Eupen Attractions
Eupen (French Néau), the largest town in the German-speaking part of Belgium, lies at the confluence of the Vesdre (Weser) and the Helle (Hill). In the south and southwest the wooded hills of the Hohe Venn reach almost to the edge of the town, whereas in the north and west the green carpet of a continuous belt of meadow and pasture stretches from the hills of the Aachener Wald to the banks of the Meuse. Eupen has, despite its modest altitude of 300m/984ft, a cool highland climate which has contributed to its reputation as a popular health resort. Visitors can among other things enjoy the Kneipp water cure. Most of the inhabitants of the town are employed in the textile industry and manufacture of man-made fibers, with 25% of the workforce commuting from the surrounding countryside. Eupen is the headquarters of the council, the executive and administration of the German-speaking part of Belgium and the German language Belgian radio station is here.
Eupen, which once belonged to the Duchy of Limburg, is first mentioned in the Chronicles in 1213. The Duchy's location proved to be a frequent drawback for the town. As a result of the Battle of Worringen (1288) Limburg, and therefore Eupen, became part of the Duchy of Brabant.
But in 1387 Joanna of Brabant handed over Limburg to Burgundy. Only 90 years later (1477) the Duchy of Limburg was acquired by the Austrian Habsburgs, but their domination only lasted until 1555. The Duchies of Limburg and Brabant were then taken over by Spain. In 1674 Eupen received its town charter. After the Peace Treaty of Utrecht (1713) the Austrian Habsburgs became its rulers for the second time. Eupen became prosperous during this period and by 1721 had a population 13,000. The famous cloth industry of Eupen exported its products to the whole world. In 1795 the district of Eupen was annexd by France, but after the defeat of Napoleon it became part of Prussia (Congress of Vienna 1815). Until 1920 Eupen was the westernmost district of Germany. In the Treaty of Versailles the town was given to the Kingdom of Belgium, but was again part of Germany between 1940 and 1945.
Eupen, which once belonged to the Duchy of Limburg, is first mentioned in the Chronicles in 1213. The Duchy's location proved to be a frequent drawback for the town. As a result of the Battle of Worringen (1288) Limburg, and therefore Eupen, became part of the Duchy of Brabant.
But in 1387 Joanna of Brabant handed over Limburg to Burgundy. Only 90 years later (1477) the Duchy of Limburg was acquired by the Austrian Habsburgs, but their domination only lasted until 1555. The Duchies of Limburg and Brabant were then taken over by Spain. In 1674 Eupen received its town charter. After the Peace Treaty of Utrecht (1713) the Austrian Habsburgs became its rulers for the second time. Eupen became prosperous during this period and by 1721 had a population 13,000. The famous cloth industry of Eupen exported its products to the whole world. In 1795 the district of Eupen was annexd by France, but after the defeat of Napoleon it became part of Prussia (Congress of Vienna 1815). Until 1920 Eupen was the westernmost district of Germany. In the Treaty of Versailles the town was given to the Kingdom of Belgium, but was again part of Germany between 1940 and 1945.
Barrage de Vesdre
It is worth a visit to the Vesdre dam (Barrage d'Eupen), 5km/3miles east of the town, with a capacity of 25million cu.m and an area of 126ha./311 acres the largest reservoir in Belgium. The wall is 58m/190ft high and 410m/1,345ft long; the base of the wall is 55m/180ft wide. The reservoir serves the Herver Land and the surroundings of Liège. There is sailing on the lake.
Venn Railroad
A nostalgic and peaceful way to get to know the surroundings of Eupen and the Hohe Venn is a trip on the 106 year-old Venn railroad. A train departs at 10am every Sunday from Eupen and puffs past Raeren into Roetgen in Germany, continues to Monschau through the border town of Kalterherberg in the Hohe Venn and back into Büllingen in Belgium, near the Bütgenbach dam.
Henri-Chapelle, Belgium
(Near Eupen)
Kelmis, Belgium
(Near Eupen)
Kelmis, 12km/8miles north of Eupen, is an ideal starting point for walks, but is more interesting for its curious history. At the Congress of Vienna, agreement could not be reached over which country Kelmis belonged to. Moresnet became Dutch (then Belgian), Neu-Moresnet German, and the zinc-quarrying area in between neutral under joint administration. Out of this Kelmis developed but did not become Belgian until 1919.
Municipal Museum
The municipal museum is in at 52 Gospertstrasse. It is housed in the former house of a cloth handler (1697) and documents the changing history of the Eupen region. It contains a clock collection, Raeren stoneware, clothing and a completely equipped goldsmith's forge.
Raeren, Belgium
(Near Eupen)
Saint-Nicholas
The Church of Saint-Nicholas in the market square was built between 1724-1729 according to plans by the city architect of Aachen, Mefferdatis, as a triple-aisled hall church; the towers were completed in 1898. Of interest inside are a Baroque high altar by Couven (1750), pulpit of 1730, confessionals and apostle figures from the Minorite church in Cologne.
In the market place is the Column of St Mary, 1857.
In the market place is the Column of St Mary, 1857.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
