La Hoegne

Stream, beeches and moving water

La Hoegne is a river in the Hautes Fagnes, just outside the village of Hockai in the province of Luik. It flows through a deep beech forest over a rocky bed, with the occasional small waterfall or rapid. That makes it a classic location for landscape photography with long shutter speeds. The water moves, the surroundings stay still. You don't need much to come away with strong images, but you do need patience and a tripod.

What works best here

The forest softens the light, even on clear days. That is actually a bonus. Hard shadows are rare, and you can work just as well in the middle of the day as early in the morning. That said, overcast weather is preferable. The leaves and moss are then rich in colour, without overexposure on the water.

For long shutter speeds, aim for one to four seconds. The water turns into a soft blur while the stones and roots stay sharp. An ND filter can help during the day, but inside the forest it is often dark enough to manage without one. A wide angle up to 24mm gives you the depth of the valley. For macro work, the mosses, ferns and water droplets on stones, a 90mm or 100mm macro lens is the right tool.

Autumn and spring

In autumn the beeches turn yellow and orange. Fallen leaves drift on the water or lie across the stones. That gives the images extra warmth. It is my favourite time for this spot. In spring the water runs higher after the snowmelt. The waterfalls are more powerful then and the greens are fresh. Both seasons work well. Summer is less interesting: little water, and a lot of greenery that softens the details.

Practical

You park at Parking Devant Cheneu in Hockai (coordinates 50.53, 5.97). From the car park you walk into the valley via a path alongside the stream. Wear sturdy shoes, the path is narrow and can be slippery. The area is accessible and no permits are required for non-commercial photography. Bear in mind that part of the terrain falls within the protected area of the Hautes Fagnes. Stay on the paths and approach the stream banks with care, especially after rain.

Sources and further reading

• Parc naturel des Hautes Fagnes – officiële site
• Réserve naturelle domaniale des Hautes Fagnes – DNF
• Wikipedia: La Hoegne