Jalhay – Fagne Landscapes, Trails and History

Jalhay lies at the gateway to the High Fens, in a preserved, green natural landscape. Numerous walking opportunities lead through Fagne landscapes, forests and villages. The local trail network also includes routes for horseback riding, cycling and mountain biking. This makes it possible to tailor a stay to different interests: one day taking a peaceful walk through the landscape, another enjoying a more sporty tour or discovering traces of history.

Streams, valleys and marked walking trails

The surroundings are particularly varied along the waterways. From the Passerelle du Centenaire, the Hoëgne becomes a mountain stream as far as Belleheid, which lies at an altitude of 380 m. The Hoëgne Valley is botanically interesting, as liverworts, mosses and ferns can be observed there. Marked walking trail No. 55 runs through this valley, providing a specific opportunity to explore the landscape.

The Statte also offers its own way of experiencing nature. It rises in the Wihonfagne peat bog in the High Fens at an altitude of 580 m. Walking trail No. 57 follows its course and reveals the legends associated with this river. The Sawe, meanwhile, winds for 6 km from the Grande Fagne to its confluence with the Statte below Solwaster. Walking trail No. 56 along the Sawe is an easy circular route. When planning your activities, you can therefore choose between different types of trails without limiting yourself to a single landscape experience.

Historic trails in the Fagnes area

The Vecquée combines nature and history. The old route through the Fagnes area was first mentioned in 1569. Along the route are numbered boundary stones 148 to 157, which once marked the border between Prussia and Belgium. Its historical significance remains tied to its former function. Marked walking trail No. 58 leads from the village of Solwaster to the Vecquée.

Another reminder along the route is the Croix des Fiancés. It commemorates two young fiancés who were caught in a snowstorm on 22 January 1871. Places like these give a walk a narrative dimension and make the landscape interesting for travellers who are looking for cultural and historical topics alongside physical activity.

Church, panoramic tower and regional impressions

In Jalhay, the Saint-Michel Church is one of the notable historical landmarks. It was first built in 1514. After the earlier building was destroyed by fire in 1835, a larger Saint-Michel Church was built in 1840. The church also has a rare, spiral-shaped slate tower; only a few examples of it remain in Europe. Jalhay’s folklore offerings include carnival events, among other things.

At Lac de la Gileppe stands an almost 78 m high panoramic tower whose upper section is completely glazed. A permanent exhibition at the foot of the Gileppe Tower tells the story of the dam. The complex at Lac de la Gileppe offers, among other things, mountain bike tours. In addition to walking trails, this provides cultural and sporting points of interest.

Regional cuisine and choosing your accommodation

Restaurants and brasseries in Jalhay serve regional cuisine, including Chou and Boudin de Jalhay. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their stay can use their preferred daily activities as a guide: nature trails, historic sites, folklore and regional cuisine can be combined into different travel itineraries.

For families and other travel groups, it can be helpful to decide in advance on the focus of the days spent together: an easy circular route along the Sawe, a walking trail through the Hoëgne Valley, the historic Vecquée or an excursion focused on the attractions around Lac de la Gileppe. The available trails and activities allow for varied planning, without every day having to follow the same pattern.

More places to consider

If you would also like to compare other destinations, you can visit the pages for Sart-Lez-Spa, Engis, Donceel, Stoumont, Kelmis, Beaufays, Lontzen and Nandrin.

For the overarching travel overview: Liège.