Cycling day trip from Liège to Aachen

Roll out from Liège and climb gently out of the Meuse valley toward the green hills of the Pays de Herve. It’s about 60 km with roughly 600 m of climbing, mostly on smooth asphalt and concrete. Expect a comfy mix of traffic-free paths and dedicated cycleways (think old rail-trails), with just a few short bits of gravel or paving stones.

The route drifts past orchards and dairy fields—perfect excuse to sample Herve cheese or sirop de Liège en route. If you fancy a detour, Blegny-Mine (a UNESCO-listed coal site) is nearby and worth a look. Gradients stay friendly for long stretches, reflecting those rail-trail origins.

You’ll cross into Germany near the border villages and roll down toward Aachen, finishing in a city famous for its thermal baths and Charlemagne’s UNESCO-listed cathedral. Liège, your start, is “La Cité Ardente,” known for its striking Calatrava-designed Guillemins station and the classic bike race Liège–Bastogne–Liège.

Highlights:

• Mostly paved (about 96%) and quiet
• Long, steady climbs rather than steep ramps
• Scenic farm country and easy border crossing
• Grand finale in historic Aachen