Tivoli
Aachen, Germany
Kehrweg Stadion
Eupen Belgium
Located in the picturesque city of Eupen, the Kehrweg Stadion serves as the primary home ground for KAS Eupen, a club known for its unique position within the German-speaking region of Belgium. This intimate multi-purpose arena primarily hosts football matches and currently features a capacity of approximately 8,363 spectators. The stadium gained significant recognition following the club’s rise to the Belgian Pro League, which prompted major renovations to meet top-flight standards. Its history is deeply intertwined with the local community, representing the sporting heart of the High Fens region, and it remains one of the most distinct venues in the country due to its geographic and linguistic setting.
Willem Nicolas, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Capacity
8.363
History of the stadium
The Kehrweg Stadion has been the soul of Eupen’s sporting life for decades. Originally a modest local ground, it underwent a dramatic transformation in 2010. Following KAS Eupen’s historic first promotion to the Belgian First Division, the stadium had to be modernized in record time. Over the course of a single summer, new stands were erected and floodlights were installed to comply with national broadcasting and safety requirements. Since then, it has hosted some of the biggest clubs in Belgium, cementing its status as a professional-grade venue.
Architecture & design
The stadium features a mix of traditional and modern terrace-style architecture. It consists of four distinct stands, with the main T1 stand housing the VIP facilities and press areas. A notable characteristic of the Kehrweg is its compact nature, which brings the fans incredibly close to the pitch. The integration of the stadium into the surrounding sloped landscape of Eupen gives it a tiered appearance that feels organic rather than industrial.
Atmosphere & matchday experience
Attending a match at the Kehrweg Stadion offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that differs from the high-intensity pressure of larger European arenas. The fanbase is family-oriented and proud of their identity as the « Pandas. » Because the stadium is smaller, the sound of the chanting resonates effectively, especially from the dedicated home supporters’ section behind the goal. It provides a quintessential Belgian football experience where the focus remains entirely on the local community and the sport.
Location & neighbourhood
The stadium is situated in the southern part of Eupen, nestled near the edge of the Hertogenwald forest. The neighborhood is predominantly residential and green, offering a calm environment before the gates open. Its proximity to the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) nature reserve makes it one of the most scenic stadium locations in the Ardennes region.
Origin of the stadium name
The name of the venue is derived directly from its geographic location. It is situated on the Kehrweg, a street that has long been the primary access point for the sports complex. Unlike many modern stadiums that have adopted corporate sponsor names, the Kehrweg Stadion maintains its traditional identity by sticking to its local roots.
Records & FunFacts
One of the most impressive feats associated with the stadium is the speed of its 2010 renovation, which was completed in just a few months to meet Pro League standards. Additionally, the Kehrweg is unique for being the only stadium in the Belgian top flight where the primary language spoken by the stadium announcer and the majority of the local fans is German, reflecting the East Cantons’ heritage.
How to get to Kehrweg Stadion
Reaching the Kehrweg Stadion is most convenient via public transport or by foot from the city center. Eupen railway station is the final stop on a major national line, and from there, the stadium is about a twenty-minute walk uphill. For those preferring the bus, several local lines stop near the Kehrweg area. If arriving by car, the stadium is accessible via the E40 motorway, though parking in the immediate vicinity is limited on matchdays, making the official park-and-ride options or city center parking lots a better choice.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
The best views are generally found in the covered seating area of the main stand (Tribune 1), which provides a high-angle perspective of the tactical play. For those seeking the most vibrant atmosphere, the standing sections behind the goal are where the most vocal KAS Eupen supporters gather. These areas offer an unfiltered experience of the local fan culture and are perfect for those who want to feel the energy of the match.
Where to eat and drink near Kehrweg Stadion
The stadium itself offers classic football snacks, including Belgian fries and local sausages. For a more sit-down experience, the city center of Eupen is located less than two kilometers away and features highly-rated establishments. Ratskeller Eupen offers a traditional atmosphere in the heart of the city, while the various bakeries and cafes near the church square are perfect for a pre-match pastry or a coffee.
Good to know
Visitors should be aware that Eupen can experience significantly colder and wetter weather than the rest of Belgium due to its higher elevation near the High Fens, so dressing warmly is advised. Security is generally efficient and friendly, but standard stadium bans on large bags apply. While there are no high-risk local derbies in the immediate city, matches against other Walloon clubs often see an increased police presence and a more charged atmosphere.
