Vennbahn

Crossing European borders with ease, experiencing the special flair of the border region amid unique landscapes, following the trail of bygone days – that's what the Vennbahn stands for. It runs 125 km from Aachen through the High Fens-Eifel nature park and eastern Belgium to Troisvierges, making it the longest cross-border cycle path on a former railway line in Europe. And with an average gradient of 2 percent, with a few short sections ranging from 3 to 10 percent, the route is comfortable to cycle.

Scenically, the Vennbahn offers unique diversity: from the urban green of Aachen, you seamlessly transition to the beautifully shaped hills of the Eifel and the hedgerow landscape around Monschau, through the wonderfully pristine moorland of the High Fens to the idyllic Our Valley. Vast forests intersperse with expansive meadows, countless rivers and streams meander through narrow valleys and fill entire reservoirs. A special highlight is undoubtedly the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park. It forms a gigantic water reservoir and is the source of countless springs and streams. The characteristic moorland landscape, with its grass, shrubs, and heather, downy birches and wild daffodils, exudes a unique fascination. With its rich natural and cultural heritage, combined with culinary delights on both sides of the border and the excellent infrastructure, all the signs are set for boundless cycling pleasure.

The route completed in 1889 to what was then Ulflingen (today Troisvierges) marked the beginning of a glorious but also turbulent history in the border region between Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The return trip to Aachen:

Guests who cycled from Aachen to Troisvierges on the Vennbahn and want to return to Aachen by train from Troisvierges will have to change trains twice on the way back:

TROISVIERGES – Liège-Guillemins (approx. 1:28 hours)

Change

Liège-Guillemins – Verviers Central (approx. 0:38 hrs)

Change

Verviers Central – AACHEN (approx. 0:14 hrs)