Discover Elsenborn: Nature, Festivals and Special Trails

Elsenborn combines expansive heathland, striking rock formations, special natural areas and lively local traditions. Those looking for a holiday apartment as a base for varied days away will find opportunities here for hiking, nature observation, cultural discoveries and sporting experiences. The range extends from historic points of orientation to cross-country ski trails and a biathlon centre.

Landscape between Heathland, Forest and the Schwalmbach Valley

The Elsenborn military training area preserves a heathland landscape typical of the High Fens, with open stream valleys. Most of the area has been included in the Natura 2000 programme because of its rare flora and fauna. This landscape shapes the character of the surroundings and makes Elsenborn interesting for travellers who would like to combine their stay with experiences in nature.

Another distinctive natural area is the Das Schwalmtal nature reserve. It extends across Elsenborn (Bütgenbach), Rocherath and Wirtzfeld (Büllingen). The 209-hectare nature reserve lies in the Belgian-German border region; the Schwalmbach stream runs through the military grounds. The Bieley is a striking rock high above the Schwalmbach Valley and offers a view of the meandering Schwalmbach stream. Access to the Bieley is regularly closed because of shooting exercises, as the rock lies within a safety zone of the Elsenborn military training area. You should therefore check the possible access before setting out on a corresponding tour.

Hiking and Active Days

Numerous short and longer hikes can be started from Elsenborn. The routes are available as GPX files for download, allowing you to plan your day based on the respective route. One possible point of orientation is the Truschbaum near Griesdeck on Lagerstraße in Elsenborn. The panoramic information board stands together with a panoramic shelter near hiking junction 67.

The surroundings also offer a particular focus in winter: The cross-country ski trails in Elsenborn are groomed for both classic and skating styles and allow loops of up to 14 kilometres. Those who choose a holiday apartment for an active stay can therefore plan different activities, alternating between hiking days and cross-country skiing, without changing the character of the destination.

History and Traditions on Site

Nine boundary stones dating from 1791, marking the former border between Jülich and Luxembourg, have been re-erected around the Truschbaum. Together with the historic point of orientation, they provide a tangible connection to the area's former border history. Elsenborn also reveals another side through its local festivals: The parish fair always takes place at the end of August and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of the parish. Its highlight is the Lancier dance, which is performed on the Monday and Tuesday after Mass in front of the church.

The Brigitta Festival also takes place in February in honour of Saint Brigitta, who is venerated as Elsenborn's second patron saint. Those who choose their accommodation according to a fixed travel period can take these dates into account when planning their trip without structuring their stay exclusively around a single event.

Further Discoveries and Getting There

Herba Sana is located on a two-hectare site and includes more than 120 medicinal plants. From 1 June to 30 September, the grounds are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the request of ORTIS, Herba Sana offers guided group tours. At the Herzebösch Biathlon Centre, recreational athletes can enjoy biathlon experiences featuring laser shooting as well as shooting with air rifles and biathlon rifles.

For travel to and connections within the region, TEC bus routes 390 and 394 serve Elsenborn several times a day. Route 390 runs between Verviers and Rocherath, while route 394 runs between Eupen and St. Vith. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether hiking trails, natural areas, festivals or sporting activities should be the main focus of your trip. Elsenborn offers several clearly distinct holiday themes that can be combined in a single journey.

For the broader travel overview: Bütgenbach.