The Beast of the Hautes Fagnes
In the mist-laden highlands of eastern Belgium lies the Hautes Fagnes, a remote and rugged natural park that holds many secrets. Known for its haunting beauty, vast peat bogs, and alpine forests, the region has been the source of local legends for centuries. But among all the stories whispered beside fireplaces or shared by hikers in hushed tones, none is as chilling or mysterious as the legend of The Beast of the Hautes Fagnes.
Although lesser known than the other Belgian Beast, the Kludde, this tale from Belgian folklore remains one of the country’s most enigmatic supernatural stories. With roots in mediaeval times and reported sightings as recent as the 20th century, the Beast has terrified, fascinated, and puzzled locals and outsiders alike. It is a tale that blends elements of cryptozoology, folklore, and psychological horror, all set against the eerie backdrop of Belgium’s most untamed wilderness.
A Land of Mist and Mystery
The Hautes Fagnes, also known as the High Fens, straddle the border between Belgium and Germany, forming part of the larger Ardennes-Eifel region. It is a beautiful place, often laden with thick fog rolling across the moorlands and skeletal trees reaching towards the sky. The terrain is harsh, frequently drenched in rain or snow, and for centuries, it remained largely untouched and uninhabited.
Because of its isolation, the region has long served as fertile ground for myth-making. Tales of witches, ghostly monks, and strange lights in the bogs have circulated for generations. But none evoke the primal fear quite like the story of the Beast — a creature said to stalk the forests and moors by night, preying on animals, and, if older accounts are to be believed, humans.
Descriptions of the Beast vary wildly, which only adds to its mystique. Some say it resembles a giant wolf with glowing red eyes. Others claim it has features more akin to a bear or even something far more grotesque and otherworldly — a twisted hybrid of man and beast. What is consistent, however, is the terror it inspires.
Origins of the Legend
The earliest documented references to the Beast of the Hautes Fagnes date back to the 17th century, although it is likely the story was told orally long before that. In a local parish chronicle from 1649, there is mention of a ”devil-creature” seen near the village of Jalhay. The account describes villagers hearing blood-curdling howls at night and finding mutilated livestock with no clear predator to blame.
These early reports coincided with a particularly harsh period in European history, marked by war, famine, and disease. In times of suffering and uncertainty, it was not uncommon for communities to project their fears onto supernatural entities. The Beast may have served as a scapegoat — a dark symbol of everything unknown and uncontrollable in a world turned upside down.
But the story didn’t end there. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, similar sightings were reported sporadically across the region. Local newspapers in the late 1800s carried short but sensational articles about mysterious animal attacks in the Fagnes, with one report even claiming that an entire flock of sheep had been slaughtered in a single night.
In each case, the authorities failed to identify a clear culprit. Natural predators such as wolves had already vanished from the region by the mid-1800s, and there was never sufficient evidence to attribute the killings to human activity. Thus, the myth of the Beast only grew.
A Resurgence in the 20th Century
While stories of the Beast of the Hautes Fagnes seemed to fade into obscurity by the early 20th century, they never fully disappeared. In the 1940s and 1950s, a time when Europe was still recovering from the horrors of the Second World War, there was a notable resurgence in sightings.
One of the most compelling modern accounts came from a forester named Émile Dubois in 1946. While conducting routine work in the Fagnes forest near Baraque Michel, Dubois claimed to have seen a large, shadowy figure moving silently through the trees. He described the creature as being taller than a man, covered in matted black fur, and emitting a low growl that he felt in his bones more than he heard with his ears. Dubois was a seasoned outdoorsman, familiar with the fauna of the region. He was adamant that what he saw was unlike anything he’d ever encountered.
Other hikers and locals began to come forward with similar stories: unexplained howling, unearthed graves in remote cemeteries, carcasses found high in trees. Some of the more outlandish tales spoke of a creature immune to bullets or one that could vanish into thin air, further blurring the line between beast and spectre.
While none of these claims were substantiated with hard evidence, they did reignite public interest in the legend. Paranormal researchers and amateur monster hunters flocked to the region in search of the elusive creature, though none came back with proof. Still, the atmosphere of the Hautes Fagnes seemed to confirm that if such a thing were to exist anywhere, it would be here.
Interpretations and Theories
Over time, various theories have been proposed to explain the legend of the Beast. The most conventional interpretation is that it is a misidentification of known animals — perhaps a rogue wild boar, a large stray dog, or a reclusive lynx. These animals can be dangerous, especially when cornered or threatened, and may appear more fearsome under the cloak of night and fear.
Others believe the Beast is purely a folkloric creation, a means by which local communities explain the dangers of the wilderness. Much like the werewolf legends of France or the Black Shuck of England, the Beast could be a cultural artefact – a warning cloaked in horror.
But some lean into the cryptozoological or supernatural. Some suggest the creature is a remnant of prehistoric fauna that somehow survived in the isolation of the Fagnes. Others link the Beast to ancient pagan traditions, positing that it may be a manifestation of an old forest god or nature spirit, angry at human intrusion.
Psychological explanations also abound. The desolate beauty of the Hautes Fagnes can evoke a sense of awe and unease, especially when weather conditions reduce visibility or distort sound. In such an environment, fear and imagination can easily take the reins.
Yet the legend persists, precisely because no theory can fully satisfy the mystery. The Beast defies logic, explanation, and categorisation – which makes it all the more compelling.
Hautes Fagnes Today: The Wild Heart of Belgium
Today, the Hautes Fagnes is a protected nature reserve, part of the larger Eifel-Ardennes biosphere. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, from hikers and birdwatchers to folklorists and enthusiasts of the supernatural. The area is prized for its biodiversity, rare plant species, and ethereal landscapes that seem to shift with every season.
Local tourism has embraced the legend of the Beast, albeit subtly. A few guided hikes touch on folklore, and some small museums feature exhibits on regional myths. In nearby towns such as Malmedy and Eupen, you’ll find cafés and shops selling souvenirs that reference the Beast – from T-shirts to handcrafted figurines.
But for the most part, the Hautes Fagnes remains uncommercialised. The legend lives on not because it is pushed, but because it resonates. Every rustling branch or sudden howl of wind through the trees can still send a shiver down your spine. Even the most sceptical visitor might find themselves glancing over their shoulder, just in case.
How to Visit the Hautes Fagnes and Explore the Legend
If you’re intrigued by the tale of the Beast and wish to experience the haunting beauty of the Hautes Fagnes yourself, the region is remarkably accessible. Located near the town of Eupen in eastern Belgium, the park can be reached by car or train from major cities like Liège and Brussels. For those travelling from Germany, the nearby city of Aachen is just a short drive away.
Begin your journey at the Baraque Michel, one of the highest points in Belgium and a traditional entryway into the Fagnes. From there, you can follow well-marked hiking trails that traverse moorlands, forests, and bogs. For those interested in the legend, local guides sometimes offer folklore-themed walks where you’ll hear stories of the Beast and other regional myths under the cover of twilight.
There are visitor centres such as the Maison du Parc-Botrange, which provide maps, information, and educational exhibits about the park’s ecology and folklore. While you may not encounter the Beast itself, you’ll undoubtedly feel the ancient pulse of the land – a wild, untamed energy that makes you believe that legends, no matter how improbable, always carry a grain of truth.