Information
City: EupenCountry: Belgium
Continent: Europe
Eupen, Belgium, Europe
Overview
Eupen is a small city in Belgium’s Walloon Region, tucked into the province of Liège where cobblestone streets wind between old stone houses.It’s the capital of Belgium’s German-speaking Community-one of three official language groups-and sits in the east, just a short drive from the German border where church bells carry over the hills.Eupen, home to about 20,000 people, sits in the rolling green folds of the Ardennes, blending a rare German-speaking heritage with centuries of history.Eupen’s roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, when narrow cobblestone streets first began to take shape.The town first appears in written records from the 12th century, its name inked in the faded script of an old ledger.Over the centuries, it changed owners more than once-among them the Duchy of Limburg and the County of Loon-before finally joining the Austrian Netherlands in the 18th century.German culture has left a strong mark on Eupen-you can hear it in the lilting cadence of the local speech.In 1919, after the Treaty of Versailles, Germany handed Eupen over to Belgium, a quiet border town now marked by stone houses, as part of the post–World War I settlement.Still, the German-speaking community stayed, and today Eupen stands as its heart in Belgium-a country where it shares the stage with the Dutch-speaking Flemish and the French-speaking Walloon communities.Modern Eupen has grown beyond its industrial roots, becoming the heart of Belgium’s German-speaking community, where café windows glow warm on winter evenings.The town buzzes with festivals, shows off centuries-old stone buildings, and sits just a short walk from the quiet edge of the forest.It’s also a hub for cross-border ties with Germany, whose influence has shaped its growth in trade and daily life alike-down to the German signs you’ll spot on shopfronts.In Eupen, you’ll find a blend of historic gems and natural beauty-stone churches, leafy trails-that showcase its rich culture and stunning landscape.Eupen’s Town Hall, or Hôtel de Ville, stands proudly in the Grand Place, its stone façade making it one of the town’s most familiar sights.The building showcases classic neo-classical design, crowned by a clock tower that rises above the central square like a sentinel in stone.Locals and visitors gather here to meet, swapping stories as they take in the mountain views.St. Nicholas Church (Église Saint-Nicolas) rises in the heart of Eupen, its neo-Gothic spire catching the light like a blade of silver against the sky.The church, with its tall steeple and stained-glass windows that glow like jewels in the afternoon sun, stands as one of the city’s landmarks and a gathering place for the local Catholic community.The German Quarter in Eupen is a neighborhood that shows off the city’s German-speaking roots, from the old shop signs to the sound of the language in the streets.The quarter features traditional German-style buildings and historic architecture, from timber-framed facades to steep gabled roofs, reflecting the town’s deep ties to German culture.You’ll also find cultural centers here, along with lively festivals where German traditions come alive in music, dance, and the smell of fresh pretzels.The Kaiser Karl Monument pays tribute to Emperor Charles V-Karl der Große-born in Ghent yet deeply tied to the region, where his legacy still lingers like the echo of church bells at dusk.The monument stands as proof of Eupen’s deep ties to Europe, especially in the days of the Holy Roman Empire, when merchants once crossed its cobbled streets.Eupen Cemetery sits on the city’s eastern edge, its paths lined with tidy rows of stones and shaded by old trees, holding the graves of notable figures and soldiers from both World Wars.La Maison de la Laine, or The Wool House, stands as a reminder of the days when Eupen thrived on wool production, with the museum’s exhibits-spools, looms, and worn workbenches-telling the story of the city’s industrial past.It sheds light on the textile production that once drove much of Eupen’s economy, from the hum of weaving looms to the scent of freshly dyed cloth.Eupen sits just beside the High Fens-Hautes Fagnes-a sweeping stretch of moorland in Eifel Nature Park, deep in the misty hills of the Ardennes.The park’s known for its rolling moors, misty wetlands, and dense forests, drawing hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers eager to explore its wild beauty.Not far from here, the Signal de Botrange rises as Belgium’s highest point, where you can take in sweeping views of the rolling hills and dark pine forests.The Lake of Eupen, or Lac d’Eupen, is a 20th-century reservoir where you can paddle across still water, cast a fishing line, or stroll along peaceful forest trails.People flock to the lake to unwind, breathing in the scent of pine while they take in the sweeping views of the surrounding hills.The Redoute, or Redoubt, is a 19th-century stone fort that once guarded Eupen against outside threats, a solid reminder of the city’s military past.These days, it hosts all sorts of cultural gatherings, from lively music nights to quiet art exhibits.In Eupen, culture thrives-street parades, music drifting from cafés-and the German-speaking community brings a distinctive flair to its traditions and celebrations.In Eupen, the annual Carnival bursts to life with bright costumes, pounding drums, swirling dancers, and a parade that winds through the crowded streets.The carnival usually rolls in during February or March, filling the streets with music and color as local groups and organizations join the celebration.The Eupen Music Festival is one of the year’s cultural high points, filling the air with everything from local folk tunes to soaring international symphonies.The festival brings together classical melodies, smooth jazz, and fresh contemporary sounds, drawing music lovers from every corner of Belgium and far past its borders.Thanks to its German-speaking community, Eupen comes alive year-round with German cultural festivals-folk bands playing lively tunes, dancers in bright traditional dress, and gatherings that celebrate the language and its literature.These events keep the city’s cultural identity alive, like the warm scent of fresh bread drifting from a neighborhood bakery.Eupen’s Christmas Market draws crowds each holiday season, with stalls full of handmade crafts, local treats, and the warm scent of mulled wine drifting through the air.The market feels unmistakably German, lined with wooden stalls draped in garlands and the warm scent of mulled wine in the air.CuisineEupen’s food scene mixes Belgian flair with German comfort, serving up hearty stews and other local favorites.Würstchen und Sauerkraut is a classic German favorite-plump, savory sausages paired with tangy sauerkraut, the kind of fermented cabbage that snaps lightly between your teeth.In Eupen, this dish is a favorite, especially at festivals and local gatherings.Boudin Blanc-a Belgian specialty-is a pale, tender sausage made from pork, chicken, and spices, often paired with potatoes and rich sauces.Beer is part of the rhythm of life here, with local breweries pouring everything from fruity Belgian ales to Trappist brews from the nearby Abbey of St. Sixtus.Thanks to excellent transport links, getting to Eupen from anywhere in Belgium-or beyond-is straightforward.By train, Eupen’s station serves as a busy crossroads, linking the city to Belgium’s rail network with carriages that hum in and out all day.You can reach Liège, Verviers, and Brussels from here, and there’s also a direct link to Germany through the Aachen region.By car, Eupen’s just off the E highway, an easy drive past rolling green hills.
Landmarks in Eupen
