Discover East Belgium via its trails
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Hiking in East Belgium
Discover East Belgium on foot: hiking in East Belgium means pure hiking pleasure in magnificent natural landscapes. The varied profiles of the Eifel-Ardennes region and the unique natural landscapes make sure you'll never get bored here.
The range includes challenging hikes along rivers and through hills in the conservation area of the High Fens, a moor landscape which is unique in Europe. The Our valley and the area around Sankt Vith offer wonderful panoramas and views. The image of the Land of Eupen and that of the Göhl valley in the north feature a more hilly landscape.
The Hertogenwald near Eupen is one of the largest and most beautiful woodland areas in Belgium; the perfect entry into the conservation area of the High Fens.
The junction node network of hiking trails extends to cover a length of 1,370 km and is signposted throughout. To plan hikes, an online tour planner (with app) is available. This way, walking tours can be put together quite easily and later be done offline. The network of long-distance hiking trails 'sentiers de grande randonnée' (GR) on challenging paths, some of which are ancient, offers a particularly large number of amenities for a relaxed walking holiday.
Accommodation is available in all areas and to suit everyone's expectations. The region is known for its great hospitality and the high quality of its catering. Yet, there's no reason why planning the trip should take a lot of time – the hiking tour amenities make that decision really easy. So all in all, the hiking region of East Belgium offers variety, pure nature, high-level catering and hiker-friendly hosts – welcome to diversity!
Frequently asked questions
Any questions ? Our experts have the answers.
As the name suggests, East Belgium lies in the east of Belgium, between the German Eifel and the Belgian Ardennes, an hour's drive from Liège. The region is a true paradise for nature lovers, who seek sweeping views and outdoor exploration on foot or by bike.
Yes. The network of over 1,300 km of signposted trails covers every profile: family walks of an hour through a valley, full-day loops through the High Fens, and multi-day long-distance hikes. The junction node system lets you easily plan your walk according to your needs and preferences. The hardest part is often deciding where to start.
The simplest option is to set off on one of the 26 Pleasure Tours (signposted loops). Covering between 5 and 20 km, these routes are well maintained, suited to a range of ability levels and showcase incredible views and landscapes.
If you are aiming for something more ambitious, the Venntrilogie (109 km in 6 stages) is the region's flagship trail. Beyond that, the online route planner lets you be your own guide and build your itinerary according to your abilities and time, with complete freedom to choose your starting point.
Three distinct landscapes in one compact region: with hedgerows and gentle hills in the north, raised bogs and heathland in the High Fens, and deep valleys and Ardennes panoramas in the south, along with the wooded meanders of the Our valley near the Luxembourg border.
The Venntrilogie is the region's flagship trail: 109 km in 6 stages, from the Three Borders Point near Kelmis to Bütgenbach, passing through Eupen, the Signal de Botrange (Belgium's highest point at 694 m) and Malmedy. It is one of the very few Belgian trails to be certified as a Leading Quality Trail by the European Ramblers' Association.
The region is accessible all year round. Spring through to autumn is the most popular time for walkers. Winter outings are also possible but require thorough preparation, particularly regarding frozen and slippery sections. Please note: the hunting season from September to December also calls for some precautions. The areas concerned are indicated in the hiking route planner, so always check your plans there before heading out.
The Kids on Tour routes are specially designed for families. Educational trails and treasure hunts (e.g. Totemus routes) also await you: short loops with puzzles and interactive information panels.
At every junction on the network, you will find an assigned number. To plan your route, you choose your preferred starting point and then the junctions you wish to pass through. When you click on those junction nodes on the map, your itinerary is created automatically, and the system displays the distance you have already planned. Once planning is complete, simply note down the chosen junction nodes and follow them, print out the map, or download the GPX track.
In the 9 German-speaking municipalities, the junction nodes are signposted on site. Elsewhere, the network is still provisional and only accessible in digital form via the online route planner and the NodeMapp Hike app.
In the High Fens nature reserve, access is only permitted on waymarked paths and boardwalks. Certain areas are off-limits for nature conservation reasons. In the event of a fire hazard, a red flag signals the closure of certain paths — entering these areas is then strictly forbidden.
Dogs must always be kept on a lead and are banned in certain zones (diversions are marked on site).
It is also recommended to wear sturdy footwear, carry enough to drink and bring a charged mobile phone (can be useful even though the network coverage is limited).
If you lose your way, always follow streams downhill. Emergency numbers: 101 or 112.
Via the free hiking route planner on ostbelgien.eu or the NodeMapp Hike app. You build your route on an interactive map by selecting as many junction nodes as you like, then export the GPX track or generate a PDF of your map for printing.