Jalhay: Paths through the Fagnes and river valleys
Accommodation in Jalhay
Jalhay lies at the gateway to the High Fens, in a well-preserved, green natural landscape. Walking paths lead through Fagnes landscapes, forests and villages; the local network also includes routes for walking, horse riding, cycling and mountain biking. When choosing accommodation in Jalhay, you can therefore first consider whether you would like to focus your stay on landscapes, riverside paths or cultural history.
Walking paths along the Hoëgne and Statte
Water and plant life take centre stage in the Hoëgne Valley. From the Passerelle du Centenaire, the Hoëgne becomes a mountain stream as far as Belleheid, which lies at an altitude of 380 m. The valley is of botanical interest because liverworts, mosses and ferns can be observed there. Marked walking route No. 55 passes through this valley. If you plan this route, check the condition of the path before setting off, as route conditions can change.
The paths along the Statte each have their own focus: walking route No. 57 follows the river and explores the legends associated with the Statte. Walking route No. 56 along the Sawe, by contrast, is described as an easy loop. This information can help you choose according to the type of route you prefer, without implying a walking time.
The Sawe winds for 6 km from the Grande Fagne to where it flows into the Statte below Solwaster. Its landscapes and vegetation are varied; roe deer and, occasionally, wildcats can be spotted there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. As well as following the river, the Sawe offers a connection with nature, while the routes along the Hoëgne and Statte provide different ways to explore the valley, water and local legends.
Old paths and local history
The Vecquée is an old path through the Fagnes area, first mentioned in 1569. Numbered boundary stones from 148 to 157 stand along the route. They once marked the border between Prussia and Belgium. This makes it possible to connect the region’s history directly with a landscape route, rather than viewing it only as local history. Marked walking route No. 58 leads from the village of Solwaster to the Vecquée.
Another place of remembrance is the Croix des Fiancés. The monument commemorates two young fiancés who were caught in a snowstorm on 22 January 1871. Anyone interested in the history of the paths and landscape will find a tangible connection here to a specific historical event.
The Church of Saint-Michel in Jalhay also tells the story of architectural changes over time. It was first built in 1514. After the earlier building was destroyed by fire in 1835, a larger church was built in 1840; the tower was retained. Its rare, spiral-shaped slate spire is particularly striking. Only a few examples remain in Europe.
Gileppe, activities and regional cuisine
At Lac de la Gileppe, the panoramic tower is a prominent landmark: it is almost 78 m high and fully glazed in its upper section. At the foot of the tower, a permanent exhibition tells the history of the dam. The complex also offers mountain bike tours; equipment availability may change and should be confirmed before making plans.
In the municipality, the guided tour of the Gileppe Dam covers 3 km and includes stairs; it is designed as a mobile tour. It can be booked up to five months in advance using an online form. When planning, you can include this tour as a separate activity, taking the stairs and route length into account.
Jalhay’s folklore offerings include carnival events. Restaurants and brasseries serve regional cuisine, including Chou and Boudin de Jalhay. Individual venues and menus may change; if a particular dish is important to your choice, it is best to ask the restaurant directly. This means the cuisine can complement the natural and cultural aspects of your stay, which need not be limited to walks or historic sites.
Discover more destinations: Sart-Lez-Spa, Stoumont, Malempre, Büllingen, Sankt Vith, Malmedy, Bütgenbach, Stavelot.
Return to the regional travel overview: Liège.
