THE HIGHEST POINT IN BELGIUM

Around the Auberge ‘La Baraque Michel’ in the High Fens.

Immerse yourself in the varied landscapes of the High Fens.

Liège Province: 13km/4 hours Start-Finish: Parking for walkers at the traditional Auberge ‘Baraque Michel’.

THIS ADVENTUROUS WALK starts at the ‘Baraque Michel’ and offers a rewarding insight into the unique and varied countryside of the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens). Aside from the characteristic peat bogs, its mysterious oak forests and peaceful river valleys are just waiting to be explored. The trail leads from the Fischbach Chapel at the Croix des Fiancés, (Cross of Fiancés), across a newly-built gravel road through the heart of the Walloon Fagne. It was here, in 1871, that a young couple died in a blizzard having left for Xhoffraix to collect the necessary documents for their impending wedding. Along the River Polleur, bordered by birch and alder, the route leads the walker into some wild countryside. Once you get to ‘Six Hêtres’, a mysterious island of broad-leafed trees at the heart of a pine forest, the route crosses the Fagne of Setay to return to the Baraque Michel, where you can enjoy a tasty meal created using seasonal ingredients as well as home-baked breads and ice creams. ROUTE/POINTS OF INTEREST From the car park at the Baraque Michel (S) the route heads towards the Fischbach Chapel, originally built to orientate and shelter lost travellers. The route, marked by green rectangles, swings to the right on a gravel road into the Fagne. Shortly after the Croix des Fiancés (1) you arrive at a crossing point where you will turn left onto a lovely path which winds between some gorse bushes and spruce trees and leads to a small bridge spanning the Herbôfaye brook – note that in heavy rain walking here can be difficult without boots. The route continues straight ahead, turns right at a T-junction on an asphalt road, turns right again at a rest area before joining an isolated country road that leads to the Polleur valley. From here, the trail becomes increasingly adventurous, passing a small wooden bridge in a clearing on the right. There, the old fir forest is being enhanced by new peatlands created by re-humidification. Follow the wide country path to