Hiking the High Fens: 6 Starting Points and Where to Stay

Where is the best place to start hiking in the High Fens?

The best starting points for hiking in the High Fens are Signal de Botrange, Baraque Michel, Mont Rigi and Ovifat. From Brussels, the drive takes about two hours, depending on traffic. Convenient places to stay are Waimes, Malmedy, Spa, Jalhay and Butgenbach.

The High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) are the largest raised bog in Belgium, on a plateau well above six hundred metres. The weather turns quickly here, the paths are partly wet, and the horizon is often misty or, just as often, wide open. Your choice of starting point and accommodation makes a real difference. If you stay close to the start, you are on the trail quickly and can plan around the weather. Below you will find the starting points, a selection of routes, the seasons and holiday homes nearby.

What makes hiking in the High Fens different from the rest of the Ardennes

A typical Ardennes walk goes through forests and valleys, with plenty of climbing and descending. In the High Fens, you walk across an open plateau. The peat lies on the bedrock like a wet sponge, and in many places wooden boardwalks carry the path over the bog. You will see purple moor grass, cotton grass, heather and scattered pines and birches. Here and there are small remnants of old stream valleys and patches of land where peat was once cut.

Belgium's highest point is here: Signal de Botrange, at 694 metres. That may not sound like much, but on the plateau it feels cool and windy, even when the weather in Liège is mild. In every season, expect a few degrees less than in the valley.

The area is protected and is part of the cross-border High Fens-Eifel Nature Park. Access rules apply in the nature reserve, and parts of it can be closed when the fire risk is high. After the wildfire of August 2026, some walking routes were still not fully accessible in September. So check just before you set off, at the Botrange nature centre or the local tourist offices, which paths are open, and follow the instructions on site. For a general overview, see also the Wikipedia page on the High Fens.

Bringing your dog to the High Fens

A dog that is welcome in your holiday home is not automatically allowed on every path nearby. Since 9 March 2026, a decree of the Walloon Government sorts the paths of the reserve into categories. On some of them, dogs on a lead are allowed. On others, dogs are banned altogether, and walking there at night is not allowed either. Which path falls into which category is shown on a map published by the Walloon Region. Ask at the Botrange nature centre before you set off and follow the signs on site.

The best starting points for hiking in the High Fens

Signal de Botrange

This is the best-known starting point, in the municipality of Waimes. There is a large car park, a nature centre explaining the bog, and a café-restaurant. Several waymarked loops start here, including the walk through the Fagne de la Poleûr, which you can also start from Mont Rigi or Baraque Michel. At weekends and during the summer holidays it gets busy, so arrive early.

Baraque Michel

The old inn, at about 675 metres, stands at a crossroads of roads and paths. It is a classic start for a longer hike, towards Mont Rigi or to the small chapel nearby. There is a café-restaurant and a car park, but space is limited. On fine days, cars line the verge.

Mont Rigi

Mont Rigi is a starting point for walks around the Fagne de la Poleûr. When there is enough snow, there are also cross-country skiing options in the area. Check beforehand which routes and trails are open.

Ovifat

Ovifat lies on the southern edge of the plateau, between Botrange and Robertville. It is a good start for walks around Robertville and its lake, and from here you quickly reach the starting points on the plateau. From Ovifat you can walk along the southern edge of the High Fens and around the lake of Robertville.

Hockai and Jalhay

On the western side, towards Spa, you start from Hockai or around Jalhay. The countryside here is a little more wooded, with paths along the Hoëgne and through the Fagne de Malchamps. It is a good choice on windy days, because the paths are more sheltered.

Sourbrodt

Sourbrodt lies close to the plateau and is a quiet base for anyone who would rather not start in the crowds. From the village, waymarked routes lead on to join the reserve's path network.

Routes and walks not to miss

You do not need to be a marathon walker to get to know the area. A few options, from short to long:

• The Fagne de la Poleûr: a waymarked loop (green rectangle with a deer) that you can start from Mont Rigi, Signal de Botrange or Baraque Michel. The East Belgium tourism office rates it as easy, with little climbing. The length depends on where you start, so check it on the map. Check before you set off whether the full loop is accessible.
• Baraque Michel towards the Croix des Fiancés: half a day, with both fen and stretches of forest. Bring rain gear.
• Ovifat and Robertville: quiet walks on the southern edge of the plateau, with the lake of Robertville nearby.
• Hockai and the Hoëgne: a walk with more forest and stream valleys, handy in bad weather.
• Longer hikes of ten to twenty kilometres: combine two starting points, for example Botrange and Baraque Michel, and arrange a pick-up or bring a second car.

Most routes follow waymarking with numbered signs. Download a map before you go, because mobile coverage on the plateau is patchy. A paper map from the nature centre is still the most reliable option.

In wet weather the fen gets slippery, boardwalks included. Waterproof shoes with good grip are not a luxury, especially in spring and autumn.

Where to stay around the High Fens

Hikers in the High Fens usually choose between four bases, each with its own character.

Waimes and Sourbrodt are closest to Botrange and Mont Rigi. You are often only a few minutes' drive from your starting point, which makes a big difference when the weather is changeable. The surroundings are rural and quiet, with few places to eat nearby.

Malmedy is a proper small town with shops, restaurants and a pleasant centre. It is a good choice if you hike during the day and want to eat out in the evening without driving far. From Malmedy you reach the plateau in about twenty minutes.

Spa and Jalhay are on the western side. Spa is known for its thermal baths, ideal if you want to unwind after a hike. Jalhay is more rural and more wooded.

Butgenbach lies south of the plateau, on its lake, and suits those who want to combine hiking with water sports or cycling. The drive to Botrange takes barely longer than from Malmedy.

If you are coming with a larger group, the area also has plenty of bigger houses. Have a look at the group accommodation. For what is available in the area itself, see the holiday homes in the High Fens.

Holiday homes in and around the High Fens

Refuge des Hautes Fagnes in Sourbrodt, province of Liège, is built for large groups: 24 guests across 6 bedrooms. With a private sauna, a garden, a terrace, a barbecue and both a washing machine and a dryer, it suits a group of friends or a family weekend where everyone wants dry clothes after a wet hike. There is also an EV charger. It is by far the largest property in this selection.

Chalet en Ardennes is near Xhoffraix (Malmedy), at 555 metres in the woods, on the edge of the nature reserve. The chalet sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, with a garden, a barbecue and an open fire or wood stove. One dog is welcome, which makes it the only property in this selection that accepts dogs. Do check before your hike whether your path allows dogs.

Les Bruyères in Waimes, the municipality of Signal de Botrange, is a holiday home for 9 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It has a private sauna, a wood stove, a games room with table tennis and table football, a garden and a terrace. Dogs are not allowed.

Au Coq et Fagnes La Fagne in Jalhay, province of Liège, is a smaller option for 4 guests with 1 bedroom, in a wooded setting. A high chair and a cot are provided, so it suits a couple or a young family. You have a garden, a terrace, a barbecue and an open fire or wood stove for the evenings after a cold day on the fen.

Looking for something else, for example for two or for nine people? Then browse the full range of holiday homes in the Ardennes.

When to go and practical tips

Each season has its own character, and not every one is equally comfortable.

Spring: in May and June the cotton grass flowers and its white tufts lie over the fen like snow. It is still cool then, especially in the morning.

Summer: the paths are at their easiest, but it is busy, especially at Botrange. In August and early September the heather turns purple. Book well ahead, because the large houses go quickly.

Autumn: golden grass, low sun and fewer people. The days are shorter and the weather changes quickly, so set off in good time.

Winter: when there is snow, the plateau turns white and wintry. With enough snow, you can go cross-country skiing on specially opened trails. Check beforehand which winter activities are possible and which paths remain accessible. The weather can turn quickly and some roads are difficult to drive. An open fire or a sauna in your holiday home is especially welcome then.

Practical tips: getting there by public transport is awkward. You usually travel via Verviers or Eupen and then take a bus. A car is much more convenient. Always bring rain gear and an extra jumper, even in summer.

Booking: the price depends on the period, the length of stay and the property. The current price and availability are shown on each property page. For school holidays, Easter and long weekends, book at least a few months ahead. If you are flexible, you will find more choice outside the high season. More general tips are in the complete guide to renting a holiday home in Belgium.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a stay near the High Fens cost?

That depends on the period, the length of stay and the property. The current price and availability are shown on each property page.

When is the best time to hike in the High Fens?

May and June for the flowering cotton grass, August and early September for the purple heather. Autumn is the quietest season.

How far are the High Fens from Brussels?

By car, allow about two hours from Brussels to Botrange or Mont Rigi, a little more from Antwerp and around two and a half hours from Ghent. Traffic around Liège often makes the difference.

Is hiking in the High Fens suitable for children?

Yes, on the short routes. The East Belgium tourism office rates the Fagne de la Poleûr loop as easy, with little climbing. For longer hikes, the fen is too wet and the wind too strong for small children.

Can I bring my dog to the High Fens?

It depends on the path. On some paths, dogs on a lead are allowed, on others they are banned. A dog that is welcome in your holiday home cannot automatically come everywhere. Before you set off, ask at the Botrange nature centre which paths are open to dogs. Properties where your dog can stay are listed among the dog-friendly holiday homes.

What is the best starting point for a first hike?

Signal de Botrange is a good starting point for a first hike, with parking and walking options nearby. There is, for example, an easy 5.3-kilometre route from Botrange. Check beforehand whether the route you choose is fully accessible. Mont Rigi is another possible starting point.

Where should I stay if I want to hike every day?

Waimes, Sourbrodt and Malmedy are closest to the most popular starting points. Spa and Jalhay are a good choice if you also want to relax or prefer to start on the western side.

What should I bring for a hike on the fen?

Waterproof hiking boots, rain gear, an extra jumper and something to drink. There are few places to eat along the paths, and the weather can change quickly. A paper map is a good backup next to your phone.

Are the High Fens accessible all year round?

Not always. When the fire risk is high, during nature management work or because of other safety measures, parts of the fen may be temporarily closed. Check just before you set off which walking routes are accessible and follow the instructions on site.