When the red flag is hoisted in the High Fens, this means that access to the High Fens is closed from this point onwards. The reasons for this kind of closure can range from fire hazard and floods to nature conservation measures, e.g. the protection of the breeding seasons of various animals. In winter, the High Fens can also be closed due to high slipping risk because of snow and ice.
The red flag summarises all these possible scenarios and warns of danger. Anyone who enters the High Fens when the red flag is hoisted will be fined €250 per person.
Check the flag status in advance
In addition to the red flag being hoisted on site, you can also find the information about hazards in the High Fens online. The websites www.botrange.be and www.hohesvenn.eu provide information on current closures in the High Fens. The corresponding closed zones are also displayed in the hiking route planner and in the cycle route planner on ostbelgien.eu.
Anyone wishing to enter the High Fens can therefore check in advance whether access is permitted. Nevertheless, a red flag hoisted on site is always authoritative.
Rainy and yet dry
Despite 202 days of rainfall a year and a fog-shrouded, mystical atmosphere, the uppermost vegetation layers in the High Fens can easily catch fire in dry periods. When the dry weather persists for a longer period of time, the peat in the soil can also catch fire, which can dramatically damage the habitat of the High Fens. A single discarded cigarette is enough to cause a devastating Fen fire.
Therefore, it is important to be considerate of nature, even if the High Fens are accessible: please make sure to never throw away cigarette butts carelessly and don’t start a campfire under any circumstances. Carelessness can quickly lead to a fire, which then endangers both nature and hikers.
Contact us
For further tourist information, please contact the House for Tourism High Fens - East Belgium via info@ostbelgien.eu or +32 80 33 02 50.