Things To Do
in Eupen
Eupen is the administrative center of Belgium’s German-speaking community, a compact town tucked into the rolling hills of eastern Belgium near the German border. It blends Germanic and Walloon influences in language, architecture and food while serving as a practical base for exploring the High Fens nature reserve and nearby Aachen. The town center offers a pleasant market square, historic buildings and lakeside scenery at the nearby Eupen Reservoir.
Eupen is quieter and more relaxed than big Belgian cities, attracting outdoors lovers, cross-border commuters and visitors seeking nature and regional culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Eupen and take in the scenic beauty of the town while strolling through the picturesque streets. Grab a breakfast of local pastries and freshly brewed coffee at a charming café. Visit the Eupen Museum of Contemporary Art to get an introduction to the local culture and art scene.
Explore the historic old town, where you can admire the unique architecture and historical buildings. Stop for lunch at a traditional Belgian restaurant and enjoy local specialties such as stew or waffles. Spend the afternoon walking along the Vesdre River, taking in the serene landscapes.
Dinner at a local brewery is a must, where you can sample some home-brewed beers paired with hearty Belgian dishes. Afterward, find a cozy bar to experience the lively atmosphere of Eupen's nightlife. End the evening with a leisurely walk to admire the illuminated architecture.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, then head out for a morning hike in the nearby Hautes Fagnes nature reserve. The trails are filled with fascinating flora and fauna, offering stunning scenery as you explore. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the serene surroundings of the reserve. Continue your hike in the afternoon, perhaps trying to spot some local wildlife or visiting one of the scenic lakes. As you make your way back to town, take in the beautiful landscape that the region has to offer.
Return to Eupen for a relaxing dinner in a local restaurant that boasts a farm-to-table philosophy. Consider sampling Belgian beer during your meal, which pairs perfectly with the regional dishes. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening stroll through the beautifully lit streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to outstanding natural areas like the High Fens and several reservoirs.
- Distinct German-speaking cultural identity within Belgium and easy cross-border access to Germany and the Netherlands.
- Compact, walkable town centre and relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
- Good base for outdoor activities year-round (hiking, cycling, watersports, winter sports).
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions than larger Belgian cities.
- Public transport is adequate but less frequent than in major urban centres—car makes exploring rural areas easier.
- Weather can be unpredictable and wetter than other parts of Belgium, especially in the High Fens.
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Eupen
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic reservoir with walking paths, reflections on calm mornings and opportunities for watersport-action shots and sunset photos.
Unique peat bog landscapes, boardwalks, misty moors and the Signal de Botrange—excellent for dramatic nature and landscape photography.
Historic facades, market stalls and street scenes capture the town’s character—good for architecture and candid shots of daily life.
Nearby dams and viewing platforms offer panoramic vistas, wildlife, and striking compositions with water and forest backdrops.
Nearby German villages and border roads provide a mix of pastoral scenes, timbered houses and cultural contrasts ideal for storytelling images.
Food in Eupen
Eupen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A smoky, air-dried ham from the Ardennes region often served thinly sliced—find it at delis, markets and traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Rich pork-based pâtés and spreadable terrines are regional staples, commonly available at markets, charcuteries and bistro-style eateries.
Slow-cooked meat stews flavored with beer or wine are common on restaurant menus, perfect in cooler months.
A variety of farmhouse and regional cheeses—buy them at markets and small shops to pair with bread and local beers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market sells fresh produce, charcuterie, cheeses and baked goods—great for sampling regional products (check local listings for market days).
In summer the Lake Eupen area and nearby reservoirs sometimes host stalls selling snacks, ice cream and grilled items—ideal after a lakeside walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Eupen is German-speaking; greeting with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and using 'bitte' and 'danke' is appreciated. Many locals also speak French and some English.
Punctuality is valued for appointments; politeness and reserved friendliness are the norm—handshakes are usual when meeting people.
Follow trail rules in the High Fens, take litter with you and respect private property signs—conservation rules are enforced to protect fragile ecosystems.
Safety
Tipping in Eupen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Belgium; small rounding up of the bill or 5–10% for table service is common if service was good. In cafés and bars most people round up or leave small change.
The euro is used; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small shops, markets and rural vendors may prefer cash—keep some euros on hand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring brings blooming meadows and melting snows in the High Fens; temperatures are mild but variable and rainfall increases—pack layers and waterproof gear.
Summers are comfortable and are the best time for hiking, cycling and watersports—expect daytime temperatures in the high teens to mid-20s°C and more visitors on weekends.
Autumn offers spectacular foliage in the surrounding hills and quieter trails; nights cool quickly so bring warm layers and be prepared for rain.
Winters can be cold with snow at higher elevations in the High Fens, enabling cross-country skiing and winter hiking; roads and trails may be icy—check conditions and pack appropriate footwear.
Eupen at Night
Hiking in Eupen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive boardwalks and marked routes through peat bogs and upland moors; trails vary from short nature loops to longer day hikes—follow signage and seasonal restrictions.
Belgium’s highest point at roughly 694 m with surrounding paths offering panoramic views and access to multiple High Fens trails.
A pleasant lakeside walk on maintained paths around the reservoir—suitable for families, photographers and casual walkers.
A converted railway path ideal for longer cycling days and relaxed walking linking towns and scenic countryside across the border region.
Trails around the Gileppe reservoir and dam offer panoramic photo points, forest walks and a dramatic engineered landscape to explore.
Airports
How to reach Eupen by plane.
Approximately 60–80 km west of Eupen; handles regional and some international flights—car or train-plus-bus connections are possible.
About 70–90 km to the north-east; smaller international airport with seasonal and budget connections—drive or transfer via regional transport.
Around 85–120 km to the east in Germany; well-connected with international flights and rental car options for reaching Eupen.
Approximately 110–140 km to the west; Belgium’s main international hub with frequent rail and road connections to Eupen (longer travel time).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority in Eupen belong to Belgium’s German-speaking community, preserving German language and local cultural institutions.
Proximity to Germany and the Netherlands means many commuters and families have cross-border ties, increasing cultural and economic exchange.
Eupen’s demographic mix includes long-term older residents and local families; younger adults sometimes move to larger cities for work but outdoor tourism brings seasonal younger visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Like much of Belgium and neighboring Germany, football is widely followed and played at amateur and youth levels.
Road cycling and recreational cycle tourism (including the Vennbahn) are popular in the region for all fitness levels.
Hiking, nature walks and trail running in the High Fens are common pursuits among locals and visitors.
When snow conditions allow, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing attract winter outdoor enthusiasts in higher elevations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eupen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and restaurants—ask for vegetable-forward dishes, salads, cheese plates or egg and pasta dishes. Supermarkets and markets also sell produce and prepared vegetarian-friendly items.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns but growing; plan ahead by checking menus online, visiting larger supermarkets, or asking chefs to adapt dishes (sides, salads, grilled vegetables).
Gluten-free awareness is improving; many cafés can offer gluten-free bread or desserts on request, but always confirm cross-contamination risks in bakeries and traditional kitchens.