Top 20 Lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park
Best lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park are found within a diverse landscape of moors, forests, and streams, straddling Belgium and Germany. This region features various aquatic environments, including reservoirs and ancient moor lakes. These areas provide opportunities for recreation, nature observation, and appreciating unique natural phenomena. The park's lakes offer a range of activities and picturesque scenery for visitors.
Best lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park
- The most popular lakes is Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre), a man-made reservoir that offers great trails for hiking or mountain biking. It is known for its panoramic views and serves as an important drinking water reservoir.
- Another must-see spot is Robertville Dam, a man-made monument. This dam is a good starting point for walks in the surroundings, including routes that lead to nearby historical sites.
- Visitors also love Brackvenn Moor Lakes, distinctive natural lakes formed at the end of the last ice age. These unique moor lakes are part of an exceptional biotope, characterized by peat mounds and specific plant life.
- Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park is known for its large reservoirs, such as the Eupen Reservoir, and ancient moor lakes. The region offers a variety of aquatic environments to explore, from expansive dammed waters to unique peatland formations.
- The lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2000 upvotes and over 800 photos shared across 74 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Robertville Dam
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Brackvenn Moor Lakes
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The palsen or pingos in the High Fens were formed around 10,000 to 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. When the ground froze deep down during the cold winters of the Ice Age, the wet ground expanded and frost mounds developed. Over the years these mounds grew and the soil material that was on top slid down the sides of the mounds and over time formed a ring-shaped wall around the mound of frost. With the end of the ice age, the ice melted, the frost mound sagged and the wall was preserved. The water in the middle is called bog scour or bog eye.
Source: euregio-im-bild.de/fotos/palsen-im-brackvenn-bei-m-tzenich.html
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Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam)
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Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre)
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Gileppe Dam Lion
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Tips from the Community
The navigable dam is a good starting point for numerous tours.
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The Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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This work of art, made from granite, was the first of its kind in Belgium. The dam was built between 1867 and 1875. Between 1967 and 1971 it was consolidated and the capacity of the reservoir was increased to 26.4 million m³ of water. The lake is fed by the Gileppe, the Louba and the Soor. Two 75m high collection towers direct the water to turbines. The famous Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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At this point there is a larger moor lake, which makes a nice photo motif, especially in fog. Above this, this moor lake is regularly visited by waterfowl such as wild ducks. If there are few people on the jetties and you approach the lake(s) quietly, there is a high probability that the animals will not be startled and scared away.
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The peat that can be found everywhere in the bog and fen areas is the result of a process of incomplete decomposition. Usually, dead plants are gradually decomposed by small animals (such as earthworms), bacteria and fungi. This process applies to well-drained soils. On impervious acidic soils that do not contain many bacteria and in humid climates, plants such as peat moss are only partially decomposed. Their superimposition forms the peat layer. This peat layer can be up to 7 m in certain places here in the Brackvenn. 1 mm layer of peat takes 1 year to form. With a peat layer of 7 m, for example, we are talking about a period of 7,000 years.
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The Lac d'Eupen is a lake near Eupen Kettenis (Wallonia). The lake can be reached from the surrounding towns of Eupen (about 4 km from the lake), Eupen (4 km away) and Raeren (about 7 km away). Lac d'Eupen is located in the catchment area of Eupen, which is around 4 kilometers from the lake.
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There are some beautiful mountain bike trails along the dam, so a visit to the dam is worthwhile. During our visit in mid-November 2022, I found it shocking how empty the dam was 🤔
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Beautiful view of the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I discover around the lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park?
The region is home to distinctive natural formations, such as the Brackvenn Moor Lakes. These unique moor lakes, often referred to as 'Palsas,' were formed at the end of the last ice age and are part of an exceptional biotope characterized by ancient peat mounds and specific plant life. The peat layers can be up to 7 meters thick, representing thousands of years of natural history.
Are there any historical landmarks or significant structures associated with the lakes?
Yes, the Gileppe Dam is one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful dam walls, crowned by a distinctive sandstone lion. It features a pedestrian walkway with informative boards. The Robertville Dam also serves as a starting point for walks that lead to nearby historical sites.
Which lakes are best for family-friendly activities?
Both the Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) and the Gileppe Dam offer excellent options for families. The Eupen Reservoir has a large playground and even a climbing wall available at specific times. The Gileppe Dam features well-developed tourist infrastructure and serves as a starting point for numerous family-friendly hiking trails.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes provide a fantastic setting for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and mountain biking around the Eupen Reservoir, or find serene spots for wild swimming at the Lake of Robertville. The unique moor lakes in areas like the Brackvenn are also great for quiet wildlife observation, especially for waterfowl.
Are there hiking trails available around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes in the region, such as the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam), offer excellent trails for hiking. The circumnavigation of the Eupen Dam is particularly recommended for its scenic views. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring guides like Hiking in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park and Easy hikes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
The Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) area offers good gastronomy where you can comfortably enjoy the view with a coffee. Similarly, the Gileppe Dam has a lookout tower with a restaurant on the upper floor, providing fantastic views.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park?
The region's landscape, especially around the moors and fens, changes dramatically with each season. While beautiful year-round, the unique colors and appearance of the High Fens are particularly striking, even in winter. For specific activities like wild swimming, warmer months would be ideal, while hiking can be enjoyed in spring, summer, and autumn.
Can I go wild swimming in any of the lakes?
Yes, the Lake of Robertville is known for offering a serene environment for visitors looking to engage in water-based activities, including wild swimming.
Are there any easy walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy walking paths. For example, the Brackvenn Moor Lakes offer boardwalks and easy loops, such as the 'Boardwalks through the Brackvenn' route. Many dam circumnavigations, like that of the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam), are also suitable for easy walks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful scenery, the well-maintained trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the unique natural formations like the moor lakes. The panoramic views from spots like the Eupen Reservoir and the historical significance of structures like the Gileppe Dam are also highly appreciated. The overall tranquility and diverse recreational opportunities are key draws.
Is it possible to observe wildlife, especially birds, near the lakes?
Yes, the distinctive moor lakes in areas like the Brackvenn Moor Lakes are regularly visited by waterfowl such as wild ducks, offering excellent opportunities for quiet wildlife observation.
Are there any specific circular walks recommended around the lakes?
The circumnavigation of the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) is a popular and worthwhile circular walk, known for its beautiful views. Many other circular routes can be found in the region, often starting from the dams and reservoirs.
Most popular routes in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park
Most popular attractions in Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park
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