Walks, hikes and natural sites in Butgenbach
If you are looking to disconnect in the heart of the Ardennes nature, and in particular within the typical landscapes of the High Fens , head to Butgenbach !
Here are some natural sites to discover :
Lake Bütgenbach: Warche dam
A true haven of peace by the water, Lake Bütgenbach is actually a reservoir. It's a lovely place to visit for water sports in the summer, but also simply for a stroll or to relax.
You will find the VENNtastic Beach sandy beach there, with supervised swimming areas, a playground, a beach volleyball court, as well as kayak , paddle and pedal boat rentals.
Warche Valley
The remarkable Warche Valley is located in the High Ardennes , on the Belgian-German border, downstream from the Robertville Dam . It is a particularly popular spot for hikers , and the East Cantons website offers several walks and hikes in the Warche Valley.
"Herba Sana" garden in Elsenborn
If you'd like to learn more about medicinal plants , this garden is a true gem, located in the heart of the High Fens Nature Park . It boasts over 120 species , which can be observed during a one-kilometer educational walk . You'll learn more about the incredible role these plants play in health .
Vennastic beach (© statik.worriken.be)
Warche Valley (© trekkingetvoyage.com)
Garden “Herba Sana” (© visitwallonia.be)
The High Fens
The High Fens-Eifel Nature Park spans twelve Belgian and German municipalities, covering 67,000 hectares . It is the oldest Belgian area dedicated to nature conservation. It boasts landscapes unique in Europe: waterways, forests, hedgerows, valleys, meadows, and picturesque villages. Numerous routes can be explored on foot or by bicycle .
Viaduct (viewpoint)
On RAVeL line 45a , cyclists and walkers can admire the view over the Warche Valley from this superb viaduct linking Kolberg and Burgfeldern . It is one of the structures of the Weywertz railway line, built for military strategic purposes in 1912 .
Observing the flora in the Eifel Park of the High Fens (© botrange.be)
Dreamy walks and hikes in and around Bütgenbach
The region is particularly well-suited to walks and hikes thanks to its remarkable natural sites . The Eastern Townships website lists several walks and hiking trails.
Nearby is also a long-distance hiking trail: the GR 56 , which forms a loop through the East Cantons . This trail passes through several municipalities, including Bütgenbach .
Path of Remembrance
The Remembrance Trail is a 96-kilometer commemorative walk symbolizing the friendship between Germany and Belgium. It can be walked in several stages. Along the way, various panels provide historical information. The diverse landscapes also enrich the experience.
GR56 trail (© komoot.com)
Path of Remembrance (© komoot.com)
Sports activities in Butgenbach
Incredible natural landscapes call for unique sporting activities ! Rail biking, hiking in the High Fens, cycling or mountain biking routes, winter sports … Here’s what awaits you in Butgenbach.
Worriken Sports Center (Lake Butgenbach)
Near Lake Butgenbach is the Worriken center , which offers several sports activities . Indoor swimming pool with sauna , gym , climbing wall … But also kayak and pedal boat rentals, as well as electric bike rentals .
Railbikes in the High Fens: Vennbahnstrasse
Enjoy a sporting activity and have fun while exploring beautiful scenery on a railbike , for two or four people . You'll travel through the High Fens along a former railway line . A unique experience not to be missed if you enjoy a good leg workout !
Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and sledding
In Belgium , we also know how to enjoy winter ! If there's enough snow , several ski slopes ( cross-country and downhill ) are open so you can enjoy the pleasures of skiing . And this is true regardless of your skill level .
Elsenborn , Weywertz , Worriken … You will find all the winter sports resorts available in the municipality on the Butgenbach website , with all the information about them .
Rail biking in the High Fens (© plusmagazine.be)
Worriken Center (© woriken.be)
Cross-country skiing in Helsenborn (© visitwallonia.be)
Bicycles and Mountain Bikes
Fancy a two-wheeled adventure and discovering Butgenbach and the East Cantons by bike? Over 1,300 kilometers of marked trails for bicycles and mountain bikes await you. Former railway lines have been converted into cycle paths, much to the delight of cyclists! Find all the routes on the Butgenbach website.
Markets, crafts and gastronomy
The East Cantons region is brimming with gastronomic gems. The "Made in Ostbelgien" label was even created to promote local products. You'll find them at various markets and in restaurants, as well as directly from the producers. Here's a brief overview:
Butgenbach Market
To discover local products , visit the market held at Marktplatz Bütgenbach every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month
The Eastern Cantons by bike (© ostbelgien.eu)
Christmas Markets
Because Christmas markets are magnificent, a visit during the holiday season is highly recommended. It's the perfect opportunity to discover local products or find gifts for your loved ones. Find all the magical events in the region on the Eastern Townships website.
Carnivals
The East Cantons region is particularly renowned for its carnivals . Carnival is celebrated there in both the Rhenish and Walloon traditions . You'll find, in particular, the famous traditional Cwarmê , which brings the streets of Malmedy to life .
Heinen Bakery
If you're looking for delicious pastries , tasty rolls , or other sweet or savory snacks, don't miss Boulangerie Heinen in the heart of Butgenbach. Enjoy breakfast or a sweet treat on-site, inside, in the conservatory, or on the terrace.
Nativity scene at the Butgenbach Christmas Market (© butgenbach.info)
Butgenbach Carnival in the Rhenish tradition
Heinen bakery/pastry shop (© gururestaurant.com)
Restaurants in the area
Are you staying in Butgenbach for a few days? Take the opportunity to discover regional products . The Eastern Townships website offers a list of restaurants worth a visit.
Belgium Peak Beer in Waimes
A unique experience: enjoy a beer brewed at altitude , near Belgium's highest point at 694 meters . The Belgium Peak Beer brewery offers this one-of-a-kind discovery. Enjoy a beer tasting and other regional products (cured meats, cheeses, etc.) during a walk in the High Fens . Remember to book your visit in advance.
Bellevaux Brewery in Malmedy
The Bellevaux Brewery is also worth a visit. Tour the premises and sample the beers in a friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy walks in the surrounding area, and there's a playground for children.
Peak Brewery (© Ardenne Résidences)
Bellevaux Brewery (© tourrismestavelot.be)
Brauerei Eifel Domaine Berterath Büllingen
Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy visiting this brewery and sampling the beers brewed on-site. As an added bonus, they also offer brewing classes and a culinary journey focused on beer. And of course, you can purchase the beers directly at the brewery.
Montenauer Ardennes Ham Curing Montenau
A typical regional specialty: Ardennes hams , salted and smoked using traditional methods. At this establishment , you'll learn more about the time-honored recipes for smoking and curing ham. The visit concludes, of course, with a tasting , and you'll have the opportunity to purchase products on site .
Brewery Domaine Berterath
Art, heritage and culture
Several heritage sites and museums await you in and around Butgenbach . Discover the historical past of the East Cantons !
Butgenbach Castle
The ruins of Butgenbach Castle can be seen along a hiking trail. This castle was once imposing, and an app allows you to explore its original appearance . Informative panels are also available on site.
Truschbaum Museum: on the Elsenborn camp
The Elsenborn military camp , located near Butgenbach, has a rich historical past . The Truschbaum Museum displays documents and equipment dating back more than a century. Advance booking with the camp (which is still active) is required for visits.
Underground gallery in Recht
The village of Recht invites you to discover its industrial heritage. In the past, blue stone ( shale ) was extracted here. Explore an 800-meter underground gallery with impressive extraction chambers along a route. Please wear warm clothing and appropriate footwear for the visit.
3D model of Butgenbach Castle
Training at Elsenborn Camp (© Elsenborn Camp)
Shale extraction in the village of Recht (© visitwallonia.be)
The Malmundarium in Malmedy
This former monastery has been renamed Malmundarium . It is now the historical, tourist, and cultural heart of Malmedy . With an audio guide, discover this must-see site that will immerse you in the region's historical past and former industries .
Ardenner Cultur Boulevard
This venue houses several museums: a large nativity scene exhibition, a 19th-century reconstruction with historical figurines , antique model railways, and an immersion into the world of precious stones . You can also enjoy a shopping spree or culinary delights at Ardenner Cultur Boulevard .
Reinhardstein Castle
A must-see during your visit to the region: Reinhardstein Castle , located in Waimes and dating back to the 14th century . A museum awaits you there, offering archery lessons and candlelit storytelling tours during the summer. You can even enjoy a medieval meal (reservations required).
The Malmundarium (© malmundarium.be)
Ardenner Cultur Boulevard (© hellenthal.de)
View of Reinhardstein Castle (© Ardenne Résidences)
Recreational activities
Are you staying in Butgenbach with family or friends and looking for some fun or relaxing activities? Here are some leisure ideas in the area.
Swimming areas: VENNtastic Beach and Berg Beach
Around Lake Butgenbach , facilities are planned for you to relax by the water, or to swim if the weather permits.
Venntastic Beach is open from June to September . It features sports facilities, including beach volleyball and beach soccer , a playground, and a supervised swimming area. Kayaks and pedal boats are also available for rent.
There is also another beach available around the lake on the other side: Berg Plage .
Mini golf
To play a round of mini-golf with the family , visit the Place du Marché in the center of Butgenbach from May to September.
Playgrounds
Do your children need to let off some steam during your stay in Butgenbach ? There's nothing like a playground! Several playgrounds are available in the surrounding area, and there is one located on the Market Square in the center.
If you are passing through Elsenborn , you can also visit the Heinesberg playground .
Lake Butgenbach, beach (© tripadvisor.com)
Maintenance of the mini-golf course in Butgenbach (© grenzecho.net)
Butgenbach playground (© butgenbach.info)
Robertville-les-Bains
To cool off during the hot summer days , head to Robertville-les-Bains lake. Pedal boats , electric boats, and rowboats are available for rent. Enjoy a relaxing moment by the water.
Escape Challenge in Malmedy
Add a touch of mystery to your getaway, immerse yourself in the world of detectives and solve the puzzle at the Escape Challenge in Malmedy ! These are investigations you'll enjoy solving with friends or children . Will you manage to escape the room in 60 minutes?
Paintball Malmedy
If you prefer slightly more exciting activities , with a dose of adventure , head to Sniper Zone ! Mountain biking , paintball , bubble soccer , archery … Many fun activities await you.
Lake Robertville (© Ardenne Résidences)
Escape Game Challenge in Malmedy (© escapechallengemalmedy.be)
Axe throwing at the Sniper Zone (© sniper-zone.be)
S’pace Malmedy
For an entertaining evening, S'Pace Malmedy is sure to please. Arcade games, bowling, billiards … something to satisfy both young and old.
Studio 20: Karaoke in Malmedy
If your thing is singing your heart out to the best hits and letting your voice soar, there's nothing like a private karaoke ! Choose from one of the five themed rooms , and get ready for a crazy atmosphere!
S’pace Malmedy (© space-malmedy.be)
Studio 20: (© https://www.facebook.com/Studio20karaoke)
The most beautiful villages of the Ardennes near Butgenbach
Immerse yourself in the heart of local life near Butgenbach by visiting the picturesque villages in the surrounding area. Here are two that are well worth a visit:
Thirimont (Waimes)
Located in Waimes , this village overlooks the Amblève valley . It lies not far from the Ru des Fagnes nature reserve. Don't miss the Grosbois cave , home to Our Lady of Lourdes . Enjoy pleasant walks in the surrounding area, including a visit to the Troufleur cheese dairy.
Ondenval
Also near Waimes , you will appreciate the village of Ondenval if you like nature and old stones.
In the square, a millstone was said to have been carved by the "Sotais" (small men living in the Wolfsbusch).
You can also enjoy a public barbecue at the Faye site, on the edge of the forest and in the middle of an old quarry.
Beautiful wooded landscape at Thirimont (© visitwallonia.be)
Village of Ondenval (© Territories.frw.be)
