I have further questions – who can I reach out to?

East Belgium Tourist Agency: info@ostbelgien.eu or +32 80 22 76 64 (weekend: +32 80 33 02 50). VisitWallonia: info@visitwallonia.be or +32 81 84 41 00

Fire in the High Fens nature reserve

The fire is under control, but closures remain in place across the High Fens area. We urge you to respect these closures.

You can find the affected area in our route planner: ostbelgien.eu/en/walking/hiking-route-planner

Here are the current restrictions for the main routes in East Belgium:

Vennbahn: The entire itinerary of the Vennbahn from Aachen to Troisvierges is now open again, and accommodation and restaurants along the way are looking forward to welcoming you back.
Venntrilogie: Stage 3 is closed as this stage passes through the area affected by the fire. Alternatives are provided here.
Stoneman Arduenna: The Stoneman Arduenna season 2026 ended on 15th of September. The next season will start on 15th of April 2027.

Mobility: All the roads crossing the High Fens are open again, but it is essential to respect the parking ban on both sides of the road. The official parking spaces are however open.

On the map below, you will find the area affected by the fire marked in blue and the area that remains closed as a precaution highlighted in red.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

FAQ

The fire has affected the High Fens nature reserve, particularly areas within the municipalities of Baelen, Jalhay and Waimes. Residential areas and buildings have remained unaffected.

The tourist accommodations in East Belgium are open and warmly welcome you to this holiday destination!

The air quality measurements in the region currently show the following readings (current data for the municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach):

Some areas remain closed following the fire in the High Fens, mainly the burnt area itself and several surrounding woodlands. However, west of the road N68 and north of the N67, official hiking trails are open again. Please follow local signage and instructions closely and refrain from any form of disaster tourism.

Read more about the activities that are currently possible in the High Fens on the following page: ostbelgien.eu/en/news/fiche/2026-08-27/hiking-in-the-high-fens-whats-currently-possible

Moreover, there's plenty to explore in East Belgium:

Pleasure tours (walks) in East Belgium: ostbelgien.eu/en/walking/pleasure-tours
Ovelo cycling routes: ostbelgien.eu/en/cycling/ovelo-itineraries
Mountain bike trails: ostbelgien.eu/en/cycling/mountain-bike
Excursion sites in the region: ostbelgien.eu/en/what-to-do/discover/all-activities
Accommodation in East Belgium: ostbelgien.eu/en/stay

With the exception of the closed areas on the High Fens plateau, most other routes remain accessible. On ostbelgien.eu, the inaccessible routes are marked as such. All others remain accessible.

Yes, most of it. Stages 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 can be hiked. Stage 3, however, is affected by and thus closed due to the fire.
For you to be able to still experience the atmosphere of this stage of the Venntrilogie, we would recommend these alternatives.

The entire itinerary of the Vennbahn from Aachen to Troisvierges is now open again, and accommodation and restaurants along the way are looking forward to welcoming you back.
Closures may still occur nearby the Vennbahn, though; we kindly ask you to please respect them.

The Stoneman Arduenna season 2026 ended on 15 September. The 2027 season, however, will begin on 15 April. so, now's the time to get ready.

Anyone wishing to support the restoration of the High Fens can do so through the "Together for the High Fens” solidarity fund, set up by the King Baudouin Foundation together with local organisations. The donations collected will go towards the ecological restoration of this unique natural heritage site, as well as the repair of the affected infrastructure.

Here's the donation link: https://donate.kbs-frb.be/actions/FFO-FDPNDW-HautesFagnes