The Citadel of Dinant is a cliff-top fortress standing about 100 m above the town on the banks of the Meuse in Wallonia, Belgium. The fort you see today was built by the Dutch between 1818 and 1821 over earlier medieval and Vauban-era fortifications, and is famous for its rock-cut staircase of 408 steps (1577) and sweeping panoramas of the Upper Meuse. It houses a weapons-and-history museum with a Great War section commemorating the 1914 Dinant massacre, and since June 2025 a HistoPad augmented-reality guide brings its story alive through 13 'time gates.' As of 2026 the cable car is closed for a major renovation, so visitors reach the top via the staircase or by road to the upper entrance.
The iconic 408-step staircase carved into the rock in 1577
Weapons-and-history museum with a dedicated World War I / Great War space
HistoPad AR guide (since June 2025) with 13 immersive 'time gates'
Views over Dinant's old town, the Notre-Dame collegiate church and the Rocher Bayard rock, in the birthplace of saxophone inventor Adolphe Sax
Good to know
SafetyIn 2026 the cable car is closed for renovation, so you must climb the steep 408-step staircase or drive up to the upper entrance. The stairs are tiring — wear comfortable shoes, and use road access if you have limited mobility.
SeasonIn the off season (Oct–Mar) the site closes at 4:30 pm, and it is closed on Fridays between 11 Nov and 31 Mar except during school holidays. Check days and hours before a winter visit.
RulesOnline tickets are sold only in high season and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead — no same-day online purchase. Otherwise buy on-site at the upper or lower ticket office; the 3-in-1 combo with a Meuse cruise is good value.
MannersThe museum covers the 1914 massacre of 674 civilians and the Great War with memorial spaces — treat these solemn areas with respect.
SeasonThe clifftop viewing terrace is exposed to wind and rain and the Meuse valley can be chilly; bring layers.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official website or on-site official ticket offices, and avoid unofficial resellers or cruise touts.
Practical info
From Brussels take an IC train to Namur and change for Dinant (about twice an hour on each leg); the citadel is within walking distance of Dinant station. With the cable car closed, reach the top via the 408 steps from the old town or by road to the upper entrance (free parking). Opening hours are 10:00–18:00 (Apr–Sep) and 10:00–16:30 (Oct–Mar); as fares (adult around €15) and closing days change, check the official website for the latest before you go.
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