Top 20 Lakes around Baelen
Best lakes around Baelen are situated near the Belgian Ardennes and the wider Liège province, offering diverse recreational opportunities. The region features a variety of lakes and reservoirs, from drinking water supplies to extensive man-made complexes. These natural and engineered bodies of water provide settings for various outdoor activities and offer distinct natural features.
Best lakes around Baelen
- The most popular lakes is Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam), a man-made monument that serves as the most important drinking water reservoir in Belgium. This beautifully situated lake offers trails for hiking or mountain biking around its perimeter.
- Another must-see spot is Robertville Dam, a man-made monument that serves as a starting point for walks in the surrounding area. Its surroundings lead to the nearby Reinhardstein Castle.
- Visitors also love Brackvenn Moor Lakes, a lake area within the High Fens region. These unique formations, often palsas or pingos, originated at the end of the last ice age and present a landscape that changes with each season.
- Baelen is known for its reservoirs, moor lakes, and large lake complexes. The area provides a variety of water bodies for different interests, from quiet natural settings to active aquatic sports hubs.
- The lakes around Baelen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2000 upvotes and over 800 photos shared.
Last updated: July 6, 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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Brackvenn Moor Lake
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Perlenbach Dam
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The Perlenbachtalsperre is located near Monschau in the Aachen region in North Rhine-Westphalia. On the west side of the lake is the federal highway 399, while on the east side of a hiking trail from the dam to the Höfener mill runs. The building dams the Perlenbach and serves the drinking water supply as well as the power generation by hydropower. The dam was completed in 1956 and is operated by the Wasserversorgungszweckverband Perlenbach.
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Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam)
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Tips from the Community
The navigable dam is a good starting point for numerous tours.
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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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There are several bog eyes along the wooden walkways, which are home to numerous species of dragonflies, among other things.
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The bog lakes are often Palsen, Pingos or Thufure. The water in the middle is called bog scour or bog eye.
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In autumn, the Brackvenn is the most colorful fen landscape in the Eupen area.
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Anyone who sees the beauty of the raised and low moors will never be able to let it go. The colors of the landscape, indeed the entire appearance of the High Fens, change dramatically every season. Even in winter - a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
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What is often called a lake in the Fens is often e.g. Palsas. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of outdoor activities can I enjoy around the lakes near Baelen?
The lakes near Baelen offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking around lakes like the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) and Robertville Dam. For water sports, Bütgenbach Lake is popular for windsurfing and kayaking, while the extensive Eau d'Heure Lakes complex provides options for kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing, sailing, and jet skiing. Land-based activities there include cycling and walking. You can also explore various mountain hikes, cycling routes, and running trails in the wider region.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Baelen?
Yes, several lakes cater to families. The Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) and Robertville Dam are noted as family-friendly highlights, offering easy walks. Warfaaz Lake, near Spa, has playgrounds and cafés, making it suitable for day-trippers with children. The Eau d'Heure Lakes complex is particularly family-friendly, with a vast array of aquatic and land-based activities, holiday accommodations, and restaurants.
What unique natural features can I discover around the lakes?
The region boasts unique natural features, particularly at the Brackvenn Moor Lakes within the High Fens. These are often 'palsas' or 'pingos,' geological formations from the last ice age, offering a breathtaking landscape that changes dramatically with each season. The peat layers in this area can be up to 7 meters deep, representing thousands of years of natural formation.
Which lakes are best for hiking or walking?
For hiking and walking, the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) offers good trails around its perimeter. The Robertville Dam is an excellent starting point for walks, including a path to the nearby Reinhardstein Castle. Perlenbach Dam, though closer to Monschau, has quiet hiking trails along its east side with beautiful views. Bütgenbach Lake features a 10 km hiking trail encircling it.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Baelen?
While many lakes are reservoirs or natural areas, the Eau d'Heure Lakes complex is explicitly mentioned as offering swimming opportunities, alongside a wide range of other aquatic activities. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local regulations regarding swimming, as some may be drinking water sources like the Weser Reservoir and Perlenbach Dam.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the surroundings of the Robertville Dam lead to the historic Reinhardstein Castle, offering a blend of nature and history. The Perlenbach Dam, near Monschau, is also close to the historic town of Monschau in Germany, known for its picturesque old town.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Baelen?
The beauty of the region's lakes, especially the Brackvenn Moor Lakes, changes dramatically with each season. Spring brings lush greenery, summer offers warm weather for water activities, autumn showcases vibrant colors, and even winter presents a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The choice depends on your preferred activities, from summer water sports to winter hiking in the High Fens.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
While specific regulations for each lake vary, many natural areas and hiking trails in Belgium are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or specific lake websites before visiting with your dog, especially in nature reserves like the High Fens where the Brackvenn Moor Lakes are located.
Are there facilities like cafes or accommodation near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes offer facilities. Warfaaz Lake, for instance, has cafés and playgrounds. The Eau d'Heure Lakes complex is well-equipped with holiday accommodations, restaurants, and even a hydrotherapy wellness center, making it a comprehensive destination for visitors seeking amenities alongside nature.
How accessible are the lakes, and is parking available?
Most major lakes and reservoirs in the region, such as the Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) and Robertville Dam, are generally accessible by car with parking facilities available nearby. For specific details on public transport or accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges, it's recommended to consult local tourism information for each specific lake.
What makes the Eau d'Heure Lakes complex a special destination?
The Eau d'Heure Lakes complex is the largest man-made body of water in Belgium, recognized as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). It comprises five lakes with 600 hectares of water and 67 km of shoreline. It's a hub for extensive aquatic activities like kayaking, windsurfing, and jet skiing, alongside land-based sports. The area also features comprehensive amenities including accommodations, restaurants, and a wellness center, making it a versatile holiday spot. You can find more information on Visit Wallonia.
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