Gileppe Dam
Barrage de la Gileppe
A stone dam completed in the 19th century, with a giant stone lion crouching on its crest. An observation tower overlooks the reservoir surrounded by forest.
The Gileppe Dam was built between 1867 and 1878 to supply water to Verviers' wool industry, and it was one of the largest dams in Europe at the time. A stone lion about 13.5 meters high crouches at the centre of the dam crest. Carved from more than 130 blocks of sandstone, it has become a landmark. Beside the dam stands a tall observation tower, whose top-floor restaurant overlooks the reservoir and the Hertogenwald forest. A lakeside trail circles the reservoir, popular with hikers and cyclists. It is about 35 km from Liège and easy to reach by car.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Limbourg
- Hautes Fagnes
- Thermes de Spa
- Spa
- Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
- Reinhardstein Castle
- Abbey of Stavelot
- Val-Dieu Abbey