The municipality of Raeren
Craft, culture and landscape in perfect harmony
Raeren is known far beyond its borders for its long tradition of pottery. As far back as the 16th and 17th centuries, fine stoneware was crafted here and found its way to the remotest corners of Europe. Today, the renowned Pottery Museum – housed in the impressive Raeren Castle – bears witness to this artisan heritage. The medieval moated castle is an architectural gem in its own right and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's eventful history.
Alongside its rich cultural heritage, Raeren also has much to offer nature lovers. Numerous well-marked walking trails wind through the surrounding forests, fields and idyllic valleys. Particularly charming are the paths that meander through the characteristic meadow landscape, linked by traditional stiles.
Another special place is the former Raeren railway station. It recalls the era when the railway connected the village to the wider world and is today a popular starting point for walks and cycle rides along the former railway tracks, now transformed into the Vennbahn cycling route.
Informations
Further information:
Municipality of Raeren
Hauptstrasse 26
B-4730 Raeren
Tel.: +32 (0) 87 86 69 40
Fax: +32 (0) 87 85 11 69
[email protected]
www.raeren.be
Excursion destinations
Accommodation & Restaurants
Pictures & Video
FAQ
Raeren is situated to the north-west of Eupen, close to the German border near Aachen.
Car parks are available in the village centre and at the start of walking trails, including along the Ravel route.
The municipality of Raeren has several cafés, restaurants and inns. More information: https://www.raeren-tourismus.be/angebotcat/essen/
The Raeren Tourist Information Office is located in Raeren Castle, which also houses the Pottery Museum.
The easiest way to reach the municipality of Raeren by public transport is to take the train to Eupen and change there onto bus 14 towards Aachen (via Eynatten) or bus 722 towards Lichtenbusch (via Raeren).
Several villages in the municipality are served by bus routes, though not all of them. If you are travelling by public transport, we recommend checking your connections on letec.be before setting off.
Please note: bicycles cannot be taken on buses.
Bus routes serving the municipality of Raeren:
- 14: Eupen – Eynatten – Aachen (DE)
- 722: Eupen – Raeren – Eynatten – Lichtenbusch
Public toilets are available at several locations, including at the Bahnhofscafe at the former railway station of Raeren:
- Raeren, Hauptstr. 26
- Eynatten, An der Kirche / Aachener Str.
- Hauset, Kirchstr. 97
TEC tickets: via the TEC app, at ticket machines or sales points, or from the driver. SNCB tickets: via the app, at a ticket machine, or at the ticket office.
Several taxi companies operate in the area: https://fahrmit.be/mobilitaetsloesungen/auto/taxiunternehmen/
Tip: book your taxi in advance to ensure a driver is available.
- Emergency number: 112
- Nearest A&E: St. Nikolaus Hospital Eupen
The municipality of Raeren offers a wealth of things to discover for young and old alike! Here are 3 suggestions that might interest you: Raeren is renowned for its long pottery tradition. At Raeren Castle, home to the pottery museum, you can immerse yourself in this craft. The viewpoint indicator offers wide-reaching views across the surroundings. A visit to the Radermacher distillery rounds off the experience with a taste of regional flavour.
Raeren impresses with its nature-rich and varied hikes. Pleasure Tours 19 and 22 guide you through peaceful landscapes with beautiful views. The Raeren nature trail is particularly well-suited for getting to know the local flora and fauna. Moreover, the Venntrilogie also passes through the area, taking you on a journey through 3 different landscapes of the High Fens.
Raeren impresses with varied routes between forest and rolling hills. The Ovelo route along the Weser offers a relaxed tour through the Hertogenwald forest. For the sporty, the MTB tour Lontzen–Hauset–Walhorn is ideal. The MTB tour Raeren East-Hertogenwald additionally takes you through challenging and nature-rich passages. Moreover, the Vennbahn runs through Raeren – a 125 km asphalted route with plenty of nature and gentle inclines.