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Baraque Michel

Baraque Michel

This adventurous course starts at the Baraque Michel and offers a nice overview of the scenic diversity of the High Fens. In addition to the typical peat plains, mysterious oak forests and peaceful river valleys also require discovery.

Distance: 13 km.

Time: 4h00.

Grade: Moderate.

Type: Circular.

Gps Track: Yes.

Route description: Yes.

Wheelchair: Not suitable.

Dog: Not allowed.

Height gain: 201 meters.

Trail: Mainly unpaved.

Marking: Green rectangle.

Hiking shoes recommended.

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The Roof of Belgium.

The walk leads from the Fischbach chapel to the 'Croix des Fiancés', along a newly constructed gravel road, through the heart of the Walloon peat bogs. At this last place in 1871 a young couple died from the cold. They had left for Xhoffraix to collect the papers needed for their upcoming marriage. Along the river Polleur, trimmed with birch and alder, the trail brings the walker into a pristine landscape. Upon arrival at the 'Six Hêtres', a mysterious island of deciduous trees in the middle of a pine forest, the route crosses the Fagnes of Setay and then returns to the Baraque Michel, where you can enjoy a nice meal.

Baraque Michel

Download PDf for route description.

Preparation: The peatland is often inaccessible, in the spring during the breeding season and in the summer due to fire hazard. Please inquire at: 0032 (0) 80 44 72 72 or 0032 (0) 80 44 03 00

Map & Poi's.

POI 1 - The Fischbach chapel.

The Fischbach chapel was founded in 1830 by H.T. Fischbach in honor of Our Lady of the Dead. Until 1856, the owners of the Baraque Michel hung a lantern in darkness and bad weather to help lost travelers find their way.

No additional information.

POI 2 - Croix des Fiancés.

On this spot there is a cross in memory of a young couple who died in 1871 from the cold. They had left the Fagnes to Xhoffraix to pick up the papers needed for their upcoming marriage. Only two months later, when the snow melted, a Prussian customs officer discovered the body of the young Marie. In her lower body, her fiancé had dropped a note: "Mary is just dead and I'm going to do it." François's body had been found a little further.

No additional information.

POI 3 - Nature Centre Botrange.

After the walk you can visit the museum and the shop in the nature center of Botrange, where you will find lots of books and maps. At the fireplace you can relax with a beer from the barrel.

Nature Centre Botrange.
www.botrange.be.