Top 20 Lakes around Malmedy
Lakes around Malmedy are found within the High Fens of the Belgian Ardennes, a region known for its natural landscapes. This area provides access to several lakes, each with distinct features and attractions. The lakes here include both natural formations and man-made reservoirs, serving purposes such as water supply and recreational activities.
Best lakes around Malmedy
- The most popular lakes is Robertville Dam, a man-made monument that serves as a starting point for walks in the surrounding area. It is a significant artificial lake constructed in 1928, primarily for water supply.
- Another must-see spot is Brackvenn Moor Lakes, a lake category featuring unique geological formations. These lakes, including palsas, were formed at the end of the last ice age and offer distinct natural spectacles.
- Visitors also love Gileppe Dam Lion, a man-made monument featuring one of Europe's oldest dam walls. The dam is crowned by a sandstone lion and offers family-friendly hiking trails.
- Malmedy is known for its artificial lakes and unique moor lakes. The region offers a variety of water features, from large reservoirs to distinct bog eyes.
- The lakes around Malmedy are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2000 upvotes and over 800 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Robertville Dam
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Brackvenn Moor Lakes
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The palsen or pingos in the High Fens were formed around 10,000 to 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. When the ground froze deep down during the cold winters of the Ice Age, the wet ground expanded and frost mounds developed. Over the years these mounds grew and the soil material that was on top slid down the sides of the mounds and over time formed a ring-shaped wall around the mound of frost. With the end of the ice age, the ice melted, the frost mound sagged and the wall was preserved. The water in the middle is called bog scour or bog eye.
Source: euregio-im-bild.de/fotos/palsen-im-brackvenn-bei-m-tzenich.html
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Gileppe Dam Lion
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Gileppe Dam, Reservoir and Panoramic Viewing Tower
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Lake Bütgenbach
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Tips from the Community
The Bütgenbach dam was built between 1929 and 1932. The main function of the dam is to regulate the course of the Warche river. This created the lake of Bütgenbach. It is a starting point for beautiful, popular hiking routes: for example, a 10-kilometer walk can be made around the lake.
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The Bütgenbach reservoir is always a great destination for a day trip. It is also easy to reach via the Vennbahn cycle path. There are great landscapes along the way.
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The Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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This work of art, made from granite, was the first of its kind in Belgium. The dam was built between 1867 and 1875. Between 1967 and 1971 it was consolidated and the capacity of the reservoir was increased to 26.4 million m³ of water. The lake is fed by the Gileppe, the Louba and the Soor. Two 75m high collection towers direct the water to turbines. The famous Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
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If hiking is allowed to be a level higher...
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Beautiful hiking trail around the lake of a total of 10 kilometers
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At this point there is a larger moor lake, which makes a nice photo motif, especially in fog. Above this, this moor lake is regularly visited by waterfowl such as wild ducks. If there are few people on the jetties and you approach the lake(s) quietly, there is a high probability that the animals will not be startled and scared away.
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The peat that can be found everywhere in the bog and fen areas is the result of a process of incomplete decomposition. Usually, dead plants are gradually decomposed by small animals (such as earthworms), bacteria and fungi. This process applies to well-drained soils. On impervious acidic soils that do not contain many bacteria and in humid climates, plants such as peat moss are only partially decomposed. Their superimposition forms the peat layer. This peat layer can be up to 7 m in certain places here in the Brackvenn. 1 mm layer of peat takes 1 year to form. With a peat layer of 7 m, for example, we are talking about a period of 7,000 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I enjoy at Lake Robertville?
Lake Robertville offers a wide range of activities including fishing, mini-golf, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and tennis. You can also enjoy swimming in a dedicated, lifeguard-supervised area at Robertville-les-Bains during peak season (July 1st to August 31st), which features a water trampoline and diving board. Boat rentals, including electric boats, pedal boats, and rowboats, are also available. The Robertville Dam itself is a great starting point for walks, including one to the nearby Reinhardstein Castle.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Malmedy?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Gileppe Dam Lion area is known for its family-friendly hiking trails and tourist infrastructure. The Lower Reservoir of the Coo-Trois-Ponts Hydroelectric Power Station also offers a walking path around the lake and is considered family-friendly. Lake Robertville provides activities like mini-golf, swimming, and boat rentals, making it a great option for families. Lac de Warfaaz also has a playground for children and pedal boating.
What unique natural features can I find among the lakes?
The Brackvenn Moor Lakes in the High Fens are particularly unique. These are not traditional lakes but rather 'palsen' or 'pingos' – distinct water features formed at the end of the last ice age by frost mounds and peat bogs. They offer a unique natural spectacle, especially for hikers, with the landscape's colors changing dramatically each season.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Malmedy?
Swimming is permitted in a dedicated and well-maintained area at Robertville-les-Bains on Lake Robertville. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season, typically from July 1st to August 31st. This area also features a water trampoline and diving board.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Robertville Dam serves as an excellent starting point for various walks, including a path leading to Reinhardstein Castle. The Gileppe Dam Lion is also known for its many family-friendly hiking trails. For more challenging options, you can explore mountain hikes in the region, such as the 'Bayehon Waterfall – Nez de Napoléon Viewpoint loop' or 'Fraineu Boardwalk Trail – Bayehon Waterfall loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Mountain Hikes around Malmedy guide.
What are the options for cycling near the lakes?
Cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. Lake Robertville offers cycling opportunities, and the perimeter of Lac de Warfaaz is asphalted, making it suitable for easy walks and cycling. For road cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Gileppe Dam – Baraque Michel and the chapel loop' which passes by the Gileppe Dam. More cycling routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Malmedy guide.
Are there any historical landmarks associated with the lakes?
Yes, the Gileppe Dam Lion is a significant historical landmark, featuring one of Europe's oldest dam walls, completed in 1878. It is crowned by an impressive sandstone lion. The Robertville Dam, constructed in 1928, also has historical significance, originally built to supply drinking water to Malmedy and power a station.
What amenities are available near Lac de Warfaaz?
Lac de Warfaaz, located near Spa, is appreciated for picnics and fresh air. There are restaurants and a playground for children near the lake. You can also enjoy pedal boating and fishing there.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Malmedy?
The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer (July-August) is ideal for swimming and water sports at Lake Robertville due to lifeguard presence. Spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery, especially in the High Fens, with changing colors. Even in winter, the High Fens and some lake areas offer breathtaking landscapes for walks, though specific water activities might be limited.
Can I find running trails near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers various running trails. For instance, you can find routes like 'Around Bévercé and along the Warche' or 'View of Reinhardstein Castle – Robertville Dam loop' which incorporate the lake surroundings. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Malmedy guide.
Are there accommodation options or campsites near the lakes?
Yes, there are campsites available near Lake Robertville, offering options for overnight stays close to nature and the lake's activities. For broader accommodation, the nearby towns of Malmedy and Spa provide various choices.
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