Discover Büllingen, Liege, Liege: a city full of charm

This road bike tour will take you straight into nature on great asphalt streets. No hooting, no exhaust fumes: 70 km on traffic free roads. What will you see? Nature (lake of Butgenbach, the beautiful German and Belgian Eifel, beaver territory), history (Siegfried Line, Vennbahn), ecology (wind farm).

A visit to the depths of the woods. Today's hikers appreciate this conspiratory silence. As did the smugglers of olden days. On the Hasselpath, the flat country around Büllingen turns into a series of remote valleys. Access to them seems to have something secret about it and is probably only familiar to those who can go through the woods without fear. Firs and beech trees line the path through the conservation area. We continue downhill until we hit the Belgian-German border. Here, the forest is so deep and dense that it swallows all sounds and becomes shrouded in mystery. The Johnny Nysten Bridge is in memory of the soldier of the American occupying forces who helped German civilians out by smuggling commodities after the Second World War. When he was arrested, he was shot dead in cold blood. Before we stomp back up the hill, a clearing arouses our curiosity. Are we perhaps going to get to see the fauna of this majestic state forest today? Shortly before we reach our destination, we pass places at which young Americans and Germans fought. A war memorial was erected in their honour. www.ostbelgien.eu/en/fiche/hiking/genusstour-20-im-tal-des-lichtenbachs-rocherath

The Vennbahn criss-crossing the Eifel region of Germany and the breathtaking landscapes of the High Fens offers yet another thrilling cycling trip. This greenway, rich in history, is an old railway line. At the start of the route, in Weywertz, the slope climbs gently. Shortly after crossing the Warche, you climb the Vennbahn without too much difficulty. In Sourbrodt, you discover the old Prussian-style station. Once upon a time, there was a hustle and bustle of activity here: the various routes brought goods from Germany and those on leave from the military camp of Elsenborn. The signal station, the long platforms and the old wagons give an idea of the importance of this railway junction. The line crosses the heart of the green lungs of Wallonia: the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve! You join Kalterherberg and head towards Montjoie. The two large curves finally bring you to Raeren and its pretty medieval castle.

www.waimeshautesfagnes.be/fr/bouger/a-pied/promenades/dans-la-fagne-de-sourbrodt.htm

Soon after the dam, we are on a veritable donkey trail, sometimes feeling like a tightrope walker between slopes and steep inclines. In a gap, the Château de Reinhardstein reveals itself. Perched on its eagle’s nest, it seems to challenge the hikers as you have to get around it via steep paths. Following a succession of hills, the Nez de Napoléon (Napoleon’s Nose) viewpoint finally appears – a jutting rock formation which offers us a stunning vista of the Warche Valley. On the crest, the trail starts to wind and follows the meanders of the relief. The itinerary soon reaches the River Warche. Near the banks of the river, the trail enters a valley which becomes narrower and narrower. The trail now climbs uphill. This slope offers the opportunity, one last time, to enjoy the view over the wild valley, which is marked by this mighty fortress. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/i-love/heritage-and-culture/parks-and-castles

The Bütgenbach lake, created by the Warche dam, offers a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Why not enjoy VENNtastic Beach on its banks? Monitored swimming zone, trampolines, pedal boats, play areas, kayaking... There is something for everyone. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/nature-reserve/natural-space/butgenbach-lake/6836

The terrace overlooking Lake Robertville is the perfect place for couples or families to relax over a good meal. Lovely walks and water activities complete this gourmet break. www.robert-hotels.com/fr/restaurant-robertville-waimes#fulltabs-hoteldesbains.laterrassejardin