Stage 14. Chaudfontaine (BE) to Pepinster (BE)

Chaudfontaine is a town on the river Vesder in the province of Liège, Belgium and has almost 21000 inhabitants. The place has given its name to the spring water brand. Chaudfontaine has the only hot spring in the Benelux (37 degrees). This makes it officially a spa. Chaudfontaine did not make it in the name and fame of his more famous brother Spa from the spa of the same name.

Pepinster traditionally had many watermills, due to its location between two fast-flowing rivers. In the 18th century, four watermills were made suitable for the textile industry, which flourished in the area around Verviers.

One of the largest companies in the 19th century was the cloth factory of Lieutenant & Peltzer.

Under the name Textile de Pepinster, the company blossomed in the 20th century. Some of the buildings were demolished in 2012, but the Art Deco facade along the stream Vesder is a protected industrial monument.

Pepinster was badly hit by the July 2021 floods. Both the Vesder and the Hoëgne overflowed, causing devastating water and mudslides. The material damage was enormous. After the disaster, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium among others visited the town.

Overview map:

Stats:

Start:	Chaudfontaine (BE)
Coordinates (DD):	50.588818, 5.652707
End:	Pepinster (BE)
Coordinates (DD):	50.568421 / 5.803283
Distance:	19,7 kilometers
Uphill:	680 meters
Downhill:	620 meters
Path, dirt road, gravel, nature trail:	98%
Asphalt, road:	2%
More additional info like GPX track:	*Go to Komoot pag here… (external)**
Print:	Go for download here… (pdf)

*Komoot is a navigation and route-planning app that enables you to create and follow routes that are based on walking/riding type and ability. Be aware you have to sign up for free to have access to the app.