Huts around Baelen offer access to the High Fens region, a unique natural landscape in Belgium. This area is characterized by its historical significance, including former border regions and ancient pilgrimage routes. Visitors can explore a diverse environment featuring natural reserves, historical sites, and facilities for outdoor activities. The region provides opportunities for walks and exploration amidst its distinctive moorland and forest scenery.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Highlight • Rest Area
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Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
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Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Clean rest area in the immediate vicinity of the Perlenbach.
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The Reinartzhof was later built from the St. Reinart hospice, which was formerly located on the Reinart. However, the evacuation of the Reinartzhof was announced by royal decree on June 26, 1958. Reason: As the Reinartzhof settlement is in the catchment area of the Weser dam and there is therefore a risk of water pollution, it is expropriated and must be evacuated. Within three years, i.e. by 1961, the residents were to leave their farms. With heavy hearts, the farming families moved out of the isolated hamlet one after the other. "Be that as it may, the mild pressure from above, supported by appropriate compensation payments, caused one farmer after another to emigrate and find a new home and work somewhere at the foot of the High Fens." In 1971, even the picturesque Oberhof was set on fire, and what had been spared by the fire was reduced to rubble by pickaxes and bulldozers. Source: https://reinartzhof.pfadfinder-raeren.be/geschichte.html
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By the 20th century, a hermitage (13th century) on the old pilgrimage route between Aachen and Trier had become a small settlement of 3 farms and 6 families, the Reinartzhof. Located in the middle of the lonely Venn, the settlement was largely self-sufficient, without electricity or tap water. Source: https://www.euregio-im-bild.de/kultur-geschichte-und-wissenschaft/denkmale-und-geschichtliches/fotostrecken/die-ruine-des-reinartzhofs-im-hohen-venn.html
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This inn was founded in 1813 by the German tailor Michel-Henri Schmitz. It also served as a landmark in the midst of the extensive surrounding peat bogs, where travellers often got lost. On the facade of the house there is an old bell that was rung in earlier times when there was fog etc. to give the people of the Venn orientation.
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One of the beautiful rest areas where you can take a break protected from the weather.
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Very nice rest stop. Numerous information boards report on smuggling between Belgium and Germany. Coffee was three times more expensive in Germany than in Belgium. The smugglers tried to immobilize the police cars with sharp iron crow's feet and the police responded with the broom Porsche, which pushed the crow's feet off the road.
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Nice covered rest area that offers us welcome shelter during a rain shower.
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Today it is a tourist meeting and educational center with a newly built museum, from where natural history tours and hikes can be offered and undertaken. Source: http://www.komm-mit-wandern.de/hohes-venn.html
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Visitors frequently enjoy the Mützenich — Former Train Station Rest Area, known for its historical information on smuggling. The Haus Ternell Nature Center is also highly regarded for its visitor services and local products. For a clean rest spot amidst nature, the Oberer Steg Shelter is a popular choice.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The Mützenich — Former Train Station Rest Area, Haus Ternell Nature Center, and Oberer Steg Shelter are all categorized as family-friendly. Baraque Michel, a historic hostel, also welcomes families.
The region is rich in history. You can visit the Reinartzhof Ruins and Memorial Chapel, which tells the story of a former settlement and hermitage. The Baraque Michel itself is a historic hostel dating back to 1811/1812, with a memorial cross and information about past border regions. The Mützenich — Former Train Station Rest Area also features information boards detailing the history of smuggling between Belgium and Germany.
For up-to-date information on hiking trail closures, especially due to fire risk in spring or autumn, you can inquire at the Haus Ternell Nature Center. Their staff are very friendly and helpful.
Yes, the Haus Ternell Nature Center offers delicious breakfast with homemade bread and local products, as well as apple pie. Baraque Michel also functions as a hostel with a restaurant.
The area around Baelen, particularly the High Fens, offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the Gileppe Lion Statue loop. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes that pass by historical sites and offer scenic views, and mountain biking trails around areas like the Eupen Reservoir.
The Oberer Steg Shelter is located at a junction where various hiking trails branch off, making it a good starting or resting point for walks along the Perlenbach. Many trails in the High Fens region will lead you past or near these facilities.
The High Fens region, accessible from Baelen, is beautiful year-round. However, it's important to note that trail closures can occur in spring or autumn due to prolonged drought and fire risk. Always check with the Haus Ternell Nature Center for current conditions before heading out.
Yes, parking is available at some locations. For instance, Baraque Michel and the Haus Ternell Nature Center both offer parking facilities for visitors.
The Baelen region offers access to the High Fens, a unique natural landscape in Belgium characterized by its moorland and forest scenery. The huts here are not just shelters but often historical sites, former train stations, or nature centers that provide insight into the area's rich past, including its role as a former border region and its smuggling history. It's a blend of nature, history, and outdoor recreation.
Yes, Baraque Michel is a historic hostel (674 meters) in the High Fens, offering accommodation. It was founded in 1811/1812 and has a long history of providing shelter to travelers.


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