Border-hopping by bike: the Vennbahn celebrates 10 years
Christoph Hendrich, projectleader Vennbahn: I have chosen Bütgenbach as my starting point. It is centrally located in East Belgium, a few kilometres from the High Fens. The town, with its lake, is also about half way along the Vennbahn. This disused railway line was converted 10 years ago into an asphalted path for cyclists and walkers. It runs for 125 km and, along its course, crosses national borders (more than) 14 times.
The name Vennbahn refers to the High Fens (Hohes Venn in German), the nature reserve which the track skirts around in its northern section. The complete route goes from Aachen (in Germany) through East Belgium to Troisvierges (in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) –125 km of cycling fun in three countries! Those who want to add a Netherlands badge to their cap can start in Vaals, a few kilometres from Aachen… The Vennbahn is free of motorised traffic, so you can concentrate your gaze upon the beautiful landscapes and valleys, as you glide past forests, meadows and villages. What bliss!
Text: Ostbelgien.eu Photos: Ostbelgien.eu