Attractions and Places To See around Eupen - Top 20

Eupen is surrounded by impressive natural features. You can visit the Vesderstuwdam (Vesdre Dam) and Lake Eupen, one of Belgium's largest dams, offering a 14.5 km forest and water trail. The vast High Fens – Eifel Nature Park, with its unique peat bogs and moorland, is ideal for nature lovers. Another scenic spot is the Lake Gileppe Dam, one of Europe's oldest artificial lakes, featuring a monumental lion sculpture and a panoramic tower.

Yes, the region around Eupen is excellent for hiking. The High Fens – Eifel Nature Park offers numerous routes, including boardwalks through sensitive ecosystems. You can also find trails around Bayehon Waterfall, a roughly nine-meter-high waterfall in a deep, wooded gorge. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Eupen guide, which includes routes like the Teufelsley Rock Formation loop or the Boardwalks through the Brackvenn.

Eupen is a great starting point for cycling. The Vennbahn is a 125 km long cycling route that passes through Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium, and has been voted the most beautiful cycling route in Europe. You can also find various routes around the Vesderstuwdam. For detailed cycling tours, check out the Cycling around Eupen guide, featuring routes like 'From the Weser Dam to the Vennbahn' or 'Ovelo - along the Weser through the Hertogenwald'.

Eupen boasts a rich history. Explore the Historic Centre of Eupen with its cobbled streets and patrician houses from the 18th century. The majestic St. Nikolaus Church, built in Aachen Baroque style, stands at the highest point of the upper town. You can also visit Haus Grand Ry, an impressive 18th-century building that once belonged to a textile producer and later served as the post office. The Eupen City Museum, housed in a 17th-century cloth-maker's house, offers insights into the city's heritage.

Absolutely! Families can enjoy the Musée du Chocolat for insights into chocolate production and tastings. For an adrenaline rush, visit Experience Factory Karting, one of Europe's largest indoor karting circuits. The Vaalserberg Three-Country Point offers a unique experience where Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands meet, often with a small 'amusement park' area. The Bayehon Waterfall is also easily accessible for families with parking nearby.

For panoramic views, head to Eupen Moorenhöhe, which offers a great perspective of the lower town. The Vesderstuwdam visitor center also provides magnificent views. Additionally, the Vaalserberg Three-Country Point features an observation tower with unobstructed views of the three converging countries.

Yes, the Vesderstuwdam is open to visitors. You can take a one-hour tour inside the dam walls, though booking is required. Around Lake Eupen, there's a 14.5 km forest and water trail perfect for walking or cycling. The visitor center also features the highest man-made climbing wall in the region.

The Struffelt Heath and Moor Nature Reserve is an unwooded heath and moorland area located between Rott and Roetgen. This unique biotope, rising over 450 meters, is home to many rare plant and animal species. Wooden walkways guide visitors through the sensitive ecosystem, ensuring its preservation while allowing exploration. It's a beautiful spot for a memorable hike.

Just a short distance from Eupen, Monschau Old Town is a picturesque settlement known for its medieval townscape. It features idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and cobblestones, creating a lively atmosphere. The Rur river flows through the town, adding to its charm. It's a popular destination for its historical ambiance and scenic views.

Eupen is famous for its annual Carnival, a vibrant event held at the start of Lent. It features live music, local food, and traditional arts and crafts, offering a lively cultural experience. Additionally, the Themaroute "Bank sei Dank" is a unique themed route in Eupen that pays tribute to those who helped after the 2021 floods.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Eupen, with pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural parks. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in areas like the High Fens. While winter can be cold, the region also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing in the High Fens when snow conditions are right, and winter walks can be very scenic.

Beyond historical landmarks, Eupen offers contemporary cultural experiences. The IKOB - Museum of Contemporary Art promotes the regional art scene with four temporary exhibitions annually, focusing on current trends in art and society. The Musée du Chocolat provides an engaging look into the history and production of chocolate, complete with tastings.