Wirtzfeld Landschaftsrahmen 01(c)eastbelgium

More than just chips, chocolates and beer

East Belgium as an experience can't be described in just a few words. Just like its traditions, its languages and spectacles of nature, the essence of this holiday region has many aspects. You can find out here what makes it so unique.

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Typical East Belgium

There are many factors that make East Belgium and its inhabitants so special. The holiday region between the Eifel and the Ardennes is thought of as the 'roof of Belgium', which is why it is often considered to be the 'mountain region' within the Belgian borders. And that is something very few of the inhabitants would argue with, for as far as conviviality, hospitality and awareness of tradition go, the inhabitants of East Belgium are not inferior to those of the Alpine regions in any way at all.

The people are particularly proud of the nature and landscape with the unique moor plateau of the High Fens. That also includes many valleys, streams, rivers and lakes, which deliver vital energy and are therefore the subject of special protection. The flowering of the narcissi is a unique natural spectacle in the spring, as is the rutting of the stags in the autumn. Many wild animals are at home in these expansive wooded regions, the area of which is some 45,000 hectares (111,000 acres).

Borders have always played an important role here, and that has led to a situation in which the inhabitants have a command of many languages and thus also a high degree of cultural understanding. Traditions such as carnival, fairs and Christmas markets are upheld with affection here. Guests are very welcome. The people of East Belgium are proud of the products made here in the region. Of course these include typical Belgian products such as beer, chocolate, waffles and pralines, but also unique natural products such as trout, Ardennes ham and honey, which are made here with particular diligence and pride.

East Belgium has many fascinating aspects. Many of them are just waiting to be discovered.

Hohes Venn Signale de Botrange 02(c)eastbelgium

Nature & landscape

Welcome to the 'roof of Belgium'

At 694 metres, the Signal de Botrange in the nature park of the High Fens is the highest point in Belgium. The nature and landscape of East Belgium also include the five largest inland bodies of water in the country. Unique in the Eifel-Ardennes region are the beech hedges trimmed to form walls on the fringe of the High Fens. East Belgium's wealth of natural and cultural landscapes has lots of surprises in store.

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Ternell Kraeuterwanderung H©Oliver Raatz Interreg EFRE (51)

Spring, the time of awakening

Experience the spring

Spring awakens all the senses again and nature makes you want to move and get some fresh air. It's time to go outside! East Belgium is getting ready for you, whether it's to explore the hiking trails, take an extensive bike ride, admire the diverse nature, enjoy the pleasures of fishing and gastronomy or enjoy the events and traditions of this special season.

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Lontzen Hohnbachtal Narzissenbluehte 01(c)Loni Liebermann

Daffodil season

A unique spectacle of nature

The valleys of the streams in the Eifel and Ardennes region are home to some of the most important last refuges of the wild daffodil and many narcissus meadows. In the spring, in April and May, these dazzling flowers, with over ten million blossoms, provide a unique spectacle of nature. Many guided walks take visitors to the best observation points.

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Experience the autumn

Where the wild stags roar

In autumn, nature has a lot to offer. For example, colourful forests invite you to take a relaxing walk or a bike ride. For all explorers, it is the time of nature's spectacles.

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Languages and borders

Where Belgian conviviality and German reliability blend

East Belgium is at the interface of several countries and linguistic and cultural regions. Language, the location and neighbourhood influences have come to form a very special identity within this region. Be that as it may, a generous shot of ('French') conviviality rounds off the image of the typical inhabitant of East Belgium.

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Malmedy Weihnachtsbeleuchtung Place Albert Ier 01(c)eastbelgium

Christmas magic

A fixture at Advent

For many people, Christmas is the nicest time of the year. In East Belgium, the Christmas markets are a fixture at Advent. There's a great selection of best-quality gingerbread, printen (a special kind of gingerbread cookie), spiced biscuits and glühwein at East Belgium's Christmas markets. The nearness to Germany, the land of traditional Christmas markets, in sure to be one of the reasons why this custom has been able to establish itself here.

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Kelmis Rosenmontag 13(c)Ostbelgien Direkt

Carnival

Celebrate in accordance with the traditions of the Rhineland or Wallonia

Whether it's the tradition of the Rhineland or that of Wallonia – in East Belgium carnival is celebrated by locals and visitors alike with great elan and in colourful costume. It's worth your while to visit the region in springtime during these colourful processions, because the people of East Belgium love celebrating and letting guests take part in their traditions.

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Baugnez Museum Baugnez'44 02(c)Baugnez'44

War history

A look back at a long, very changeable history

Because of its location in the border country between Belgium and Germany, and at the interface of several different linguistic and cultural areas, East Belgium can look back on a long and very changeable history. The First and above all the Second World War left deep marks in the landscape and, most of all, in the consciousness of the inhabitants. Many of those marks are still visible today.

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