Highlights:
River valley of the Warche
Wilde panoramas over the Belgian Eifel landscape
Lakes of Bütgenbach and Robertville
Malmedy, small tourist town
Included in the price
- 2 overnight stays with breakfast in 2 hotels
- 2 evening meals
- 2 packed lunches
- hiking maps + descriptions of the route
- baggage transport
- taxi
- documentation
Day 1: Malmedy – Bütgenbach (22 km)
It's a well-known fact that many things are in the eye of the beholder, but it would hardly be an exaggeration to say that this stage is the most exciting on GR 56. At least, that is certainly the case when the route offers narrow, unspoilt paths along a ridge and really deep views into narrow valleys. The whole thing is peppered with unique nature experiences and cultural and historical attractions. That's the recipe for really great hiking. It's a little bit strenuous, too, but there's another refreshing lake coming up as a reward!
In Robertville itself, there's something going on the whole year round. The long established, traditional village fêtes are very much to be recommended. With one of its backwaters, the reservoir has its northern boundary right close to the place it got its name from, the town of Robertville. The walk goes along the southern shore of the lake, which wends its way through the valley. This mixture of being very close to the water while experiencing quaint trails and tranquil spaces is very delightful. Of course, that does make it rather tempting to sit down here and take a rest there.
However, taking one's leave of this charming lake is made a little bit easier by the knowledge that there's another reservoir in Bütgenbach to gladden the hearts of all those hikers who love water. To get there, just follow the easy paths along the unspoilt Warche. By contrast, good footwear is called for on the section from Plattenberg to Weywertz, because there's coarse gravel to be tackled there.
Day 2: Bütgenbach – Losheimergraben (19 km)
The narrow Warche valley lies embedded in the charming landscape near the well-known High Fens. The attractive town of Bütgenbach, first mentioned as early as the 9th century, borders directly on the reservoir with a popular leisure centre. In the town itself, visitors find 'Herba Sana', one of the largest European medicinal plant gardens, very inspiring. By the lake, you go past rare meadows with narcissi, before following the graceful Warche through its valley. Via the panoramic meadows of Belgium's highest region, Büllingen soon comes into view. Then, there are more wide-open fields along the way to Honsfeld. Via an enchanting wood you then reach the Belgian-German border.
