The best cycling routes around Bilzen

Let yourself be touched by the inspiring sculpture, the understated poetry, and the subtle symbolism, which blend beautifully with the tranquility of nature. A place to pause, feel, and come to yourself. You are most welcome.

Here's something to have a good time with the kids

The Water Castle was the center of the lordship of Millen or Milina, which was a fief of the County of Loon. It was first mentioned in 1143. The oldest known lord was Walter van Millen (Walterus de Milne), who was seneschal to Louis II of Loon. Successively, the lordship was owned by the families de Melin, Proest (1369), van Guygoven (1456), van Berloz (1479), van Houthem (1531), de Fléron (1625) and d’Hemricourt (1741). The castle was first mentioned in 1365. The original castle was transformed into a water castle in the 14th century. It then consisted of the older keep, which was expanded into a square water castle with a gate tower and two side towers. In the first half of the 17th century, the castle, which had fallen into ruin, was converted into a castle. It became a comfortable nobleman's residence without military significance. From the 18th century onwards, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited and fell into disrepair. In 1811, it was bought by baron de Blisia, after which a large part of it was demolished, including the keep and the tower on the southwest side. Only the east and west wings remained and have since served as a farm. In 1972, the remains of the castle were purchased by the municipality and restored. The 14th-century left tower, made of marlstone, has a Gothic vault. It is part of the east wing, the age of which may date back to the 12th century. Today, the castle houses a museum that depicts the life of the nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also a hub for a number of cycling routes in the surrounding area that focus on the fortified past of the Euregio. The building also houses a tourist café, and the water castle is freely accessible.

The Castle of Rooi is situated just outside the hamlet of Mulken in the territory of Neerrepen. The castle is a castle farm and consists of a U-shaped main building surrounded by a pond and a square farmstead. The place name Rooi was first mentioned in 1287. In the 14th century, the castle was owned by Libert Butoir, hereditary guardian of Horion.

Groenendaal Castle is a historic country house and heritage site in Waltwilder (municipality of Bilzen-Hoeselt), Limburg, Belgium. It is part of a protected cultural-historical landscape and a striking example of classical residential heritage in the Flemish landscape. The castle has a long history and was built on a site originally known as Croenendael or Croonendael, a name later incorrectly spelled Groenendaal. The estate's origins date back to the 17th century, and in the Middle Ages it was part of a large fief of the Lords of Jonckholt. The current building is U-shaped and partially moated, with the oldest core dating from the mid-17th century. Later, in 1761, the classical main building was renovated and given its current classical form, with features of the Meuse style (typical of Limburg castles) visible in the facade ornaments, wall anchors, and brickwork details. In addition to the castle, the estate also includes a castle farm from the same period, originally a farmhouse and service building that was later adapted and expanded. Both the castle and the farm are situated in a landscaped setting with ponds and parks that together contribute to the estate's heritage value. The estate now called Groenendaal was originally known as Croenendael and belonged to noble family lines that governed the region for centuries. Around 1757, the property became the property of the de Grady family, who extensively modified the old 17th-century castle to its classicist form. Later owners, such as Baron Emile de Rosen de Borgharen in the 19th century, contributed to the maintenance and management of the estate. Although the interior is generally privately owned and not open to the public, the building's exterior remains well-preserved and recognizable as a representative example of 18th-century country house architecture in Limburg. Groenendaal Castle is situated in a peaceful rural setting of meadows and water features, between cycling junctions, making it an attractive stop for cyclists and hikers in the region. Its location between cycling junctions 67 and 504 makes it an ideal spot for a picnic or a short break, and there are hiking trails and cycling routes leading to the castle from the surrounding area. Although the castle's interior isn't normally accessible, the exterior offers a beautiful example of Limburg's classical heritage and makes an interesting stop on a tour through the countryside and countryside around Bilzen and Hoeselt.

The Alden-Biesen gazebo is a charming and historic horticultural feature that forms part of the rich heritage surrounding the Alden Biesen Commandery and the impressive castle grounds in Bilzen, Limburg. This historical garden feature dates from 1749 and is part of the estate's 18th-century rococo architecture. Originally, the gazebo was built as part of the rectory garden on land owned by the Grand Commander of Alden Biesen. Today, the gazebo, which initially functioned as a small chapel, stands in a visible and accessible location on Demerlaan after being moved from its original context and rebuilt in 1991. The gazebo has an octagonal shape with a mansard roof and a small spire, typical characteristics of 18th-century garden pavilions. It served not only as a decorative element in the garden but also as a quiet spot and a sheltered spot in the garden where one could enjoy the surroundings. Since November 16, 2022, the garden gazebo has been officially protected as a listed monument for its historical aesthetic and architectural value. This protection emphasizes the importance of this small but valuable heritage piece within the broader context of Alden-Biesen and the cultural history of the region. Today, when you stroll through the grounds or the surrounding area of Alden-Biesen, for example, through the gardens of the English Park or along the walking trails around the castle, the garden gazebo forms an atmospheric, decorative respite that invites you to reflect on the long history of garden and landscape architecture in this region. It demonstrates how carefully landscaped gardens and pavilions were once an integral part of life around a Commandery: as a place for reflection, views, and togetherness in a green setting.

Can be slippery after rain, but fun to do!

lovely rolling landscape from village to village and a stopover in Maastricht... recommended!!!