ME.TRAVELBLOG
  • ID-en
  • OUR.MAGAZINE
    • ME.ACTIVE
    • ME.TUDE
    • ME.SPOT
    • ME.TALK
    • ME.NEWS
    • ME.FICTION
  • VISUAL.SHOTS
    • INSPIRING.VIDEO
    • MUSIC.VIDEO
    • ME.VIDEO
    • ME.PHOTO
  • COUNTRIES
    • EUROPE
    • ASIA
    • AMERICA
    • AFRICA
    • OCEANIA
  • LIFESTYLE
    • FOOD.&.OUT
    • ME.MUSIC
    • RECIPE
    • MORE
  • CULTURE
    • INSPIRING.BOOK
    • EXHIBITION
    • MUSEUM
    • MORE
  • TRAVEL
    • BUDGET.FRIENDLY
    • CITY.EXPLORERS
    • SLEEPING.BASE
    • BACKPACKING
    • CYCLING
    • HIKING
    • MORE
  • PLUS+
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • OUR TEAM
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
  • ID-en
  • OUR.MAGAZINE
    • ME.ACTIVE
    • ME.TUDE
    • ME.SPOT
    • ME.TALK
    • ME.NEWS
    • ME.FICTION
  • VISUAL.SHOTS
    • INSPIRING.VIDEO
    • MUSIC.VIDEO
    • ME.VIDEO
    • ME.PHOTO
  • COUNTRIES
    • EUROPE
    • ASIA
    • AMERICA
    • AFRICA
    • OCEANIA
  • LIFESTYLE
    • FOOD.&.OUT
    • ME.MUSIC
    • RECIPE
    • MORE
  • CULTURE
    • INSPIRING.BOOK
    • EXHIBITION
    • MUSEUM
    • MORE
  • TRAVEL
    • BUDGET.FRIENDLY
    • CITY.EXPLORERS
    • SLEEPING.BASE
    • BACKPACKING
    • CYCLING
    • HIKING
    • MORE
  • PLUS+
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • OUR TEAM
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

20/2/2023

A journey through the mystical High Fens: hiking across borders and through a stunning nature reserve

Picture
ME ACTIVE - I went on a hike to the High Fens, a cold and wet part of Belgium that was declared a nature reserve in 1957. It's located in the eastern part of the country and stretches into Germany.​ ​The trek was a two-day, 62-kilometre (38.5-mile) journey from Eupen in Belgium to Monschau in Germany and back.
by Hanan
It was challenging, but the stunning views of the upland area made it worthwhile. I was amazed by the beautiful scenery of the High Fens, which spans across the border of Belgium and Germany.

Stepping into Eastern Belgium: starting my High Fens adventure

I kicked off my adventure in the charming city of Eupen, located near the German border. Eupen is the capital of Eastern Belgium and boasts German as its official language. Know that Belgium has not one, not two, but three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. This rich linguistic diversity is just one of the many things that make Belgium such a unique and fascinating country.
Read more under the photo
Picture
ABOVE: Eupen.
​Eupen itself is a gem of a city, with a rich history and charming atmosphere. It's famous for its quaint cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafes. Eupen is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, including the nearby High Fens. It's a wonderful place to explore and a great starting point for any adventure in Eastern Belgium.

A natural oases: finding serinity by Lake Eupen

As I stood by the serene waters of Lake Eupen, an artificial lake located near the city of Eupen in Eastern Belgium, I was amazed by the sheer beauty of the place. The lake was created by a dam that was built on the river Vesdre in 1938. What was once a simple river has been transformed into a stunning lake that has become a popular spot for outdoor activities and relaxation.​
Read more under the photo​
Picture
ABOVE: Lake Eupen.
​It's interesting to note that the area surrounding Lake Eupen is home to a German-speaking population who refer to the river Vesdre as Weser. This is a testament to the rich cultural diversity that can be found in this region of Belgium. Despite the linguistic differences, the people here are united by their love for this stunning natural landscape and the opportunities it provides for recreation and reflection.

Strolling through Monschau: a quaint German town across the Belgian border

On the first day of my journey, I made my way to the charming town of Monschau in Germany. Located just across the border from Belgium, this small traditional town is a popular destination for Belgian and Dutch visitors, and it's not hard to see why. The town is filled with charming cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and colourful flower boxes adorning windowsills.
Read more under the photo​
Picture
ABOVE: Monschau.
​Monschau is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The town has been a hub of activity for centuries, serving as a centre of commerce and trade during the Middle Ages. Today, Monschau is home to a variety of attractions, including a castle that dates back to the 13th century, several museums, and a thriving arts and crafts scene. Whether you're looking to explore the town's history, soak up some culture, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, Monschau is a destination that is not to be missed.

Into the wild: hiking through the High Fens Nature Reserve

The High Fens is undoubtedly one of the most stunning natural areas in Belgium and it's not hard to see why. This sprawling nature reserve is actually the largest of its kind in Belgium and is situated within the German-Belgian natural park Hohes Venn-Eifel in the Ardennes. As I hiked through the High Fens, with its breathtaking scenery and wide range of flora and fauna, I enjoyed every step I did through this natural wonderland.
Read more under the photo​
Picture
ABOVE: High Fens.
​One of the most notable features of the area is the Signal de Botrange, the highest point in Belgium, which rises to a height of 694 meters (2,277 feet). With the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, it's not hard to see why the High Fens is such a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Refueling in nature: taking a break during the hike

After a few hours of hiking, I decided to take a short break and have lunch by a rippling little river. The sound of the water flowing over the rocks was so soothing, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees created a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. I couldn't have picked a better spot to recharge and refuel for the rest of my journey.
Read more under the photo​
Picture
ABOVE: High Fens.
​One of the things that makes the High Fens so special is the abundance of natural beauty and wildlife that can be found throughout the region. From the rare and unique flora that thrives in the peat bogs and heathlands, to the many species of birds and other animals that call the High Fens home, there is always something new and exciting to discover. As I continued on my journey, I made a mental note to keep my eyes open and my senses tuned to the wonders of this remarkable natural world.

The final stretch: completing my two-day hike through the High Fens

As I reached my final destination after my 62-kilometer hike, I couldn't help but reflect on the many amazing sights and experiences that I had along the way. The High Fens truly is a special place, one that never fails to inspire awe and wonder in those who are fortunate enough to explore it.
Read more under the photo​
Picture
ABOVE: Eupen.
​As I reflected on my journey, I realised that it was not just the physical challenge of the hike that had left such a strong impression on me. It was the sense of connection that I had felt with the natural world around me, and the realisation that there is so much beauty and wonder to be discovered if we are only willing to seek it out. With this thought in mind, I left the High Fens with a renewed appreciation for the power and majesty of nature, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced it in all its glory.
​So as I say goodbye to the High Fens and prepare to head back to my everyday life, I do so with a renewed sense of appreciation and wonder for the natural world. And I know that wherever my adventures may take me next, I will always carry with me the memories and lessons learned during my time in this remarkable corner of the world.
Picture
Day 1: 28,71 km, 8:45 hour,
up 570 metres, down 450 metres.
Picture
Day 2: 33,15 km, 10:20 hour,
up 535 metres, down 675 metres.
BELGIUM | GERMANY | ME.ACTIVE |
​HIKING | STORY

Picture
POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack  and hiking boots Hanan travels around the world. Destination? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
backpacker and storyteller
PHOTO
Thierry Hanan Scheers
EDIT PHOTO
Apriyan Santonso
20 February 2023

Comments are closed.

- MORE FROM ME.TRAVELBLOG

TRAVEL

Picture
Budget-friendly adventure: 7 backpacking travel trends to explore the world
​- by Hanan
Picture
Hiking through the untouched beauty of Belgian Luxembourg: a journey from Melreux to La Roche-en-Ardenne
​- by Hanan
Picture
Unveiling the natural wonder of Indonesia: experience the magic of Harau Valley in Sumatra
​- by Hanan
Picture
A journey through the mystical High Fens: hiking across borders and through a stunning nature reserve
- by Hanan
Picture
Why I think Kuta in Bali is a nice place for backpackers?
​- by Hanan
Picture
Experience the real Senegal at Sandicoly Ecofarm
​- by Hanan

CULTURE

Picture
Experience the silence: my Nyepi Day in Bali
​- by Hanan
Picture
The Islamic World in the British Museum in London
​- by Hanan
Picture
St-Anne's Museum in Lübeck n the Baltic Sea
​- by Hanan
Picture
Pearls of Java - Prambanan
​​- by Hanan
Picture
Walk Ireland's poignant National Famine Way
​- by Hanan
Picture
Pearls of Java - Borobudur
​- by Hanan

LIFESTYLE

Picture
Stray Kids takes Indonesia by storm: the phenomenon sweeping the nation's youth culture
​- by Hanan
Picture
​Indomie-nificent: the mouth-watering noodle love affair of Indonesians
​- by Hanan
Picture
Discover halal food in Chiang Mai: a foodie's guide to Thailand's vibrant city
​- by Hanan
Picture
10 Indonesian coffees you may never heard of before
​- by Hanan
Picture
​Vikings and Guinness in Dublin
​- by Hanan
Picture
A spicy Indonesian Ramadan
​- by Hanan

ME.TRAVELBLOG is in the first place an online travel magazine, with extra focus to culture and other related matters. It contains travel tips for adventurers, backpackers and people who like to travel. We try to give you a nice dose of travel inspiration, so that your bucket list won't stay empty for long. From backpacking or hiking adventures to city trips, or beach holidays in paradise destinations. In short, ME.TRAVELBLOG is a world trip through various continents. Are you ready to travel?

ME.TRAVELBLOG

ME.ACTIVE
ME.TUDE
ME.SPOT
ME.TALK
ME.NEWS
​ME.FICTION

VISUAL.SHOTS

INSPIRING.VIDEO
​MUSIC.VIDEO
ME.VIDEO
ME.PHOTO

LIFESTYLE

FOOD.&.OUT
ME.MUSIC
​RECIPE
​MORE

CULTURE

INSPIRING.BOOK
EXHIBITION
MUSEUM
​MORE

TRAVEL

BUDGET.FRIENDLY
CITY.EXPLORERS
SLEEPING.BASE
​BACKPACKING
CYCLING
HIKING
MORE

PLUS+

SUBSCRIBE
OUR TEAM
CONTACT
​ABOUT
About - Contact - Privacy policy - Site map
​©​ metravelblog.org - 'ME.TRAVELBLOG'
​Thierry Hanan Scheers
​
2011-2023 All rights reserved
ME.TRAVELBLOG | MATA.NUSANTARA