Hoscheit-Venn (Zone B)

Hoscheit-Venn (Zone B) is a section of the Hautes Fagnes / Hohes Venn nature reserve in Liège province, close to Eupen, near locations known locally as Vussheck and Op er Kier. It forms part of the wider, cross-border plateau of moorlands and peat bogs straddling the Belgian-German border, an area covering more than 600 km² in total.

What does "Zone B" mean?

The Hautes Fagnes reserve is divided into access zones labelled A, B, C and D, each with different rules. Zone A is freely accessible to visitors, while Zone B — which includes Hoscheit-Venn — is open every day but strictly limited to marked, designated paths. Zone C requires a guide, and Zone D is closed to visitors altogether. This zoning system exists to protect the fragile peat bog habitats from the pressure of foot traffic, pets and vehicles.

Rules on site

Visitors to Zone B must stay on the marked trails at all times; leaving the designated path is not permitted. Dogs and bicycles are prohibited, as is collecting plants or any other natural material. Waste must be disposed of only in bins provided, and visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb wildlife or other people enjoying the reserve. The area is managed by the Department of Nature and Forests (DNF) of the Walloon Region, whose engineers and district officers oversee the reserve from bases in Liège, Eupen, Elsenborn, Malmedy and Spa.

Landscape and nature

The name "Venn" — echoing the German "Hohes Venn" and the French "Fagnes" — refers to the high-altitude raised bogs typical of this part of the Ardennes and Eifel. Hoscheit, which lends its name to the reserve, is one of the elevations within the plateau, built largely from quartzite sandstone, a rock type characteristic of the geological base underlying the wider High Fens massif. These peat bogs formed over thousands of years in the cool, damp conditions of the upland plateau, giving rise to a distinctive ecosystem of sphagnum moss, heathland vegetation, and the frequent mist that has shaped the region's reputation for stark, atmospheric scenery.

Who is it for

Hoscheit-Venn suits visitors looking for a quiet encounter with the largely untouched wild bog landscape near Eupen. Because of its Zone B status, it is best suited to walkers prepared to stick to marked routes — it is not a destination for cyclists or those travelling with dogs. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is worth planning for, since bog terrain tends to stay wet underfoot, and weather on the High Fens plateau can change quickly regardless of season.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to Hoscheit-Venn? No, dogs are not allowed in Zone B, and neither are bicycles.

Do I need a guide? Not in Zone B — unlike Zone C, visitors can explore independently as long as they stay on the marked, signposted paths.

What kind of terrain is this? A heathland and peat bog plateau, part of the larger Hautes Fagnes / Hohes Venn complex, with a geological base that includes quartzite sandstone.

Who manages the reserve? The Department of Nature and Forests (DNF) of the Walloon Region, with local oversight including staff based in Eupen.