🌿 The High Fens (Hautes Fagnes): Belgium’s Mysterious Wilderness Above the Clouds
Hidden on the misty plateau between Belgium and Germany lies one of Europe’s most hauntingly beautiful landscapes — the High Fens, or Hautes Fagnes (French) / Hohes Venn (German). Stretching across the provinces of Liège and Eupen, this vast expanse of bogs, moors, and forests is unlike anywhere else in Belgium. It’s a place where silence reigns, where mist dances over amber grasses, and where every season paints a new masterpiece on the canvas of nature.
🏞️ A Land Sculpted by Time and Water
The High Fens form part of the Eifel-Ardennes range, rising to Belgium’s highest point — the Signal de Botrange (694 meters). What makes the region so unique is its peat bog ecosystem, one of the last and largest in Western Europe. Over thousands of years, rainfall and poor drainage turned this high plateau into a wetland paradise, preserving an extraordinary array of plant and animal life.
Walking through the fens feels almost otherworldly — wooden boardwalks stretch over marshy ground, and the wind carries the scent of moss, pine, and wild heather. It’s both raw and peaceful — a place where you can truly disconnect.
🌸 Nature and Biodiversity: A Living Museum
The High Fens are protected as part of the Parc Naturel Hautes Fagnes–Eifel, a cross-border nature park shared by Belgium and Germany. It’s home to countless rare and endangered species.
🌿 Flora
The boglands are dominated by sphagnum moss, heather, bog cotton, and blueberries. In spring and summer, carpets of purple flowers and delicate grasses ripple in the wind — while autumn brings a blaze of gold and crimson across the fens.
🐦 Fauna
Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat. The High Fens provide refuge to:
- Black grouse and hen harriers, elusive birds that thrive in the quiet moorlands
- Wild boars, red deer, and foxes in the surrounding forests
- And, if you’re lucky, you might hear the haunting call of the European nightjar at dusk
Every ecosystem here is delicately balanced, and strict conservation efforts ensure the area remains untouched by mass tourism.
🚶♂️ Hiking in the High Fens: Trails for Every Adventurer
For hikers, the High Fens are paradise. With hundreds of kilometers of marked trails, there’s something for every level of fitness — from relaxed boardwalk strolls to challenging climbs over rugged terrain.
Some of the most popular routes include:
1. Signal de Botrange Trail
- Length: 8–12 km
- Highlight: The “Roof of Belgium” — climb the stone tower for sweeping views over the misty plateau.
2. Baraque Michel Loop
- Length: 10–15 km
- Highlight: Historic chapel, panoramic moor views, and birdwatching points.
3. Polleur and Bayehon Valley
- Length: 12 km
- Highlight: Waterfalls, dense forest, and lush valleys — a perfect contrast to the open fens above.
Many trails feature wooden walkways designed to protect the fragile peat ecosystem while giving visitors access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe.
🏡 Villages and Local Culture
Scattered around the High Fens are charming villages that seem frozen in time — each with its own personality and story.
Eupen
A bilingual town where German and French cultures meet. It’s known for its historic center, friendly locals, and excellent food.
Robertville and Malmedy
These towns serve as gateways to the park. Robertville’s lake is perfect for kayaking or picnics, while Malmedy offers cozy cafés and bakeries — try the “tarte au riz” (rice tart), a local specialty.
Spa
Yes, the famous Spa! Just a short drive away, this elegant town gave its name to wellness centers worldwide. After a hike, a thermal bath in Spa is the perfect way to relax.