This small Belgian town is known for its 1815 battlefield, where Napoleon was defeated. Visitors can explore the Lion's Mound and Wellington Museum.
Waterloo, a small town in Belgium's Walloon Brabant province, played a crucial role in European history. The town center is modest, but the area around it is rich with historical sites. You can climb the Lion's Mound, visit the Wellington Museum, or walk through the UNESCO-listed Sonian Forest. Located just a short distance from Brussels, Waterloo offers both historical insights and outdoor experiences.
Exploring the Battlefield
Lion's Mound
The Lion's Mound is a 40-meter artificial hill that dominates the battlefield landscape. When you climb the 226 steps to the top, you'll see a panoramic view of the former battleground. At the base, you'll find the 1815 Memorial Museum, which uses interactive displays and modern technology to present the events of the battle.
Wellington Museum
In the center of Waterloo, you'll find the Wellington Museum in the building where the Duke stayed the night before the battle. You can see original artifacts here, including Wellington's boots and death mask. The exhibits explain the battle's background and give insight into the lives of those involved.
Hougoumont Farm
Hougoumont Farm was a key location during the Battle of Waterloo. Today, you can explore the restored farm and learn about the intense fighting that occurred here. The site includes multimedia presentations and preserved structures from the battle era.
Beyond the Battlefield
Church of Saint Joseph
The 18th-century Church of Saint Joseph in Waterloo's center offers a quiet space away from the battlefield tours. Inside, you'll see memorial plaques dedicated to officers who died in the battle, linking the town's present to its past.
Sonian Forest
Northeast of Waterloo, you'll find the Sonian Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient beech forest has walking and cycling trails where you can enjoy the natural environment of the region.
Getting to Waterloo
You can easily reach Waterloo from Brussels. Trains run hourly from Brussels-Midi station to Waterloo, and the journey takes about 30 minutes. If you're mainly interested in visiting the battlefield sites, consider getting off at Braine-l'Alleud station, which is closer to the Lion's Mound.
Where to Stay
While many people visit Waterloo on day trips from Brussels, you can also stay overnight. The ibis Brussels Waterloo in the town center provides comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the area.
The Battle That Shaped Europe
The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was a turning point in European history. Here, the Duke of Wellington's allied forces defeated Napoleon Bonaparte's French army, ending the Napoleonic Wars. This decisive battle reshaped the political landscape of Europe and made Waterloo famous worldwide.
