The Belgian peak Signal de Botrange is the highest peak not only of Belgium but also of the whole Benelux. You might think that getting up to the top by bike is an easy task since the Benelux mountains are low but that isn’t true. Signal de Botrange is 694 meters high and it even gets as much snow in winter that there is a cross country skiing track. This article will give you all important information before your visit as well as my personal experience of visiting it by bike on my one day trip to the highest point of every Benelux country.
Important information for visiting the highest point of Belgium – Signal de Botrange
Short description of the ascent: Short easy walk Essential equipment: Nothing special, it's a short walk Best time to visit: All year round Fees or restrictions: No Camping allowed: No Height of the peak: 694 m Hiking distance: 0 m - you can park just next to the highest point (If you want to walk to the highest point there is a parking lot just next to the peak) Time to ascend: 0 minutes (you can park just next to the highest point) Difficulty level: * (6 stars maximum) Personal rating of the mountain: *** (6 stars maximum) Beer on the peak: La Brune Belgium Peak beer (double) ****** (6 stars maximum)
Map of the position of Signal de Botrange
My story of reaching Signal de Botrange with personal tips
Visiting Signal de Botrange was a part of my expedition European Peaks during which I visited the highest peak of every European country. To make it more interesting, I spiced up visiting the highest point of Belgium by visiting also the highest point of Netherlands and Luxembourg in just one day by bike. Check out the whole route here.
The journey from Vaalserberg (the highest point of the Netherlands) towards Signal de Bortrange started positively by a long downhill through the village Gemmenich which was probably the most colorful village I’ve seen. Belgian flags were everywhere. Interesting how patriotic Belgians are.
Surprisingly hilly Benelux
The rest of the journey was more tough. I enjoyed the alternating up- and downhills for 20 km. Later I used dozens of swear words about how the Benelux is crazy hilly. My fault: I was making fun of my girlfriend Joanne that the Benelux is flat. I got it back in the face, or better said in the legs. Even cows were laughing at me.
Belgium Peak beer at Signal de Botrange
The last climb to the highest peak of Belgium made me so tired that I didn’t stop at the peak but continued instead to a nearby brewery with the distinct name Belgium Peak beer to pump some energy. After opening the door I started to understand all the flags on the journey. The Belgians were playing a soccer game at the World Championships that day.
There was an amazing atmosphere in the pub, especially because the Belgians were leading the game 3:0. Amazing. They got me. That’s my team to support this year. This atmosphere was also transferred to a local bartender who gave me a taste of all local beers for free. Thank you for the energy. Then I didn’t have any problem to come back to the highest peak.
The peak itself is great. There are two towers. The first one was built in 1923 to reach the mystic 700 m. These steps are exactly 6 meters high. Thanks to this stone stairs all the Belgians can touch the sky since 1923. Since 2013 there is also a 50 m high tower, especially used for antennas.
I was surprised that there are also cross-country skiing tracks. I would like to try skiing there one day.
My tips for Signal de Botrange
- Go biking there. It is tough but definitely worth it. If it is winter try cross-country skiing
- Don’t miss the brewery Belgium Peak beer. Beer is culture in Belgium and this was one of the best breweries I’ve visited.