Battlefield Attractions in Waterloo, Belgium

Waterloo Belgium attractions are one of the most popular reasons travelers and tourists come to Brussels. Located just south of Brussels, Waterloo Belgium attractions offer a number of things to see and do both in the city center and just south of the small commune. Perfect for history buffs who want to learn first-hand about the famous battle where Napolean 'met his Waterloo. Here is a list with the must-see battlefield attractions in Waterloo that everyone should visit while being in the city.

1.     The Butte du Lion

Definitely the most visually stunning of all Waterloo Belgium attractions is the Butte du Lion just outside the welcome center. You can take a memorable climb up the 100-meter high mound. Built by local women in a bucket bridgade with soil taken from the battlefield, the monument is topped by a 28-ton concrete lion, hence the name 'Butte du Lion' or 'Hill of the Lion'. This is a great place to take photos of the sweeping fields and pastures that were once the site of the great battle.

2.     The Panorama of the Battle

Get an artist's perspective of the battle in the Panorama building adjacent to the Butte du Lion. This circular naturalistic painting, by Parisian artist Louis Dumoulin, is on a canvas some 110 meters in circumference. It is accompanied by a soundtrack of battle noises including blaring bugles and cannon fire.

3.     The Musee de Cires

The final attraction is a wax museum located across the street from the Panorama. Featuring models of the soldiers of the various battle regiments and their commanders, die-hard war enthusiasts may enjoy this. Personally, we fine waxed figures a bit dull. But hey, if it's your thing, go for it!

4.     Le Caillou

It is located about four kilometers south of the Butte du Lion on the Chaussee de Bruxelles if Le Caillou, a two-story brick farmhouse where Napolean spent the night before the battle. Containing momentos such as Napolean's army cot and death mask, the museum is a memorial to the defeated emperor and his war-weary army. Due to its distance from the more popular Waterloo Belgium attractions, it is low on our priority 'to-do' list. You'll have to walk or find other transportation as there is no tour bus that takes you there.

Planning a trip to Waterloo you have to think about a place where to stay. There is a great variety of hotels in Waterloo. It is important to mention that there are either discounted or luxurious hotels in Waterloo. To guarantee your stay in a preferred hotel in Waterloo, it is better to make an online reservation in advance.