Tour 11: ‘Peaceful fens’ Weywertz – hiking in East Belgium

Early in the morning there is often still dew on flowers and berries in the High Fens - on this plateau with an impressive biological diversity, the morning freshness can be felt even better. Not only in the early hours of the day there is absolute peace and quiet here. There is hardly a more peaceful place. This was not always the case: the nearby Elsenborn military base was hard fought in the winter of 1944 during the Ardennes offensive. In addition to commemorative plaques, places of worship also commemorate this terrible time. You can explore this unique landscape and traces of its history over almost 12 kilometers from Weywertz.

You leave the place behind you and descend into the valley of the Warche, which meanders just as peacefully through its valley. A long ascent then takes you to the Venn, this very special high moor, whose landscape covers the hills like a veil of mist in the morning. On your way you cross the old Vennbahn, a disused railway line that was also created a long time ago for military tactical considerations. Today the rails have largely been dismantled and the route is now used as an idyllic cycle and hiking trail. Once again you are reminded that peace has not always reigned here. The birds of prey circle silently above you. You breathe deeply and appreciate the tranquility of nature even more.