Tour Belgium: Four gravel bike tours through the High Fens - Gravel biking through high moorland near the German border
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· 17.10.2020
The High Fens is an upland moor in the Belgian-German border region, with most of it on the Belgian side. The northern foothills lie around 20 kilometres south of Aachen, while the fens border Malmedy to the south-west. The high moor is part of the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park and its name is derived from the Dutch word "Veen" for moor. The landscape actually consists of several fens, which is why the French term "Hautes Fagnes" is used in the plural. The landscape in the High Fens is dominated by vast, uncultivated peat heaths with the characteristic pipe grass, with dense forests in between. Both make the region a popular destination for hikers. Larger towns are nowhere to be found and the region is rather sparsely populated. However, there are several small towns with the necessary infrastructure on its outskirts: Eupen, Verviers and Malmedy on the Belgian side and Roetgen and Monschau on the German side. The latter, with its historic town centre, medieval castle and many small hotels and restaurants, is the ideal starting point for an extended cycling weekend.
Travelling to the High Fens means tackling hilly terrain with several metres of elevation gain per tour. In addition, there are
all kinds of trail conditions: firm forest paths, gravelled sections, meadow paths, root trails and tarmac roads. This tour therefore requires a certain level of fitness and riding technique. The region is not suitable for gravel beginners. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts on steep ramps and technically demanding trails - with magnificent views of the high-altitude Venn landscape and secluded paths through ancient forests. Several reservoirs around the Venn offer a change of scenery and usually also the opportunity to stop for refreshments.
