Running in Eupen: capital of Ostbelgien

Located at the confluence of the Vesdre and Hill rivers, Eupen is a commercial and industrial town. It reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries thanks to the cloth industry. After being annexed to Prussia and then Germany, Eupen became Belgian in 1920 under the Treaty of Versailles. A welcoming city, the capital of Ostbelgien, the German-speaking community of Belgium, boasts a rich historical heritage, magnificent natural surroundings and excellent cuisine.

View of the town of Eupen and St Joseph's Church

Perched between 250 and 350 metres above sea level, Eupen consists of two distinct but complementary parts: the upper town (Oberstadt) and the lower town (Unterstadt). The upper town is home to the historic centre, shops, official buildings and museums, while the lower town, along the banks of the Vesdre, features converted former industrial districts and peaceful residential areas.

The sumptuous mansions, built during the textile boom, still bear witness to the wealth of yesteryear. Their Baroque architecture with Mosan influences, elegant churches with slender bell towers and decorative fountains dotted around the squares make it one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Strolling through the streets of Eupen is like stepping into a setting that is both historic and lively, where every façade tells a story.

Eastern Belgium

The capital of Belgium's German-speaking community, Eupen is one of nine municipalities where German is the official language. This unique feature, rare in Belgium, gives it a distinctive cultural identity. Located just fifteen kilometres from Aachen, the city was part of the Prussian kingdom for many years before becoming part of Belgium after the First World War. This dual cultural heritage has shaped an open-minded population that is proud of its Germanic roots while remaining deeply Belgian.

The headquarters of the government of the German-speaking Community

Now a fully-fledged federated entity, East Belgium has its own government and parliament, based in Eupen itself. This political autonomy allows the region to preserve its language, traditions and heritage, while actively participating in the life of the kingdom. For art and culture lovers, a visit to the IKOB – Museum of Contemporary Art of the German-speaking Community of Belgium is a must. This dynamic museum exhibits works by Belgian and international artists and boldly addresses the major themes of contemporary society. Its constantly evolving collection reflects the creativity and open-mindedness that characterise Eupen.

Industrial heritage

At the end of the 17th century, Eupen experienced rapid economic growth thanks to its cloth industry. The cloth and fabrics produced in Eupen's workshops were renowned as far afield as London, Paris and Saint Petersburg. The town underwent rapid transformation, with modern factories springing up, specialising in dyeing, spinning and weaving. This boom attracted new residents, merchants and craftsmen from all over Europe, turning Eupen into a veritable industrial hub. Many traces of this prosperous period remain, including cobbled streets lined with merchants' houses, old warehouses and large patrician residences.

Former merchants' houses on Gospert Street

In the 18th century, the wealthiest families, enriched by the textile trade, had splendid Mosan-style mansions built for themselves. These residences, often embellished with gardens and wrought-iron gates, symbolise the city's refinement and economic success. Walking or running through Eupen, you can still discover these architectural treasures in the historic districts, particularly along Gospertstraße and in the lower part of the city. Although the textile industry declined in the 19th century, it left an indelible mark on the urban fabric and collective memory of Eupen. Some former factories have been converted into cultural spaces or housing, harmoniously blending industrial heritage with modernity.

The garden city

Parc national des Hautes Fagnes

Surrounded by wooded hills and vast natural expanses, Eupen offers a privileged living environment, where nature is present at every turn. Just a short walk from the centre, walkers, runners and cyclists can reach two exceptional natural sites: the Hertogenwald, the ‘Forest of the Dukes’, and the Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Nature Park. These immense reserves, among the most beautiful in Belgium, are home to remarkable biodiversity and a wide variety of landscapes, alternating between deep forests, winding rivers and mysterious peat bogs. In all seasons, they are an ideal playground for getting away from it all and breathing in the fresh air.

Not far from there lies Lake Vesdre, the largest artificial lake in the country. Held back by an impressive dam, it supplies drinking water to a large part of the region and attracts nature lovers for a walk, a jog or simply a moment of relaxation by the water. The paths that border it offer magnificent views of the surrounding forests and valleys.

But Eupen is not limited to its green surroundings: nature is also very present in the heart of the city. The Eastern Park, a veritable ‘edible forest’, is home to numerous fruit trees and berry bushes, while Loten Park, at the junction between the upper and lower towns, offers a peaceful place to stroll or picnic. These green oases give Eupen a serene and balanced atmosphere, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day of sightseeing.

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