Attractions and Places To See around Aubel - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aubel include a blend of historic monuments, quaint villages, and lush natural landscapes. This charming town, nestled in the heart of Verviers, Belgium, is characterized by its green and peaceful countryside, picturesque landscapes, and orchards. The region offers a variety of attractions, from ancient abbeys to scenic valleys, providing opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Aubel
- The most popular attractions is Geuldal Valley, a river that features a beautiful stretch over wide meadows along the meandering Geul. It offers a varied landscape, making it a recommended natural river experience.
- Another must-see spot is Epen Fulling Mill, a man-made monument. This renovated mill, with its accessible courtyard, showcases waterwheel mills characteristic of the area.
- Visitors also love Hohnbach Valley, a river known for its unique yellow calamine violet flowers, which thrive in specific soil conditions. The valley offers super beautiful and versatile ways to explore.
- Aubel is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and natural features. Visitors can explore ancient abbeys, charming villages, and scenic natural areas.
- The attractions around Aubel are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1900 upvotes and over 670 photos shared.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Epen Fulling Mill
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Forest Café 't Hijgend Hert
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Geuldal Valley
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Hohnbach Valley
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Loorberg Climb
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Open 365 days a year, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Very good food, very friendly service despite the busy times.
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The fulling mill in Epen, located in the province of Limburg, is a historic building that played an important role in the textile industry. This mill, also known as the "Eper Volmolen," was used for the fulling of fabrics, which means that the fabrics were treated to make them denser and stronger. This process was essential for the production of high-quality textiles.
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The Geuldal is a valley in the Belgian German-speaking Community, the Belgian province of Liège and the Dutch province of Limburg. The valley forms the catchment area of the Geul and its tributaries. The area is characterised by large differences in altitude. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geuldal
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The Calvary Chapel stands on the northern end of a low ridge on which Kuttingen is located and which forms the division between the Terzieterbeek valley and the Geuldal. About 100 meters to the west the Terzieterbeek flows, about 50 meters to the east the Geul flows and about 200 meters to the north the first stream flows into the other at the Volmolen. The chapel itself is located on the Smidsberg (which continues up the ridge) near the intersection of this road with the Plaatweg.
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The Volmolen was part of the Vaals cloth industry. Due to the location of the mill on the Geul, a lot of water was available for fulling, the felting of wool. There was no such large amount of water in the Vaals area. Fulling improves the quality of woven woolen fabric. The substance is placed in large oak tubs, which are filled with a mixture of full earth (a type of clay), linseed oil, rancid butter, urine and water. Pestlers, powered by the water power of the Geul, flatten the fabric. Fourteen hours later the woolen sheets have become felty, rougher and stronger. The urine and rancid butter required for fulling were discharged into the Geul after use. It is therefore not surprising that the Volmolen was built outside the village center of Epen! Around 1780, the Volmolen was converted into a grain mill. The grain that is milled today by volunteer millers comes from natural fields and goes to an organic livestock farm. The complex is located between the Geul and a dug mill branch. Water is pushed up in the mill branch to increase the gradient of the water at the water wheel. The buildings, a mill house and a farm with attached barns, surround a courtyard.
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Nice climb, from this climb you can continue to Camerig and Vaals, or in the other direction towards Kruisberg, Eyserboswes
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The most famous building in the Geuldal is probably the Volmolen near Epen. The mill was part of the Vaals cloth industry. Due to the location of the mill on the Geul, a lot of water was available for fulling, the felting of wool. There was no such large amount of water in the Vaals area. Quelle: https://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/natuurbanden/geuldal/monument/de-volmolen-epen
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Open to the public every first Saturday of the month from April 2023 with explanations from volunteers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical or cultural sites can I visit in Aubel?
Aubel offers several historical and cultural sites. The ancient Abbaye du Val-Dieu is a significant landmark, showcasing centuries-old architecture. You can also explore the charming village of Saint-Jean-Sart, known for its panoramic viewpoint, historic fountain, and old cemetery. Other points of interest include Saint-Georges Church and Chez Georgette, a local museum.
What natural features and viewpoints are worth exploring around Aubel?
The region around Aubel is rich in natural beauty. You can discover the Geuldal Valley, a beautiful stretch of meadows along the meandering Geul river. The Hohnbach Valley is notable for its unique yellow calamine violet flowers, thriving in specific soil conditions. Additionally, the Pays d'Aubel, also known as the Land of Herve, offers picturesque landscapes, orchards, and flowery fields, with various viewpoints like the 'Blick auf die Abtei' providing scenic vistas.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Aubel?
Yes, Aubel offers family-friendly options. The Epen Fulling Mill is a renovated man-made monument with an accessible courtyard, offering an interesting glimpse into local history. The Forest Café 't Hijgend Hert, while just outside Aubel in the Vijlener Forests, is a popular spot with a petting zoo, making it a great stop for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near Aubel?
The green and peaceful countryside of Aubel is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding on numerous marked routes. The RAVeL network, utilizing old railway lines, passes through Aubel, providing excellent paths for cycling and walking. For specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Aubel, Cycling around Aubel, and Road Cycling Routes around Aubel guides.
Are there specific hiking trails or walking routes recommended around Aubel?
Yes, the region offers many walking opportunities. A 5.5 km hike starting from Val-Dieu Abbey leads to the beautiful village of Saint-Jean-Sart. The Geuldal Valley offers varied hikes, from easy stretches over meadows to more challenging inclines. The Pays d'Aubel is known for its extensive network of marked routes suitable for various skill levels. You can find more detailed hiking options in the komoot guides for the area.
What is the best time to visit Aubel attractions?
Aubel is beautiful throughout the year, but the spring and summer months (April to September) are particularly pleasant for exploring the outdoor attractions, when the orchards are in bloom and the fields are flowery. The Hohnbach Valley is especially stunning in spring when the daffodil meadows are in full bloom.
Where can I find local products and experience the local atmosphere in Aubel?
The Market Square in Aubel is the perfect place to experience the local atmosphere and discover regional products. A large market takes place every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM, offering a wide variety of local goods in a friendly setting.
Are there any unique natural phenomena or rare plants to see?
Yes, the Hohnbach Valley is home to the rare yellow calamine violet flowers. These unique flowers only grow in a few specific locations in the Aachen three-country corner due to their reliance on heavy metal-containing soil.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Aubel?
Visitors frequently praise the varied landscapes and natural beauty, such as the meandering river in Geuldal Valley. The historical sites, like the renovated Epen Fulling Mill, are appreciated for their accessibility and insight into local heritage. The overall peaceful and green countryside of the Pays d'Aubel is a major draw for those seeking relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Are there any notable cycling climbs near Aubel?
Cyclists can challenge themselves on the Loorberg Climb. It's described as a nice, steady climb of about 1 km with an average gradient of 6%, making it manageable for various fitness levels. It features hairpin bends and is a popular route for cyclists in the area.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are options available. The Forest Café 't Hijgend Hert, located in the Vijlener Forests, is a well-known spot offering excellent food, cakes, and an extensive beer list. It's also part of walking routes that combine scenic views with culinary stops.
Is Aubel well-suited for exploring on foot or by bike?
Absolutely. The Pays d'Aubel region is characterized by its green and peaceful countryside, making it an excellent area for walking and cycling. The RAVeL network provides dedicated paths, and numerous marked routes cater to various outdoor activities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.
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