This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Malmédy.
Malmédy, Belgium, is located in the east of the country, in the region of Wallonia, close to the border with Germany. Although it belongs to the French-speaking part of Belgium, a significant number of German speakers live in the area as well.
Most people come to the area to enjoy the Belgian countryside, with the National Park Hautes Fagnes-Eifel located only a stone's throw away from the town. This is the national park that hosts Belgium's highest point, the Signal de Botrange, at just under seven hundred metres. Another popular time to visit Malmédy is in February, because the town is home to a well-known Carnival during this time.
The town has a long history as a religious centre. As early as the seventh century, a Benedictine Monastery was founded here, and up until the eighteenth century, the town was allied with the religious Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy, a clerical microstate. In the sixteenth century, Malmédy was the most important paper-making and skin-producing place in the area. While for some of its history it belonged to France, after the defeat of Napoléon in the early nineteenth century, it became a Germanic town. At the time of the World Wars, Malmédy still fought on the German side, but with the Treaty of Versailles, it was annexed to Belgium. It is because of this turbulent history that Malmédy now boasts with a rich cultural heritage that is the mix of Romance and German cultures. Sights of interest include the Cathedral of Malmédy, Malmédy Abbey dating back to the seventh century and the obelisk standing on the main square.
Those wanting to base themselves here will find options for a Malmédy, Belgium hostel offering budget accommodation in dorms-style rooms. Your hostel in Malmédy, Belgium, is ideally located for those wanting to explore the beautiful national park nearby. However, for a bigger choice of hostels and a more vivid location, you can also have a look in the nearby cities of Liege, Maastricht, and Aachen, from where Malmédy can be easily reached by public transportation.
Written by local enthusiast for Malmédy hostels
JudyM