I have a full day allocated to visit Brussels on my upcoming trip to Belgium (We are spending the other 2 in Bruge). A number of people have recommended that we visit the Waterloo battlefield. We are considering doing a morning stop at Waterloo and the afternoon in the City. Does this make sense. Does anyone know how far the walk is from the train station to the actual battlefield and if it is do-able? Also, is the climb to the top of the mount worth it. My travel buddy and I have a passing interest in history, but are not history buffs. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Karen
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
For someone with a casual interest in history, you can see Waterloo in about 1-3 hours, give or take. As I recall, you must pay admission to enter the actual battlefield grounds, and this includes the price to climb the monument. The view from the monument is most interesting from the perspective you gain of the battle, but otherwise, it's just an elevated view of the countryside. I don't know where the nearest rail station sits, but I didn't see any in the immediate vicinity.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The SNCB Waterloo station is 0.2 miles south of a portion of the battlefield. Getting off at that station, cross the tracks if necessary so that you're on the west side of the tracks, and walk north on Avenue des Paquerettes 0.2 miles until you get to the T intersection. A portion of the battlefield will be in front of you, to the north and northwest of your position, to the north of the residential area that you would have passed on your left. The battlefield itself is large but this is where some of the monuments are. However, you probably want to tour the main part of the battlefield and to do that you take the Brussels - Charleroi line, the official website gives details: Official Waterloo Battlefield WebsiteThey say if you go to the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, get close to the coffin, and whisper "Waterloo" that even to this day you'll hear some spinning inside the coffin. (of course some say he's not even in there!)