenic alternative, exit the E40 at Leuven and follow the N29 through the Hageland hills, rejoining near Tongeren. This adds 30 minutes but offers vineyard-dotted landscapes.

Fuel costs average €1.80 per liter for diesel and €2.00 for unleaded. Filling up in Ghent or at hypermarkets along the E40 can save €0.10 per liter. Electric vehicle charging stations are plentiful at services like Orival (km 120 on E40) and in Spa town center.

• Recommended gas stations: Esso at Bierbeek (E40 exit 25)
• Total Energies at Hognoul (A27 exit 6)
• For EV: Fastned at Leuven (E40) and Ionity at Theux (N62)

Toll roads: only the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp has a toll; avoid by sticking to E40. Parking in Spa costs €1.50 per hour or €10 per day at the Thermes de Spa parking lot.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The E40 and A27 are well-maintained but can be congested near Liège. Speed cameras are frequent, especially in construction zones (e.g., near Leuven). Shoulder emergency phones are available every 2 km. Winter months require winter tires or all-season tires; the A27 between Liège and Spa can be icy due to elevation.

• Accident black spot: junction E40/A3 at Bertem
• Breakdown services: Touring Mobilis (call 070 344 733)

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Recommended rest stops include:

1. Hannut Services (E40, km 60) – large parking, fast food, play area
2. Orival (E40, km 120) – panoramic view of the Meuse, picnic tables
3. Theux (N62) – quiet rest area with forest trail

Each offers shaded parking and clean restrooms. Plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours.

Family and Child Suitability

Kid-friendly stops include Parc d'Avroy in Liège with its duck pond, and the Maison de la Rando in Spa offering short nature walks. Many restaurants along the route have children's menus (e.g., La Table de Saison in Tongeren). For teenagers, the Gameforest escape room in Verviers is a hit.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most rest stops allow dogs on leashes. The Domain of Bérinzenne has designated dog-walking areas. Pet-friendly accommodations in Spa include Hotel du Baron and Villa des Fleurs. Always carry a water bowl and poop bags.

Culinary Infrastructure

Ghent is known for its cuberdons (cone-shaped candies) and waterzooi (cream soup). Along the route, stop at:

• Boulangerie des Ardennes in Huy for its spice bread
• Fromagerie de la Vesdre in Verviers for local cheeses
• Spa's Casino de Spa has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Les 7 Heures

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Venture off the main road to discover:

• The remains of the Citadel of Huy (20 min detour) with a funicular
• Grottes de Remouchamps (30 min south of Spa) – Europe's longest navigable cave
• Pays de Herve (N627) – bucolic lane lined with half-timbered farmhouses

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Spring (April-May) offers blooming fruit trees along the N29. Autumn paints the Ardennes in gold and red. Winter can be foggy near Liège, reducing visibility. Summer temperatures average 22°C, ideal for convertible drives. The best time for the drive is late September, when the crowds thin and the foliage is stunning.