From Monschau to Waimes
Discover the High Fens
The third stage of the Vennbahn takes you through diverse landscapes, from marshy ponds to lush meadows, all the way to the High Fens. Explore the Belgian border at Kalterherberg and Leykaul before concluding your journey at the old Waimes station.
26,7 km
Distance
1/3
Difficulty
1h45
Duration
Multi-Stage
Route
Practical Information
Parking
Vennbahn-Parkplatz Reichenstein - 52156 Monschau, Deutschland
Distance to the Vennbahn: 0 km
Vennbahn-Parkplatz Waimes - Rue de la Gare 89, 4950 Waimes
Distance to the Vennbahn: 0 km
Equipment
Suitable for all types of bicycles
Start
50.564819, 6.233689
Adress for your GPS :
Rastplatz Vennbahnweg Monschau
GPX data stage:
Download GPX data
Difficulty level
Easy
Tourist information offices on the stage
Stage 3
From Monschau to Waimes
Stage 3
From Monschau to Waimes
The third stage of the Vennbahn leads you from Monschau to the scenic stream Rur, which you follow until you reach the border near Kalterherberg and Leykaul. Once back in Belgium, you’ll see the unique heath landscape of the High Fens, which gave its name to the Vennbahn. While you cycle along the border of the moorland, you’ll ride through verdurous meadows and under shade-giving trees. The stage ends at the former train station of Waimes.
Waffles and Rail Bikes in Leykaul: A Tasty Stop on the Vennbahn
Waffles and Rail Bikes in Leykaul: A Tasty Stop on the Vennbahn
If you start in the centre of Monschau, you can take a short-cut via the Rurufer cycling trail, which will make you avoid the climb back up to the former train station of the town. Back on the Vennbahn, you ride towards Leykaul, where you cross the border to Belgium again. Here, an old, converted carriage invites you to taste some Belgian specialties. Moreover, you can ride on the former rails of the Vennbahn using the rail bikes between Leykaul and Sourbrodt.
The Jewel of the Vennbahn: Section between Leykaul and Sourbrodt
The Jewel of the Vennbahn: Section between Leykaul and Sourbrodt
The section between Leykaul and the former train station in Sourbrodt is certainly one of the most beautiful along the Vennbahn. On your ride along the small stream Rur, you’ll get a good view of the unique Fens landscape.
Sourbrodt: Between Regional History and the High Fens Panorama
Sourbrodt: Between Regional History and the High Fens Panorama
The former station of Sourbrodt, where the rail bike rides take a break before returning to Leykaul, is a place steeped in history. Moreover, the highest point of Belgium, the Signal de Botrange (694 m) can be reached via the cycling junction nodes and is only a stone’s throw away. An excursion to the High Fens is always worth it.
Lake to Language Border: Vennbahn's Robertville to Waimes Route
Lake to Language Border: Vennbahn's Robertville to Waimes Route
The route leads you between the lakes of Robertville and Bütgenbach to Weywertz, where one of the two side arms of the Vennbahn (Ravel L45a) branches off. Here you can combine the Vennbahn with the Kyll Cycle Route via Bütgenbach. A few kilometres further on, you cross the language border again and reach the French-speaking village of Waimes, the ending point of the third stage of the Vennbahn. From Waimes, you can take a detour to Malmedy and Stavelot using the RAVeL L45.
Find your way
Follow these signs.
Safety notice: A few tips for a trouble-free journey
- Use of the Vennbahn cycling and hiking trail is at your own risk
- No liability is assumed for any damage resulting from negligence on the part of the user
- The Vennbahn is only for use by non-motorised traffic (speed limit: 30 km/h, E-bikes: max. 25 km/h, E-Scooter: max. 18 km/h)
- The respective national Highway Code shall apply
- The markings and signposting shall always be decisive
- Always proceed at a controlled speed so that you can avoid any obstacles in good time
- In case of an accident, call 112 and tell them your location
Nearby accommodations
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Frequently asked questions
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The third stage of the Vennbahn starts at the former station of Monschau..
The railbikes of Railbike and the station café in Leykaul, the High Fens, and the former stations of Sourbrodt and Waimes are among the highlights of the third stage of the Vennbahn.
