3 photogenic places just across the border

Belgium

3 photogenic places just across the border

Still looking for a fun weekend outing? In this blog we take you to three photogenic spots just across the Dutch border. Each one is an interesting destination, perfect for a day trip and ideal for anyone who loves photography and hidden gems.

Fairytale Monschau

Just over an hour's drive from Maastricht (about 1 hour and 10 minutes) you will find the enchanting little town of Monschau, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region on the edge of the Eifel. We were lucky that it was lovely and quiet when we were there, but be prepared: on busy days it can get quite crowded.

Monschau feels like a setting from a fairytale; think of Belle's village from Beauty and the Beast. Narrow cobbled streets, idyllic half-timbered houses and a medieval streetscape make it a picture to wander through. On arrival you can pick up a free map at the entrance to the village, handy if you want to discover all the hidden alleys and paths. Many of those paths lead you into the surrounding forests, or up to the imposing Monschau Castle, which towers high above the town. From here you have a magnificent view over the rooftops of Monschau.

A real eye-catcher in the centre is the Red House (Rotes Haus), a stately Baroque building that contrasts sharply with the surrounding half-timbered houses. This former home of Johann Heinrich Scheibler, an 18th-century textile magnate, is now a museum where the original interior is still completely intact.

Besides its historic charm, Monschau is also very cosy: snug little restaurants, artisan shops and even a Christmas shop that is open all year round. Here you can pick up handmade Christmas decorations, perfect for anyone who wants a little Christmas atmosphere all year round.

Mysterious Fort de la Chartreuse

Are you a fan of urbex photography and looking for a mysterious place full of history and decay? Then be sure to put Fort de la Chartreuse, just outside Liège, on your list. This special place is just a 35-minute drive from Maastricht.

The fort was built in 1817 because of its strategic location for military defence. During the Second World War, after 1944, it even served as a hospital for the American army. Since 1982, however, it has been completely empty, and since then nature has slowly but surely reclaimed its place.

On arrival you have to search a bit: the entrance is not clearly marked and it is not entirely certain whether a visit is officially allowed. Everything looks abandoned and overgrown, but during our visit we did meet some walkers and people exercising, which suggests the site is tacitly tolerated. Still, there is an exciting, almost ghostly atmosphere, a place you would rather not wander around alone after sunset.

Inside, the fort is a true paradise for photographers: every room tells a different story. The complex is vast and completely covered in graffiti, which gives it a raw, artistic look. The combination of decay, nature and street art makes it a unique setting for photos. Note: sturdy shoes are no luxury, because there is rubble, loose stones and glass everywhere.

Natural Waimes

In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes lies the beautiful Waimes region, about 1 hour and 5 minutes' drive from Maastricht. This area is perfect for nature lovers. In the High Fens nature park you will find plenty of footpaths winding through dense forests and over wooden boardwalks; especially after a fresh snowfall, the landscape here turns into a magical winter setting.

An absolute highlight in this region is the fairytale Reinhardstein Castle, an impressive castle originally built in 1354. It is tucked away among the hills and is the highest castle in Belgium. Its location is no coincidence: the castle was strategically placed along an important medieval trade route to the Eifel.

Over the centuries the castle changed hands several times and eventually fell into disrepair. In 1812 it was even going to be demolished, but those plans were stopped three years later. Only in 1965 did the castle get a second life, when a Brussels professor fully restored it with great dedication. Today Reinhardstein Castle is open to visitors. On a guided tour given by the current owner, you walk through the atmospheric rooms and gardens, where the past comes to life.

Several walking routes run around the castle, including a path to the Reinhardstein waterfall. At 60 metres, this is the highest waterfall in Belgium, a beautiful piece of nature that is definitely worth a visit. Whether you come for a lovely walk, for that one perfect photo moment or for a piece of history, this region has it all.

Can you also go to these places by public transport?

Getting there by public transport is a bit tricky. What you can do is take the train to Maastricht and easily rent a car at Maastricht Airport with DiscoverCars.

For more travel inspiration, also check out our Instagram page @dutchtravelfreak.

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