Welkenraedt Travel Guide

Explore the best of Welkenraedt with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, accommodations, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Welkenraedt

Located in the Liège province of Wallonia in French-speaking Belgium, Welkenraedt is a charming town that boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. This picturesque town is known for its traditional architecture, fine dining, and outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Welkenraedt

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Welkenraedt has several museums and historical sites that are worth visiting, including:

  • Maison Jadot: This former cloth-making factory has been turned into a museum that showcases the history of textile production in Welkenraedt.

  • Château de Bilstain: Built in the 17th century, this feudal castle is a great place to see the aristocratic lifestyle of the past.

  • Eglise Saint-Lambert: This 16th-century church boasts stunning stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings.

Natural Attractions of Welkenraedt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Welkenraedt is also famous for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views to enjoy, such as:

  • Les Fagnes: A nature reserve that features rolling hills, endless forests, and peat bogs.

  • Valley of the Vesdre: A picturesque valley with winding rivers, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

  • Hautes Fagnes Nature Park: A vast natural park that spans over 4000 hectares of forests, moors, and wetlands.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with numerous hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The Transfagne Trail: This 90 km trail connects the Hautes Fagnes Nature Park to the Dutch border and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Ravel Ligne 38: This is a former railway route that has been converted into a hiking and biking path that follows the Vesdre Valley.

  • La Reid Trail: This 8km trail takes you through the lush greenery of the Ardennes forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

Best Things to Do in Welkenraedt: Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing, there are a plethora of activities and tours that one can indulge in while in Welkenraedt, such as:

  • Try a Belgian Beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, and sampling some of these beers is a must-do activity while in town.

  • Take a Culinary Tour: Food tours are perfect for experiencing local cuisine, and Welkenraedt has many food tours that offer unique culinary experiences.

  • Visit Local Markets: Welkenraedt has many markets that sell fresh produce, local crafts, and other unique products, and visiting these markets is a great way to connect with the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt is perfect for a week-long vacation, and the following itinerary can be followed for a complete Welkenraedt experience:

  • Day 1: Visit the Château de Bilstain.

  • Day 2: Hike the Transfagne Trail.

  • Day 3: Take a food tour and sample some local cuisine.

  • Day 4: Visit the Maison Jadot museum.

  • Day 5: Cycle along Ravel Ligne 38.

  • Day 6: Visit Hautes Fagnes Nature Park.

  • Day 7: Embark on a culinary tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Welkenraedt

Must-Try Dishes

Welkenraedt is known for its traditional cuisine, and some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Carbonnade Flamande: This is a classic beef stew made using beer. The dish is slow-cooked, making the meat tender and flavorful.

  • Liège Waffles: These waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are usually served with fruit and whipped cream.

  • Tartiflette: This is a traditional French dish made with potatoes and Reblochon cheese, and is typically served with a side salad.

Local Beverages

Apart from beer, Welkenraedt has some other great beverages to offer, such as:

  • Chimay beer: This beer is produced by the Trappist monks and is one of the most famous Belgian beers.

  • Coteaux de la Citadelle wine: This wine is produced in the nearby Citadelle mountains and has a strong fruity flavor.

  • Peket: This is a traditional Belgian liquor made using fruits and herbs and is usually served as an aperitif.

Where to Stay in Welkenraedt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Welkenraedt has many accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Château de Bilstain Bed and Breakfast: This former castle turned bed and breakfast offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and is perfect for a romantic getaway.

  • Les Tilleuls Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located near the Hautes Fagnes Nature Park and features spacious rooms and a lush green garden.

  • Hotel du Lion d’Or: This cozy hotel is located in the heart of Welkenraedt and features modern rooms and a bar that serves Belgian beer and wine.

What to Buy in Welkenraedt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Welkenraedt has many shops that sell unique and traditional products, such as:

  • Belgian Chocolates: Belgian chocolates are famous all over the world, and Welkenraedt has many shops that sell these delicious treats.

  • Handmade Lace: The town has a rich history of lace-making, and buying a piece of handmade lace is a great souvenir to take back home.

  • Local Beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, and buying some local beer is a great way to take a piece of Welkenraedt back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt has a rich cultural heritage and locals are proud of their traditions. Some of the customs and culture include:

  • Carnival: Welkenraedt has a lively carnival tradition that is celebrated every year and features parades, music, and food.

  • Lace-Making: Lace-making has been a part of Welkenraedt’s culture for a long time, and it is still practiced by some locals today.

  • Beer-Making: Belgian beer-making is an art form, and Welkenraedt has many breweries that have been producing beer for generations.

Best Time to Visit Welkenraedt

The best time to visit Welkenraedt is between May and September, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Welkenraedt

Do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine: Welkenraedt has a rich culinary heritage, and trying some of the local dishes is a must-do activity.

  • Respect the Locals: The people of Welkenraedt are proud of their traditions, and it is important to respect their culture and customs.

  • Take a Walking Tour: A guided walking tour is a great way to explore the town and learn about its history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Welkenraedt is known for its natural beauty, and it is important to keep the town clean and litter-free.

  • Take Flash Photography: Some of the museums and historical sites do not allow flash photography, so it is important to follow the guidelines to preserve the artifacts.

  • Be Loud and Disruptive: Welkenraedt is a peaceful town, and it is important to be respectful of the locals and not be loud and disruptive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt is generally a safe town, and crime rates are low. However, it is important to take common safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and staying aware of your surroundings at night.

Health in Welkenraedt

The healthcare system in Welkenraedt is of a high standard, and there are several hospitals and clinics in the town. The local drinking water is safe to drink, but it is always advisable to drink bottled water when travelling to a new place.

Getting to Welkenraedt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Welkenraedt

The closest airport to Welkenraedt is Liège Airport, which is about 30 km away from the town. The airport has regular flights to destinations across Europe.

Bus Stations Near Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt has a bus station that has regular services to nearby towns and cities. Buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel around the region.

Other Options

Welkenraedt is also well-connected by train, and the town has a train station that has regular services to major cities in Belgium and nearby countries.

How to Get Around in Welkenraedt

Welkenraedt is a small town, and it is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Buses are also available for those who prefer public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Welkenraedt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Welkenraedt is located in a region that has many other interesting towns and cities, such as:

  • Spa: This town is famous for its natural hot springs and is perfect for a relaxing getaway.

  • Liege: This historic city boasts stunning architecture, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.

  • Maastricht: This Dutch city is known for its picturesque streets, cafes, and museums.

Conclusion

Welkenraedt is a beautiful town that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, Welkenraedt is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your trip to this charming town today and discover all that it has to offer.

Place des Combattants (Combatants' Square) with the fountain and monument dedicated to the victims of the World Wars. Place des Combattants (Combatants' Square) with the fountain and monument dedicated to the victims of the World Wars. 1837 border stone depicting the border between Prussia and Belgium, nowadays denoting the border between Welkenraedt and Lontzen, both in Belgium. 1837 border stone depicting the border between Prussia and Belgium, nowadays denoting the border between Welkenraedt and Lontzen, both in Belgium. Welkenraedt station as seen from the street-side. Welkenraedt station as seen from the street-side.