Lake Gileppe, body of water

Lake Gileppe is a reservoir in the Hertogenwald forest near Verviers, held back by a dam covering 130 hectares and holding 26.4 million cubic metres of water. Two concrete towers with wide dark roofs rise from the water, and a walkway crosses behind the left one. A curved dam path with slim lampposts runs along the shore.

The dam was built between 1867 and 1875 and was the first of its kind in Belgium, using granite to hold back the water. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the dam was raised to store more water and meet the growing needs of nearby towns.

The lake is named after the river that feeds it and is seen by local people as an important part of their landscape. The area around the water is a gathering place for walkers and cyclists who use the quiet shore and enjoy the green surroundings.

The lake is easy to reach by car and there is free parking nearby, including spots for larger vehicles. The walking paths around the lake are well marked and easy to follow, suitable for visitors of all ages.

The dam's 78-metre panoramic tower has a restaurant at the top, giving a view over the lake and the Hertogenwald forest. The lake holds 26.4 million cubic metres of water and covers 130 hectares, making it one of Europe's oldest artificial reservoirs.