It’s true that nowadays unique tourist accommodations aren’t hard to find in Europe and beyond. From yurts and tipis to treehouses, vintage trailers, and even transparent bubble tents for stargazing, there’s quite a substantial selection available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, opportunities to sleep on an actual battlefield under period conditions (though in complete safety, of course…) are extremely rare. Yet that’s exactly what’s on offer at one of Europe’s most famous battlefields – if not the world’s most renowned. We’re talking about Waterloo, in Belgium…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This truly is one of the most original experiences you can have. Spend a night at Hougoumont Farm, the strategic location of the Battle of Waterloo where British and French troops clashed on that fateful June 18th, 1815, with the outcome we all know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, the immersion is complete. Head to the troop encampment, facing the Lion’s Mound memorial monument of the battle, with a period tent, campfire, and a uniformed soldier to welcome and guide you through this final chapter of Napoleon’s story. In addition to spending the night on-site, you’ll also enjoy the same evening meal that soldiers ate back then – a basket filled with vegetables and pre-cooked meat to prepare your soldier’s soup over the campfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s a remarkable experience that you can enhance with the various activities and events the site offers throughout the year. Between discovering bivouac life, cannon firing, Napoleonic-era military surgery, current exhibitions, and guided tours of the battlefield and the 1815 Memorial Museum, there’s plenty to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then there’s the annual battle reenactment, of course. On the weekend closest to June 18th each year, several hundred costumed reenactors with horses and cannons recreate the Battle of Waterloo on the actual terrain, much to visitors’ delight. Not to be missed…<\/p>\n\n\n\n