The High Fens – Eifel Nature Park is a very popular destination among Belgians who want to spend some time in nature. Its main attraction is the original and different landscapes that constitute this area in the Ardennes and the Eifel region.
Located in East Belgium, the High Fens is a fantastic place to go hiking in Belgium, particularly if you are a beginner hiker. The altitude gain is not too difficult or steep, which makes it ideal for a day hike during your weekend. There is no better way to forget about work and connect with nature!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE HIGH FENS
The High Fens is, without any doubt, one of the most unique and original landscapes in Belgium. Here are some interesting facts about this particular part of Belgium.
- The High Fens is one of the most rainy and foggy areas in Belgium, with approximately 202 days of rain on average per year.
- These weather conditions combined with the higher elevation of the plateau in which it is located, create a landscape filled with moorlands more common in northern latitudes.
- The landscape of the High Fens is a man-made landscape or more accurately, a consequence of men. In the Middle Ages, the plateau was covered with forests. However, human exploitation of the area for agriculture and wood cutting modified the habitat, creating what we know today.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE
Before I get into the hike’s specific details, I will first share some practical information. This way, all you’ll have to worry about is having the time of your life!
GETTING TO EUPEN'S WATER RESERVOIR
The High Fens is located in the eastern part of Belgium, very close to the German border, and, most particularly, this hike begins next to Eupen’s water reservoir.
The easiest way to get there from Brussels is to take the E40 highway towards Liège. Follow this highway for 154 km until exit 38 Eupen. Once you are in Eupen, follow N67 until you reach Eupen lake.
🅿️ Parking: The trail begins next to the Eupen Dam that creates the lake. There is a big parking lot where you can park your car for free.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The hike does not have a lot of technical difficulty. However, its length makes it very demanding. Here are some things that will guarantee you a fantastic time.
- Proper hiking shoes. If you don’t want your feet to hurt after walking for over 20km, wear appropriate hiking shoes. I always use my Altra Lone Peak 6 during the summer as they are super light and comfortable.
- A hat to protect you from the sun. There is barely any tree to give some shade in the High Fens moors. A hat to protect you from the sun will be a lifesaver. Also, making sure to apply sunscreen regularly is more than recommended. I always use my Buff Pink Cap.
- A reusable water bottle. Hydration while hiking is key and during the summer months even more. Make sure to bring plenty of water for the complete hike. I used this Klean Kanteen Water bottle.!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE THE HIKE
Here are a few things that I wish I had known before going on this hike.
- After completing this hike, especially on a warm summer day, Eupen Lake will be very tempting to cool down. However, this is a water reservoir that can be used as drinking water so it is forbidden to swim or to do any sort of water sports in the area.
- During this hike, mosquitos had a feast with us. Avoid making the same mistake we did and use mosquito repellent!
- After your hike, make sure to check for ticks.
HIKING IN EUPEN & THE HIGH FENS - EIFEL NATURE PARK
HIKE STATS
Trail Start/End – Parking next to Eupen Lake Dam (exact location in the map at the end of this blog).
Distance – 20,5 km
Elevation Gain – 456 m
Level – Difficult
Route Type – Circular Route
Estimated Time Needed – 7 hours and 30 minutes. This includes plenty of time to stop for a picnic, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Best Time To Visit – Between May and September, to increase your chances of good weather.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING IN the high fens - Eifel nature park
First Part Of The Hike - Eupen Lake
We parked the car in the parking next to the Eupen Dam and started our hike walking next to the border on the lake on its left-hand side. The first 4 km of the hike occur along the lake’s border. It was a very peaceful morning and the temperature wasn’t too high so we took it slow and stopped to enjoy the views of the lake quite often.
In the beginning, the hike goes through a wide trail shared with many bikes but as soon as the path starts to gain elevation, you have to enter the foresty area and walk next to the trees and ferns.
Important: The entry to the foresty area is not well marked. As soon as you see a sign that says that you can’t swim in the lake, it’s time to leave the gravel path and enter the forest. We were happily talking in this part and missed the trail! By the time we realized it, we had to walk back a few hundred meters to follow the correct route.
Hiking Between A Sea Of Ferns
As soon as we left the lake behind, we entered a new gravel road, flanked by tall pines, ferns, and beautiful wild flowers. There were barely any people around and the area was so peaceful. We followed this gravel road for a few more kilometers and then took a right turn and entered a sea of ferns.
The trail was very narrow and we were surrounded by thousands of ferns. This part of the hike was really fun to do! Even though it was a well-marked trail, it felt like we were exploring an off-the-beaten trail and going in an adventure.
The Moorlands In The High Fens
Following the trail, it was time to explore the moorlands in the High Fens. We walked across the endless moors with the grass slightly moving with the breeze that was blowing. The grass had a reddish color on the top which made the scenery really pretty.
I have to admit this part of the hike, even though it was pretty, it was a bit too long for my taste. There was no shade at all (as is expected in the moor) and it felt that it was too long. Nevertheless, it was so relaxing being there all alone, just enjoying nature and disconnecting from your thoughts.
More Forest Areas And Back To The Lake
The last part of the hike, after the moorlands, took us through some more forest areas. This was very much appreciated after being exposed to the sun for many kilometers. The trail ran next to a small river and eventually, we arrived back at the Eupen Lake.
From there, it was just a matter of following the trail until we reached the dam and arrived back at the parking lot. We took this part slowly, stopping frequently to rest and admire the views of the lake.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR EUPEN
We only did this as a day hike from Brussels so we didn’t get any accommodation in the area. However, if you have the time, making this a weekend trip might be an interesting idea. There are many other hikes and beautiful areas to explore nearby.
Here are some suggestions of places I would choose for myself if I was to spend a weekend here:
OTHER THINGS TO DO NEARBY
If you’re visiting for a weekend and have an extra day in the area, here are some suggestions for other things to do nearby.
- Visiting Aachen. Explore the streets of Aachen, the German city located very close to both Belgium and the Netherlands. The grandiosity of its cathedral will leave you speechless.
- Monschau. This cute little German town will make you feel like you have entered a Disney movie.
MAP WITH LOCATIONS
HIKE SUMMARY AND INFOGRAPHIC
You don’t have a lot of time, to read the full blog post? Here’s an infographic I’ve created with the most important information about this hike.
And that’s it for my blog about hiking in the High Fens – Eifel Nature Park. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy hiking!
DISCLAIMER: Did you know? This blog uses affiliate partnerships. When you click and book or make a purchase through one of my blog posts, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting The Travelling Hiker!
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT BELGIUM
ENJOYED THIS GUIDE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
