This small Belgian town in the Ardennes region has traditional stone buildings, a well-preserved 18th-century cathedral, and draws visitors for its annual carnival celebrations.
Malmedy, a French-speaking town in Belgium's Liège province, is next to the High Fens nature reserve. Walk through the streets during the annual Cwarmê carnival to see 2,500 costumed performers, learn about leather-making at the 3,000-square-meter Malmundarium, or hike the marked trails of the Ardennes forests. The town's weekly market sells local cheeses and regional specialties.
The Cwarmê Carnival Experience
For five days before Easter, 2,500 performers take to Malmedy's streets in traditional masks and costumes. Unlike typical parades, performers move through the crowds and interact directly with spectators, acting out centuries-old routines. Each character follows specific customs that local families have maintained for generations. During the carnival, you'll find regional specialties in local restaurants, including the "Kiss of Malmedy" pastry.
Exploring Malmundarium
The Malmundarium spans three floors of a former monastery in the town center. The exhibits focus on leather crafting, which has been central to Malmedy's economy since the 16th century. At the Carnaval Studio, you can try on traditional masks and costumes while learning about the festival's history. The Cathedral Treasury contains religious artifacts from the adjacent 18th-century cathedral, and the top floor's Historium tells the story of the town's development since its founding in the 7th century.
Local Food and Drink
The Brasserie de Bellevaux makes beer using traditional Belgian methods. Each July, the Giant Omelette festival brings crowds to watch chefs prepare a 10,000-egg omelette in a massive pan. Local cheese makers still use recipes passed down through generations, and you can buy their products at the weekly market in the town center.
Hiking and Biking
The High Fens nature reserve starts at Malmedy's northern border. You can follow marked trails through forests and moors, or cycle at Bikepark Ferme Libert, the largest bike park in Benelux. Robertville Lake and Reinhardstein Castle are within cycling distance. The area experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers due to its elevation and inland location.
World War II History
The Baugnez 44 Historical Centre documents the Battle of the Bulge and the Malmedy Massacre, where German forces killed 84 American prisoners of war in December 1944. A memorial marks the massacre site near the museum. The war left lasting marks on the town - half of Malmedy's 1,600 houses were destroyed during the conflict.
