Boardwalk Through the High Fens

In the core zone, the up to 694 m high slate ridge arches towards the sky. About 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, raised bogs formed on the barren, waterlogged soil. Up to the Middle Ages, 90% of the High Fens was covered by a dense deciduous forest. Mighty beeches, gnarled oaks and fast-growing birches stood on the ground, creating a dim ambience for the forest floor flora. In the centuries that followed, the forest was cut down in many places to make room for open heathland. The moor was "peated off" and the sheep of the surrounding village communities on the edge of the Venn had space to graze. From 1840 onwards the Prussian tree made its appearance. The Prussian authorities drained large areas of moorland and planted the fast-growing red spruce on the open heathland. In the meantime, the conversion of the high proportion of softwood into deciduous forest has begun.

The High Fens offers visitors many opportunities for a beautiful hike. However, a few important basic rules must be observed: There are a total of four zones for access authorization: Zone A includes the area that is freely accessible to hikers. The designation Zone B means the area that visitors can walk freely on marked paths. Zone C, on the other hand, may only be entered when accompanied by a recognized nature guide, and Zone D is completely off-limits to visitors. At certain times, the forest administration can cordon off large parts of the Venn areas (e.g. due to the risk of fire). Red flags will then be raised throughout the Venn area.

The High Fens undoubtedly represents one of the most unspoilt landscapes in the Eifel and Ardennes and is one of the most well-known tourist highlights in East Belgium.