Following the fire that affected the High Fens Nature Reserve, we took the time needed to thoroughly clean and secure our entire property. The hotel was not damaged by the fire, and we have thoroughly cleaned the entire property, including the guest rooms, outdoor areas, and the wellness center (both indoor and outdoor). We are monitoring and updating the situation regarding access routes and the surrounding natural environment on a daily basis. Here is all the practical information you need for your stay.
The past few days have been intense for us, for our region, and for everyone who loves the High Fens as much as we do. We have received extraordinary support from hundreds of you, and we are deeply moved by it.
We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the firefighters, farmers, DNF agents, Civil Protection members, military personnel, and all the volunteers who fought tirelessly against the flames to protect our region. Without their dedication, none of this would have been possible.
We took the time to check everything thoroughly before reopening our doors to you: rooms, linens, fabrics, windows, patios, and ventilation systems. We left nothing to chance.
Our team is ready to welcome you starting Thursday, August 27.
— The Petta family and the entire team at Domaine des Hautes Fagnes
FAQ - What you need to know before your stay
Was the hotel affected by the fire? Are any areas closed?
No. The fire that affected the High Fens Nature Reserve did not reach the hotel building or its immediate surroundings. However, since the smoke and ash drifted beyond the area of the fire, we did notice soot deposits in some places; we therefore decided to thoroughly clean the entire property before reopening our doors.
- Bedrooms and Bedding : Professional cleaning of all mattresses and fabrics by Keep New.
- Home Textiles : All linens were laundered and replaced by our partner, Elis, before the rooms were reoccupied.
- Windows and interior and exterior surfaces : Thorough cleaning of all windows and surfaces on the property by Soliner.
- Wellness Center (indoor and outdoor) : cleaning of outdoor facilities, ventilation systems, and water filtration systems.
Is the air quality safe?
The air quality around the Hautes Fagnes is continuously monitored by the ISSeP (Scientific Institute of Public Service) and AWAC (Walloon Agency for Air and Climate), via a reinforced network of sensors installed around the area, notably at Mont-Rigi and Bosfagne, in the immediate vicinity of the estate. The latest 24-hour readings classify the air quality index as «good». We display today's index at reception and monitor the situation continuously.
Inside the hotel, the air quality is very good: our ventilation systems were thoroughly inspected and cleaned before we reopened.
In addition, all of our linens, textiles, rugs, and outdoor surfaces have been thoroughly cleaned, as have our ventilation and water filtration systems.
Source Governor of the Province of Liège – ISSeP / AWAC – enhanced air quality monitoring system. Page updated on 28/08
Are the roads leading to the hotel accessible?
Yes, access to the hotel via Spa and Malmedy is open. Traffic resumed on Tuesday 25 August on the N68, N672 and N676, which had been closed since the start of the fire.
A flare-up in the north-eastern sector nevertheless necessitated the temporary re-closure this Thursday, 27 August, of the N68 between the Belle-Croix crossroads and Eupen, as well as the Drossart roundabout. This closure does not affect the route to the hotel: if you are arriving via Eupen, simply plan to go via Spa or Malmedy.
Stopping and parking remain prohibited around the disaster area, and the speed limit there is restricted to 50 km/h.
This reopening applies only to vehicle traffic. It does not mean that access to the High Fens Nature Reserve has been reopened.
The road situation may still change according to the needs of the emergency services. We update this page as soon as necessary and will send you the recommended route by booking confirmation email.
Source Updated 28/08 – Press releases from the Governor of the Province of Liège.
Can we go for a walk in the High Fens during our stay?
The part of the High Fens that lies directly behind the estate, however, was spared by the flames and remains a popular place for our guests to take walks.
Upon your arrival, our on-site team will direct you to the trails that are currently accessible, and you can check with our front desk at any time for an up-to-date list of the open trails around the resort.
Several natural sites in the region that were not affected by the fire have also reopened: the trail around Lake Gileppe (since August 21) and Lake Bütgenbach and its activities (since August 21).
Source : Wallonia Public Service (SPW) / Walloon Government — map of restricted areas, updated based on changes to the DNF.
Official sources
All the information on this page is based on the following official announcements, which are updated daily:
- Governor of the Province of Liège — Status Updates
- Wallonia Public Service (SPW)
- ISSeP / AWAC — Air Quality Monitoring
- The municipalities of Waimes, Jalhay, Baelen, and Bütgenbach
Last update of this page: 28/08
Commitment to Solidarity
We remain deeply attached to the High Fens, which have always been a part of our lives. They will recover, just as they always have. In the meantime, we will continue to welcome you with the same enthusiasm for helping you discover this exceptional natural environment—while adhering to current guidelines.
For every stay and every wellness way booked, we donate €1 to the nonprofit organization Les Amis de la Fagne, which has been dedicated to the protection and preservation of the High Fens for decades.