The 13.5-meter-high stone lion statue was built to overlook the original 1878 dam.
The reservoir has a total capacity of approximately 25 million cubic meters of water.
The current dam is a rock-fill structure with an asphalt core, differing significantly from the original 19th-century gravity dam.
During the 19th century, the lake was the largest reservoir in Europe.
The surrounding forest, the Hertogenwald, is one of the largest continuous woodland areas in Belgium.
Lake Gileppe is a reservoir located in the Hertogenwald forest, created by a dam originally commissioned by King Leopold II in 1867. The site features a 77-meter-high panoramic tower that offers views over the lake and the surrounding High Fens plateau. The current dam is a modern structure that replaced the original masonry design in the 1970s. The lake serves as a primary source of drinking water for the region. A prominent lion statue, crafted by Félix Antoine Bouré from 183 sandstone blocks, stands as a memorial to the site's history. The area is surrounded by extensive woodlands integrated into the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park. Recreational infrastructure includes paved paths suitable for walking and cycling around the perimeter. The reservoir spans approximately 130 hectares in surface area.
The observation deck of the panoramic tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the dam and the valley.
Wear sturdy walking shoes if planning to traverse the forest trails surrounding the lake.
Carry binoculars to spot wildlife, including deer and various bird species, within the adjacent Hertogenwald.
Do not attempt to access restricted water supply infrastructure zones or venture off-trail into the protected peat bog areas.
The panoramic tower may occasionally close during periods of extreme high winds or winter weather conditions.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile High Fens ecosystem; swimming in the reservoir is strictly prohibited.
