Best lakes around Limbourg offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities across both Dutch and Belgian territories. This region is characterized by its unique blend of historical industrial sites transformed into nature reserves and naturally formed water bodies. The area provides a variety of aquatic environments, from expansive water sports areas to tranquil moor lakes and reservoirs.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Limbourg.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The navigable dam is a good starting point for numerous tours.
6
0
The Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
9
0
This work of art, made from granite, was the first of its kind in Belgium. The dam was built between 1867 and 1875. Between 1967 and 1971 it was consolidated and the capacity of the reservoir was increased to 26.4 million m³ of water. The lake is fed by the Gileppe, the Louba and the Soor. Two 75m high collection towers direct the water to turbines. The famous Lion, created by Félix-Antoine Bouré, is one of the major attractions. Height: 13.5m – her weight: 130 tons. 183 blocks that fit together like a puzzle were completely dismantled and rebuilt to mark the raising of the dam. The lion looks in the direction of Eupen, then Prussia, barely 5 kilometers away. Source: https://www.tourismejalhaysart.be/nl/attraction/barrage-du-lac-de-la-gileppe-jalhay-hautes-fagnes-spa/
10
0
Very nice place that invites you to take a little rest.
7
1
The Lac d'Eupen is a lake near Eupen Kettenis (Wallonia). The lake can be reached from the surrounding towns of Eupen (about 4 km from the lake), Eupen (4 km away) and Raeren (about 7 km away). Lac d'Eupen is located in the catchment area of Eupen, which is around 4 kilometers from the lake.
10
0
There are some beautiful mountain bike trails along the dam, so a visit to the dam is worthwhile. During our visit in mid-November 2022, I found it shocking how empty the dam was 🤔
9
0
Beautiful view of the reservoir.
9
0
Limbourg offers a diverse range of lakes, including expansive water sports areas like the Maasplassen, tranquil moor lakes such as Elfenmeer and Rolvennen in National Park De Meinweg, and historical reservoirs like the Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre). You'll also find unique pond landscapes like De Wijers, known as 'the land of 1001 ponds', and lakes within former industrial sites now transformed into nature reserves, such as those in Hoge Kempen National Park.
The Maasplassen in Dutch Limburg is the largest continuous water sports area in the Netherlands, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, surfing, diving, rowing, and canoeing. Additionally, Terhills within Hoge Kempen National Park offers a cable park for water skiing and wakeboarding.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Gileppe Dam Lion area is a starting point for many family-friendly hiking trails and features a large playground. The Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach near Brunssum has shallow parts suitable for children and is ideal for a refreshing swim. The Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) also has a children's playground next to its panoramic restaurant.
Many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) and Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) feature great trails for hiking or mountain biking, with the circumnavigation of the dam being a popular activity. Reindersmeer is a nature reserve with numerous hiking and biking trails. De Wijers and Hoge Kempen National Park also provide extensive networks of paths for nature enthusiasts. For more hiking options, explore the running trails around Limbourg.
Absolutely. Reindersmeer offers numerous biking trails. De Wijers is famous for its 'Cycling through Water' path in Bokrijk, providing a unique experience. Hoge Kempen National Park features highlights like the 'Cycling Between the Mining Cones' bridge and the 'Cycling Across the Floating Bridge' over the Grote Plas. You can find more cycling routes in the cycling guide for Limbourg.
The Maasplassen area is known for its unique natural environment with flowery banks, water birds, and grazing Galloway cattle and Konik horses. De Wijers, with its '1001 ponds', is of significant ecological value, housing rare species like the bittern and tree frog. National Park De Meinweg, home to Elfenmeer and Rolvennen, features pine forests, heathland, and moors, with boardwalks offering a 'jungle expedition' feel through swampy areas.
Yes, the Gileppe Dam Lion is notable for being one of the oldest dams in Europe, crowned by a 13.5-meter-high sandstone lion. The Casino Pond is a relic of 19th-century mining activity, originally created as a water reservoir. The Commanderie of Sint-Pieters-Voeren also features trout ponds within a wooded park of historical significance.
The Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach near Brunssum is ideal for dogs, offering a refreshing and natural swimming experience for both pets and their owners in a peaceful setting.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but specific times offer unique experiences. The moor lakes in National Park De Meinweg are particularly beautiful during rainy seasons or when the heather blooms in autumn. Summer is ideal for water sports at the Maasplassen. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling in areas like Reindersmeer and Hoge Kempen National Park.
Yes, the Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) offers an exceptional view of the lake from its panoramic restaurant. The Gileppe Dam Lion also features a lookout tower with fantastic views. In Hoge Kempen National Park, you can find viewpoints like 'View of the Grote Plas from Terhills' and the 'Cycling Between the Mining Cones' bridge, which offers panoramic views of the former mining area and surrounding nature.
Yes, many areas offer accessible and easy walking paths. The Gileppe Dam Lion area provides family-friendly hiking trails. Reindersmeer offers various trails, and the general landscape of De Wijers and Hoge Kempen National Park includes routes suitable for leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort.


Still not found your perfect lake around Limbourg? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.