Top 15 Lakes around Stoumont

While natural lakes are less common directly in Stoumont, the region is known for significant artificial reservoirs, particularly around Coo. These include the Lower Coo Reservoir, which is part of a hydroelectric power station, and natural ponds like Chawion Pond, located in a nature reserve.

Yes, the area around Coo is very family-friendly. The View of Lake Coo offers a beautiful, wheelchair-accessible viewpoint. Additionally, the Coo Waterfall area features the Plopsa Coo amusement park and various outdoor activities suitable for families, including a stroller and wheelchair-friendly 5 km path around the lower lake.

The Coo-Trois-Ponts Hydroelectric Power Station is Belgium's largest night storage pumped energy storage facility, operational since 1973. It utilizes two reservoirs: an upper and a lower one. The Lower Reservoir of the Coo-Trois-Ponts Hydroelectric Power Station, an artificial lake of 71 hectares, is a key component, storing water that is pumped up during low electricity demand and released to generate power during peak times. There's a walking path around the lower lake.

Absolutely! The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails around the Chawion Pond, which is in a nature reserve. There's also a 5 km path around the lower lake near the Coo Waterfall. For more hiking options, check out the Hiking around Stoumont guide, which includes routes like the 'Tour of Mont Saint-Victor' and 'Chefna and Gold Mine Waterfall Loop'.

Chawion Pond is located in a nature reserve with significant botanical interest, where siliceous and calcareous soils alternate. It's a site of biological importance, hosting many amphibians and insects in its surrounding wetland. Several walks are possible around the pond, which is fed by the Ruisseau du Petit Chawion.

Yes, the View of Lake Coo is a popular spot, offering a magnificent perspective of the inner lake promontory, which is covered in trees and rises out of the lake. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Beyond hiking, the Coo area is a hub for diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy kayaking on the Amblève river, mini-golf, and go-karting. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB Trails around Stoumont and Road Cycling Routes around Stoumont, including routes that pass by the Coo Waterfall and dam.

The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly scenic views with lush greenery or vibrant fall colors. The Coo Waterfall, in particular, provides an impressive spectacle amidst green forests. The area is popular for outdoor activities, which are generally best enjoyed in milder weather.

Lake Warfaaz is located near the town of Spa, which is in the broader region. It's an artificial lake built in 1890, offering a paved perimeter for walks and fishing. However, please note that the lake is currently (2022-2024) empty due to dam repairs, though you can still observe some water birds. There are catering points and a playground nearby.

The Stoumont region, part of the Parc naturel des Sources, is characterized by its rolling valleys, rivers like the Amblève, Lienne, and Roannay, and abundant springs. These features, along with the green forests surrounding the Coo Waterfall and its associated lake, create a unique natural environment with scenic beauty and misty atmospheres that have even inspired painters.

Coo Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction, and practical amenities such as generally available parking are provided nearby. This makes it convenient for visitors to access the waterfall, the lower reservoir, and the surrounding attractions.

Yes, the Coo Waterfall has historical significance. Its origins trace back to the 15th century when monks of Stavelot Abbey altered the Amblève river to power a mill, leading to the creation of the falls. The area has been a tourist attraction since the 19th century, and the Coo-Trois-Ponts hydroelectric power station, built between 1967 and 1979, represents a significant modern engineering feat.