Reservoir Loop

A bikepacking route through the Eifel and High Fens region by DirtyDropbars.

The Reservoir Loop is a bikepacking route that mainly travels through the Eifel region. This area, located on the border of Germany and Belgium, consists of vast stretches of forest where you can ride for hours without encountering anyone. The region is situated in the eastern part of the Eifel-Ardennes middle-high plateau, nestled between the Moselle and the Rhine rivers. The majority of the area is in Germany, with a small portion extending into Belgium, where this cycling journey begins - precisely at Le Coffee Ride in Stavelot.

The Eifel reminded us of the extensive forests in southern Scandinavia. It's incredible that this region, relatively unknown to the general public, possesses such beautiful nature. For the initial part of our route, we planned to pass as many reservoirs as possible, as the views from the towering dams add an extra dimension to this cycling adventure.

Le Coffee Ride - Stavelot BE

You can easily ride for hours alone through the dense forests. Occasionally, stop and immerse yourself in the silence. Peer between the trees and over the meadows. With a bit of luck, you might spot a herd of wild boars darting into the forest edges. They feel quite at home in this area. However, be aware that while the roads are generally well-maintained, they can get muddy during wet periods.

For a good preparation, bring enough food and drinks with you. It's not uncommon to go for a long time without finding any supply points. If you want to be more self-sufficient, a water filter and tablets can come in handy. You can camp in shelters or, for more luxury, find various hotels along the route. Read the day descriptions on our Komoot collection for more information about food and great tips for overnight stays.

Hours of cycling joy on perfect gravel paths await you.

After the first few hours, you'll ride through the Warche valley, which is one of our favorite valleys in Belgium. After crossing several rivers, you'll cycle through the Bayehon valley, another picturesque valley, all the way to the Botrange.

The route takes you from the High Fens, our favorite gravel destination in Belgium, to a gravel paradise just across the border. Before leaving Belgium, you'll pass by the beautiful reservoirs Lac de Gileppe and Wesertalsperre. Just across the border in Roetgen, make sure to stop by the supermarket to stock up on provisions, as there's no supermarket in the next village, Rott, and then you'll venture 40 kilometers into the pristine wilderness.

The section between Rott and Vossenack is a true paradise. The feeling of being completely away from it all comes to life as you ride through endless forests towards Wehebachtalsperre and beyond. If there has been a lot of rain, you can get water from the streams. In that case, bring a filter or chlorine tablets.

From the dam, you'll have to briefly dismount and take a narrow path downhill. Then, you'll face a steep uphill climb for several hundred meters, with some sections reaching as much as 27% gradient. It's possible to conquer this climb with a 38/46 gear ratio, but it's quite a challenge. Stay on the path and respect the nature, as this is a protected nature reserve. The climb will take you to Wollseifen, a village dating back to the 1200s that is now abandoned. The village has a tumultuous history, with periods of prosperity and decline due to wars and other factors.

Next, the route takes you to Hellenthal and the Oleftalsperre. From here, you'll encounter one of the few long asphalt climbs on the route, a breathtaking desolate road winding through the woods. Afterward, you'll once again find yourself riding for hours on endless double tracks through untouched forests, reminiscent of cycling in Scandinavia. On this day, you'll pass several small villages where you can find supplies. Don't hesitate to knock on people's doors and ask for water. There are hotels in Olzheim and Neuendorf. If you plan to stay there, make reservations in advance.

On the last day, you'll enter Belgium again. Be prepared for limited supply options in the morning once more. The surroundings will change, and in addition to forests, you'll encounter rolling meadows that are characteristic of the Ardennes. As you approach Malmedy, the peat bogs also reappear in the landscape. From fifty kilometers onward, you'll find multiple gas stations and shops for sufficient supplies until the end of the journey. The last few hours consist of several single tracks and some technical passages. If you have some energy left, the climb up Stockeu in Stavelot will call for some heroic efforts. After that, you'll bring an end to a four-day immersion in the nature of the East Cantons and Eifel on your gravel bike.

This region offers everything you need for a multi-day cycling adventure. It's so close, yet it gives you a unique feeling of untouched and desolate wilderness.

Setup:

Tires: 40mm<

Setup: 38X11/44<

Bike type: Gravel bike or MTB

Overnight bivouacs:

Reilagerbach-Hutte

Schutzhutte Ramsau

In the beautiful forests beyond Knaufspesch

Hotels:

Rott

Heimbach

Bleialf (a little off the route)

Important food stops:

Roetgen

Vossenack

Heimbach

Gas stations at km 354