High Fens | The High Fens |
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The nature park "the High Fens - Eifel" is located in the Belgian Eastern Cantons, spread over 12 districts with a total area of 72,000 ha. The landscape mainly consists of heath, swamps, vulnerable peat and small deciduous forests spread all over. The most familiar cities in and around the High Fens are Eupen, Malmédy and Spa. Striking locations are the barrages on the Gileppe and the Weser. The highest point of Belgium (694m), the "Signal de Botrange", is also located in the High Fens and is part of the Oxfam Trailwalker track.
Peat sceneryMost of the peat scenery you can find now is created by man. The old farming and cattle breeding have lead to the creation of large open spaces. Until the Middle Ages the area around the High Fens consisted for 90% out of forest. The typical peat scenery was gradually created due to the creation of meadow, chopping undergrowth and especially cultivating peat as fuel. Starting approximately 1840 large parts of the at that time much larger heath area were replanted with spruces. Today much open area is left, yet maintenance needs a lot of protection measures. Therefore the biggest part of the High Fens became nature reserve and is in some cases only partly accessible by the public. The Oxfam Trailwalker provides nature lovers the unique opportunity to admire the High Fens by night - the area is normally only accessible between sunrise and sunset.
Fauna & floraBecause of the climate of this area, the heavy rain, long and cold winters and an average temperature which is quite low (6.1°), very rare plant species from Northern Europe, the mountains and the Atlantic area are preserved here. Typical peat like lavender heath and small cranberries are nowhere else to be found. The peacefulness and extent of the High Fens is responsible for large populations of deer (about 1200), roes (about 2500) and wild boars (about 1000). So there's a big chance you might come across these animals during a quiet night. Also the shy Wild Cat is present in the area, but it might be much harder to see him. The High Fens is also interesting for bird watchers, since you can find many kind of birds in the neighbourhood.
Hiking & bikingNature reserve "the High Fens" is a very special area with a huge amount of hiking possibilities. You can be accompanied by a guide or walk by yourself and enjoy the far views over the landscape.
The area itself is divided into different zones, where only the B zone is freely accessible for visitors. The so-called C zone is only accessible with proper guidance and zone D is even entirely closed for all public.
You can make many walks in the High Fens, but especially interesting are the so-called "nature learning paths". These are short routes (most of the time no longer than 3 to 5 kilometres) which have been provided with information signs. On these signs you can read information about the fauna and flora of the environment. That way the walk is also fascinating and educational for children.
Bicycle tourism is also gaining popularity. The bike route network "Velo Tour High Fens-Eifel", with 850km signposted bicycle routes, uses land and forest roads instead of roads used by the main traffic. You will discover enchanting corners, landscapes and nature reserves, typical villages and if you'd like to rest a few moments, there are always taverns with attractive outdoor cafés. TourismThe East Cantons: worthy of discovering!
The best way to truly discover the East Cantons is to leave your car behind and go on foot or by bicycle, because the area is a true paradise for hikers. Signposted walking roads lead the nature lover through an area where villages are oases of rest and relaxation. Several information desks are the start for walks through the High Fens: the information desk of the Signal de Botrange forest maintenance, the "Haus Ternell" forest museum in Eupen and the Nature Park Center Botrange not far from the highest point of Belgium. The most attractive part is most definitely the landscape of the High Fens, one of the last high fens in Europe. The fauna and flora are unique and easy to explore alongside the hard roads and smaller wooden paths.
The area is also great for mountain bikers with its miles of signposted routes. Unique journeys start from dozens of places. Throughout the entire landscape you can find evidence of ages ago: fortresses and castles from the Middle Ages, small chapels and churches, old farms and properties invite you to further explore the entire area. The East Cantons are known for its hospitality. Most people speak different languages, so it won't be difficult to understand each other. You can also enjoy the local kitchen. A numerous amount of hotels do not only offer a top class stay, but you can also find all kinds of connoisseur menus there. Especially the gastronomic wild weekend in Autumn are a true recommendation. Also smaller, cosier family hotels are nice to stay in. You can find all information on the site http://www.eastbelgium.be/ or you can call the Service for Tourism of the East Cantons: 080/227.664The German-speaking Community
In the German-speaking regions German is the official language in administration, education and court. The French do have special language rights in the administration though. The area of the German-speaking Community consists of two branches with a different structure: the smaller, but more densely populated Eupen in the north (canton Eupen) and the Belgian Eifel (canton St. Vith) in the south.
In the city of Eupen (17,000 inhabitants) the Parliament, government and BRF (local radio station of the German-speaking Community) is located, as well as Grenz-Echo - the only Belgian newspaper in German language.
Typically for the Belgian Eifel are the vast forest areas and meadow landscapes which offer a lot of attractive relaxation and vacation possibilities for hikers and tourists, although forests and agriculture aren't the most important source of income for the inhabitants (small and average-sized companies are most important instead). Saint Vith is an important school and shopping center in the south. In this city the "Verkehrsamt der Ostkantone", the touristic center of the area, can also be found. The German-speaking Community is a member of the Euregion Maas-Rijn and of the European collaboration contract Großraum Saar-Lor-Lux.
EupenEupen - the city to enjoy, relax and parade Eupen, the capital of the German-speaking Community, is without a doubt the biggest tourist attraction in the area. Because of its role in the Middle Ages, it has unique mansions, richly decorated churches and sources, and therefore is worth visiting. Behind much cherished restored façades you can also enjoy delicious culinary regional dishes. Eupen also offers everything for a refreshing stopover. And don't forget the Dukes' Wald, the dozens of handy parking lots and the proximity of the High Fens which gives you the opportunity to go for an extended walk, choose a bike route or go horseback riding. At the Weser reservoir there's also a large playground, a climb tower, fun water and forest paths. Because of the many spectacular sports events you can find numerous and diverse recreational possibilities. Last but not least Eupen also has the city museam, the chocolate museum "Jacques" and the nature centre Ternell. Throughout the entire year many folkloric and cultural events are being held which attract more and more visitors: important events such as fairs, "Summer in the City", Eupen Music Marathon, Tirolerfest, the Christmas Market, ... For more information:
Tourist Info Eupen |
The High Fens are without a doubt one of the most unspoilt pieces of nature in Belgium. It's a unique nature reserve and the largest united culture scenery of Belgium.
The German-speaking Community is one of the three communities of Belgium and consists of approx. 71,500 inhabitants, mostly Belgians who have German as their first language. The area of the German-speaking Community is about 854 km² large and consists of 9 towns.
