Walking in Haspengouw

Alden Biesen

There are several looped trails starting from the Alden Biesen ‘green spot’. Will you choose the Demer Valley walk or head towards the Genoels-Elderen Wine Château? Or would you rather stay around Alden Biesen? Choose your distance and immerse yourself in nature. After that, you can return to your starting point and relax on a cosy terrace. Are you looking for hidden beauty?

 Distances: 4 km (blue & green), 8,5 km (orange), 11 km (red) or 16 km (yellow)

 Walking map: 2,50 euro

Demer Valley

Motmolen

A grain mill stood here until around 1965. The rise of large, industrial mills led to the demise of many artisanal mills and the profession of miller. In the 13^th century, the Lords of Grimmertingen had a fiefdom on the borders of Bilzen, Hoeselt and Rijkhoven, including the Motmolen. In 1699, the Grand Commandery of Alden Biesen became the owner and after the French revolution,  the mill passed into private hands. Only the mill’s foundations and the place where the mill wheel once entered the river Demer, bear witness to its rich history.

Accessible via the footbridge path or follow the orange loop trail from Alden Biesen.

Vrijhern

Walk along narrow paths and sunken lanes through the orchards of Vrijhern Hermitage and Steenbroek, passing source forests, fields and meadows. This is humid Haspengouw at its best.

Depart

Vrijhern Hermitage, Kluisstraat 1, Bilzen-Hoeselt

Distance

4,9 km (blue), 7,1 km (orange) and 8,2 km (red)

View the walking trails

Schoonbeek woods

Schoonbeek woods lie in the transition zone between the Kempen and Haspengouw. This mixed influence is reflected in the vegetation and alternation between loamy, sandy and marshy land. Be sure to also pass by Schoonbeek Castle. It was once a fortified castle farm, protected by marshland and a moat. 

Depart

Schoonbeek Church

Distance

1,52 km (yellow), 5,97 km (blue) or 3,35 km (green)