2026 Waterloo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Waterloo is a world-renowned town in Walloon Brabant, Belgium, located about 20 kilometers from the capital, Brussels, with a population of around 30,000. It is most famous for the Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, which profoundly changed the course of European history. In this decisive battle, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte led the French army against the Seventh Coalition, commanded by the British Duke of Wellington. Ultimately, the Anglo-Dutch allied forces, bolstered by the Prussian army, defeated Napoleon. This victory ended his "Hundred Days" reign and marked the close of the Napoleonic era. Today, the Waterloo battlefield is a major historical tourist attraction. Its most prominent landmark is the Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion), an artificial hill crowned with a majestic lion statue, where visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire battlefield. Nearby, the Waterloo Memorial Museum brings the historic battle back to life through authentic artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and immersive panoramic experiences.

I stayed alone for work-related reasons at the Van der Volk Waterloo, a hotel in the Martin's Grand Hotel chain. The receptionist was very friendly, the bed was fluffy, and it was a very comfortable stay. However, there are no amenities such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, or hand mirror, so you'll need to bring your own. There is a large supermarket nearby, as well as restaurant chains common in Japan such as Burger King and Pizza Hut, so even those unfamiliar with traveling abroad will have a comfortable stay. I highly recommend it.

#favouriteitinerary Step into Napoleonic history at Waterloo, where one of Europe’s most famous battles took place in 1815. Start your visit at the Lion’s Mound, a towering artificial hill topped with a massive lion statue, symbolizing victory and peace. Climb the 226 steps to the top for sweeping views of the historic battlefield, where French and Allied troops once clashed. After taking in the scenery, immerse yourself in the action at the Battlefield Horse Show. This thrilling reenactment brings the past to life with skilled riders in full military uniform, performing dramatic cavalry maneuvers just as they did over 200 years ago. For an even deeper dive, explore the Memorial Museum, where interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a 4D battle experience transport you back in time. Whether you’re a history buff or just love grand spectacles, Waterloo offers a journey through time like no other!

Waterloo, #familytrip nice view.

#Fat invites you to travel Visit the former battlefield of Napoleon's defeat in 1815, but this place was built as a monument to the defeat of greatness. Therefore, a lion statue was built on a high pyramid, representing Napoleon's greatness. The end of Napoleon is: (Source: Fat invites you to travel) On June 18, 1815, the Napoleonic army faced the British army led by the Duke of Wellington in Waterloo. Napoleon saw the Prussian army in the distance. He thought he would defeat the British army first. But the previous night, there was heavy rain until there was flooding, causing Napoleon's army to be delayed in many ways, especially in the artillery, which was the highlight of the Napoleonic army, which had to suffer a lot of delays on the wet ground. In addition to the weather, it is said that Napoleon was sick that day. This illness of Napoleon may have caused a delay in decision-making. The delay in fighting the English caused the Prussian army led by von Bruscher to arrive while Napoleon's army was fighting the English, causing the French army to face a battle on two fronts at once. And it was the reason that Napoleon's army finally suffered defeat. Longwood House, the house where Napoleon lived until the end of his life on the island of St. Helena. After the defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena Island by the Allies and spent the rest of his life there, an island in the west of Africa, far from the island of Elba where Napoleon was first exiled. This was to assure the Allies that Napoleon would not shake their world order again. The Vienna Conference continued, and a world order was established under a system of peace conferences called the Concert of Europe, which was a way for conservatives to prevent war and prevent liberalism in Europe. Although Napoleon was sent to the distant island of St. Helena, what Napoleon left behind in France and Europe was liberalism. Even though Napoleon was not in Europe, there were revolutions in many countries in Europe, and the world order that the conservatives believed in gradually collapsed. Reference: “Battle of Waterloo.” History