Regions in Brief

Eupen

20km (12 miles) NE of Spa; 34km (21 miles) E of Liège

This handsome little town (pop. 17,000) is the capital of the East Cantons. It houses the German-speaking minority's local parliament, a prime minister, and a German-language television and radio station. The entire East Cantons district is a popular vacation zone and has an extensive array of hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds. Many people prefer to stay in the countryside, but for those who like the amenities of a small town, Eupen has some good lodging possibilities.

Getting There -- There are hourly trains to Eupen from Brussels and Liège, some direct and some involving a transfer at Verviers; the direct train ride from Liège takes 40 minutes. By car from Liège, take junction 38 off A3/E40.

Visitor Information -- The Verkehrsamt Eupen is at Marktplatz 7, 4700 Eupen (tel. 087/55-34-50; fax 087/55-66-39; www.eupen-info.be). For information about the East Cantons in general, contact Verkehrsamt der Ostkantone, Mühlenbachstrasse 2, 4780 Sankt-Vith (tel. 080/22-76-64; fax 080/22-65-39; www.eastbelgium.com).

Robertville

20km (12 miles) S of Eupen; 18km (11 miles) E of Spa

Beyond the Hautes Fagnes, in the direction of the German border, is Lac de Robertville, a 62-hectare (153-acre) lake outside Robertville village that's a popular area for swimming and watersports in summer.