This month, the Belgian label Outsider opens its sixth location, and for this they have found a special spot: the Fort of Chaudfontaine. This is a location where time seems to stand still. A new chapter begins here, as The Outsider officially moves into this impressive fort from 1888.
Adventure in a new way
The Outsider never does things by halves, and that is no different in Chaudfontaine. This will be the newest playground where adventure takes on a slightly different dimension. The concept is simple: put on your helmet, grab your flashlight, and step into a world full of mystery and discovery.
Behind the scenes, they are currently hard at work on all the preparations. They are planning a mix of physical challenges and strategic games that really require teamwork. The well-known Outsider cocktail, in other words! What exactly will they be doing? In addition to established activities like laser shooting and off-road scooter tours, they are currently developing game concepts in and around the fort, and participants will also be challenged at height…
Adventure in every season
The great advantage of this place is that you can experience it both outdoors and indoors. At the other Outsider locations, they are mainly found outside, but here people also venture into the deep corridors of the Fort. This means that visitors can be welcomed all year round.
Ready for your group
The Fort is for everyone: companies, schools, youth movements, or simply your own group of friends. Children, too, will be able to celebrate their adventurous birthday party here. What it’s all about remains the same: having fun together and strengthening group dynamics.
Everything is also taken care of practically. The site features a large car park, the necessary sanitary facilities, and cozy spots for picnicking. They ensure that everything is ready so that everyone only has to think about having fun.
“Safety and quality are always our number one priority,” emphasizes manager Hendrik Vandermarliere. “We are refurbishing and modernizing the entire place. There is still tons of work to do, but above all, we are really looking forward to it.”
Accessibility by car or public transport
Chaudfontaine is located close to Liège, on the edge of the Ardennes. Here you are surrounded by greenery, but without spending hours traveling. From Liège, it takes 15 minutes, and from Flemish Limburg, it is surprisingly quick: Hasselt is about a 45-minute drive. This is also a major advantage for the Netherlands: from Maastricht, you can reach the fort in about 35 minutes.
You can get here easily even without a car. From Chaudfontaine station, it is approximately 2,5 kilometers to the fort. Those who do not wish to walk that stretch can take TEC bus lines 17, 28, or 31 towards Chaudfontaine or Vaux-Sous-Chevremont. Several stops are within walking distance of the fort, after which you cover the final part on foot.
“Up until now, active recreation concepts have primarily focused on either outdoor or indoor activities. A combination is not yet common, but it is an emerging phenomenon. This also makes your business less dependent on the weather. As a result, the term 'Outdoor' no longer fully covers the scope. The term 'Adventure' fits better. In the Netherlands, for example, 'Kroongeheim op de Veluwe' is an example of a concept offering both indoor and outdoor activities. The combination of indoor and outdoor is also increasingly requested for group bookings. I believe the Ardennes remains a well-known name for 'activities,' and that the combination of indoor and outdoor is still rarely offered there. This concept encompasses various success factors!” Commentary by Pretwerk knowledge partner Erik Kroon (CEO of SOS Events and Leisureking)
More information: theoutsider.be/nieuw-hoofdstuk-in-chaudfontaine/