Belgium is a compact nation whose roads are not often discussed in the `best driving` lists that you`ll find in various travel magazines. However, the Belgian countryside is unique, charming, and well worth exploring behind the wheel. Here is a list of roads for driving in Belgium to inspire you on your journey through Belgium, hitting historic, gastronomical, and, of course, photo opps from across the country.

The Castle Tour:
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Belgium, you will find the Château de Bouillon. It rests at the end of the Semois valley, in a beautiful setting surrounded by fertile green countryside. Though short, the journey from Rue Bois Jean along the river valley to the castle is fantastic, offering iconic vistas of the countryside, river and some great examples of Belgian architecture including Abbaye de Cordemois.

Start by heading southeast toward Bohan, enjoy the panoramic views of the river and continue eastward on the N935. Switch and twist your way along the border until you get to the N810 eastbound into the walled city of Bouillon.

Tour the Bulge:
One of the best ways to observe the stage of war is by driving through Belgium. Here, you`ll find some of the most legendary battle sites from WWII that are featured on the Tour of Bulge.

Start at the northern edge in Trois Ponts, following the N68 to the border town of Schmiede. Follow the N7 on your brief detour through Luxembourg, then take the N12 back toward the Belgian town of Houffalize. You`ll swoop through Boeur before turning south on the N30 to the iconic battle town in Bastogne.

Make sure to visit the Mardason memorial on your way east before heading north on the N834 toward La Roche-en-Ardenne. From La Roche, turn east on the N860 toward Houffalize to wind your way back toward the main A26.

Ardennes Historic Landscapes:
An excellent snapshot of the nation, the Ardennes provides visitors with quaint countryside views and breathtaking historic landscapes. This region is easily explored as a circular drive that starts and finishes in Dinant.

Drive southwest to France briefly for a peek at the medieval castle and village of Hierges. Next, cross back into Belgium and follow the N95 into Rochehaut and onward to Bouillon for a stunning view of the seventh century fortress and castle. Heading toward Botassart, you should watch out for the scenery near Ucimot to get the best views of the legendary Giant`s Tomb.

Napoleon`s March:
Much of the Belgian countryside is steeped in history, and while many of the connecting roads through this region are modern, the echoes of the past are prominent when driving in Belgium along the path of Napoleon from the French border town of Beaumont to his defeat on the battlefield at Waterloo.

Head from Beaumont toward Charleroi on the N53, perhaps catching a battle re-enactment in Thuin or Ham-sur-Heure. Follow the N29 through Fleurus to the N98 in Ligny to absorb the sites of Napoleon’s final victory before moving on to the final staging sites for the Battle of Waterloo itself. Follow the N9 northward through Plancenoit to Mont-Saint-Jean and then turn up the Route de Lion to take in the panoramic view.

A Journey through the Woods:
Start in Neaufchâteau and head south on the N85, the lazy curves and green fields soon give way to a narrower, more forested setting. Drive on through Forèt de Chiny, along the Semois river, until you come to Florenville. Drive through the city center and go south on the N88 into the Forèt d’ Orval.

Marvel the views of Abbaye d`Orval and then wind your way along the French border in the shadow of lush, green old-growth timber. Head north on the N895 when you see the turn for Soye, and slither you way through the forest until you reach Bellefontaine.

Now head north through the town on the N879 toward Tintigny, and continue through the countryside to Breuvanne, where you can pick up the N801 and head back toward Neaufchâteau. The countryside along this final leg of your circular route is peppered with rustic churches and other buildings. A highlight along the way is the majestic Chateau d’ Assenois.