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Belgium
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South Limburg
Tongeren

Hoeselt

Attractions and Places To See around Hoeselt - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Hoeselt, located in southeastern Limburg, offer a diverse range of experiences. This region is characterized by its hilly landscape, hollow roads, and extensive fruit orchards, forming part of the cultural landscape known as the 'Heart of Haspengouw'. Hoeselt combines historical landmarks with significant natural features, providing a varied environment for exploration. The area is also a gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park, Belgium's first national park.

Best attractions and places to see…

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Cycling Through the Water

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The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the …

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This transparent church, aptly named 'Reading Between the Lines', is a work of art by PIT, designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. It symbolises the decay of the …

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Grootloon High-Stem Orchards

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is indicated as established woody planting with heritage value High-stem orchards at Grootloon church.
The area around GrootLoon is characterised by the high density of high-stem orchards. The Ferraris cabinet …

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In Borgloon, Fred Eerdekens (°1951, Belgium) shows a pleated line in the landscape. Along the Roman cobblestone you will find a wood-like sculpture in which you can read the word …

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Bokrijk Castle

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Bokrijk Castle is located on the right side of the main entrance of the open-air museum. It is an imposing building at the entrance of the arboretum. Close to Bokrijk …

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May 26, 2026, Reading Between the Lines (Doorkijkkerk)

This transparent church, aptly named 'Reading Between the Lines', is a work of art by PIT, designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. It symbolises the decay of the church. The ten-meter-high artwork consists of one hundred stacked layers of sheet steel in the shape of a church in Loon. Thanks to the unique construction, the beautiful Haspengouw landscape remains visible through the church. In 2012, this transparent church received the 'Building of the Year' award from the renowned website ArchDaily. It was the first time a Belgian project had received this honour. Enjoy the view; this is a place with one of the most breathtaking panoramas.

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The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the banks, curiously watching the cyclists. Since its opening, interest in this unique cycle path has been enormous. On average, 800 visitors per day explore this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycle network, with peaks on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some days even up to 5,000 cyclists.

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No doubt it's beautiful here...

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The Twijfelgrens is located at the Bollenberg viewpoint, which can be reached on foot or by bike. If you are driving, park at the car park on the Sint-Truidersteenweg, between the Grootloonstraat and the Neremstraat. From the car park, follow the signposted (blue or orange) walking route. (Visit Limburg)

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Beautiful to walk through with all those young blossoms.

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When you are in the church, you can admire the beautiful hilly landscape through the 'walls'. In the distance you can see the church of Borgloon. Many photographers also take a photo where you can see the church of Borgloon through the see-through church. You have this view from a certain spot in the meadow.

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The history of Bokrijk goes back to the thirteenth century when the Count of Loon sold the forest ‘Buscurake’ to the sisters of the abbey of Herkenrode who had a model farm built there. The castle was only built in 1891 by Edgard Maris, a rentier from Hasselt. He had bought the entire Bokrijk estate from the Coghen family in 1889. Maris had a castle built in the Maasland neo-Renaissance style on the site where the old manor farm stood. However, Maris got into financial difficulties and three years later the estate came into the hands of Count Ferdinand de Meeûs, who expanded the castle with a right wing and chapel and laid out the park with roads and avenues. The Count died in 1916 and his family sold the estate to Jewish brokers from Germany. After the liberation, in 1918, the estate was seized. It was not until 1928 that the Boerenbond became the owner and sold the domain to the provincial government of Limburg in 1938. In the fifties, the province decided to set up an open-air museum of rural and urban living and living culture through the centuries, which opened in 1958. In 2008, the castle was renovated again and made suitable for conference rooms, equipped with modern communication means and equipment. (Along castles and fortresses)

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You don't see many high-stem orchards anymore, everyone already saw the plantations with smaller fruit trees. So there are initiatives here and there to preserve them. Various places in Limburg that are visited by hikers have pieces of high-stem orchard. The best known is perhaps that of Alden Biesen, where many tourists and hikers come. But here too, along the paths with crowd pullers (the see-through church and so on) there are. Like here in Grootloon where there is a path that takes you to the church. The management is done by local farmers with Natuurpunt. And in addition to the high-stem orchard preservation, there is also attention for the night owl and the dormouse, as the information boards here tell you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What unique architectural attractions can I find near Hoeselt?

Near Hoeselt, you can discover the striking artwork Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) in Borgloon. This architectural marvel allows you to see the hilly landscape through its unique steel plate structure. Another notable historical structure is the Bridge of 1839, a brick structure with a tunnel-shaped passage, recognized as a cultural heritage landmark in Hoeselt.

Are there historical castles to visit in the Hoeselt area?

Yes, the region around Hoeselt is rich in historical castles. You can visit Bokrijk Castle, an imposing building in Maasland Neo-Renaissance style. Other notable castles in the area include Kasteel de Broukmans, Kasteel Weyer, Kasteel Burghof, Kasteel van Bockrijck, Kasteel Ter Waart, and Bethaniakasteel. The nearby Landcommanderij Alden Biesen is also a significant historical site and one of the largest castle complexes between the Loire and the Rhine.

What kind of natural landscapes can I explore around Hoeselt?

Hoeselt is nestled within the 'Heart of Haspengouw' Landscape Park, known for its rolling fields, meadows, and extensive fruit orchards, particularly the high-stem orchards in Grootloon. The area also serves as a gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park, Belgium's first national park, where you can explore the diverse nature of the Munsterbos. The local landscape features picturesque strolls through alleys, green roads, and hollow roads, offering beautiful vistas.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Hoeselt?

Many attractions around Hoeselt are family-friendly. Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk) offers a unique and fun cycling experience at eye level with the water. The Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) is also a fascinating spot for all ages. For children, Playground Edelhof provides unique and challenging play elements. You can also explore the Haspengouw landscape by renting green electric carts.

What outdoor activities can I do near Hoeselt's attractions?

The region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive cycling and hiking networks within the Hoge Kempen National Park and the Hart van Haspengouw Landscape Park. For gravel biking, consider routes like the 'Limburg loop from Bilzen' or 'From Bilzen to Zutendaal'. Running enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'Hooilingen Bivouac – Hardelingen Castle loop'. Road cyclists have options like the 'Diepenbeek Lock – Eikerveldweg loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking around Hoeselt, Running Trails around Hoeselt, and Road Cycling Routes around Hoeselt guides.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Hoeselt?

Hoeselt's hilly landscape and hollow roads naturally offer many picturesque vistas. The 'inconcreto' work of art rising from the Hoeselt farmland also serves as a vantage point. Additionally, the Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The Grootloon High-Stem Orchards also offer beautiful views, especially when in bloom.

Are there any unique cycling experiences near Hoeselt?

Absolutely! One of the most unique cycling experiences is Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk). This innovative cycle path allows you to ride through a pond at eye level with the water, offering a distinctive way to experience the natural surroundings. It's located at node 91 of the cycle route network in the Bokrijk area.

What is the best time to visit Hoeselt for outdoor activities?

The region is particularly beautiful during spring when the fruit orchards are in bloom, offering a stunning backdrop for cycling and hiking. The weather for outdoor activities is generally pleasant from spring through early autumn. For specific weather conditions, it's always best to check a local forecast closer to your visit.

Can I find historical sites related to World War II near Hoeselt?

Yes, the Vroenhoven Bridge is a significant historical site related to World War II. It features a museum that traces the bridge's history during the early days of the war, including the experiences of soldiers and the attack by Belgian airmen. The site also has an 'Eternal Flame' and a war memorial, and it's part of the worldwide 'World Peace Flame' project.

Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting in the Hoeselt area?

The natural areas around Hoeselt, particularly the Munsterbos within the Hoge Kempen National Park, offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. These diverse natural reserves provide habitats for various plant and animal species. The high-stem orchards also have high ecological value, attracting diverse flora and fauna.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hoeselt?

Visitors frequently praise the unique and innovative experiences, such as the Cycling Through the Water, which is described as 'fantastic' and a 'must' for its eye-level interaction with nature. The Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) is admired for its beauty and photographic opportunities, especially at sunset. The historical castles and the scenic, rolling landscapes with orchards are also highly appreciated for their cultural and aesthetic value.

Are there any specific hiking trails recommended for beginners in Hoeselt?

The region offers various landscape walks suitable for different skill levels. While specific beginner trails are not detailed in the provided data, the extensive network of trails in the Hoge Kempen National Park and the Hart van Haspengouw Landscape Park includes many accessible paths. You can find easy running routes like the 'Pilgrimage statue loop from Riksingen' in the Running Trails around Hoeselt guide, which can often be adapted for walking.

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