Attractions and Places To See around Tienen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tienen include a variety of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural features. This town in the Flemish Brabant region of Belgium is characterized by its agricultural heritage, green pastures, and the Hageland countryside. Tienen offers a blend of historical sites and green spaces, reflecting its past as "Sugar Town" and its natural surroundings. The area provides opportunities to explore Gallo-Roman history and industrial heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Tienen
- The…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Horst Castle
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Vlooyberg Tower
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Vlooyberg Tower
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The floating staircase is made of stainless Corten steel, with a color that refers to the iron sandstone heritage.
The Vlooyberg Tower is over 20 …
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Gempemolen Watermill
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Fri 12:00 - 22:30
Sat 12:00 - 22:30
sun 12:00 - 21:30
-> on ma, di and woo we open for group dinners from 30 people
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Eddy Merckx Monument Kiezegem
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The Champion of champions...
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Den Eddy is still our great champion...
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When the weather is better there is also a mobile café, with coffee and such...
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The core of Horst Castle probably dates back to the 13th century and is characterised by a square keep. The keep probably belonged to the oldest core that was further expanded into a fortified castle in the 15th century. During the troubles under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire. According to literary sources, only the keep, part of the entrance gate and a defensive wall remained standing. The residential and east wing were renovated and expanded in the 16th century. The round tower also dates from this period. The outer wall was provided with a rectangular bay window. The castle lost its military character and became more of a pleasant residential area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the inner courtyard. Brick construction with sandstone layers characterise these buildings. In 1587, however, the castle was set on fire again during the raids of the Geuzen. It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that restoration work began. It is difficult to deduce from the available sources to what extent this involved restoration or an embellishing conversion of the castle complex. Presumably nothing changed in the internal structure, but only after the structurally necessary repairs were the interiors completely refinished. Maria-Anna Van den Tympel had a new chapel built against the keep in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the complex must have been damaged by plundering and neglect, and it is possible that it also suffered from plundering during the Brabant Revolution of 1830. Around 1850, the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. In the land registry, the site around the castle is called "De Notelaren Boomgaerd". Around that time, the most dilapidated part must have been demolished, namely the southern part and the superstructure of the gate. The rest of the complex was probably restored with reused demolition material and in traditional style. The castle was divided in 1880, with one part being registered as a school house. In 1897, a further division followed, with two plots being designated as houses. Several restoration campaigns followed in the 20th century. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Horst Castle, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43619
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Since December, there has been a spire on the castle again after the unstable spire was removed more than four years ago and could be viewed on a wooden platform in the pond. Now it is back. And the other works are also progressing quickly. More about the replaced spire on https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/12/10/torenspits-staat-weer-op-kasteel-van-horst-holsbeek/
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On sunny days, there’s an ice cream cart where you can treat yourself. You’re welcome to enjoy it on one of the benches or at a table. And not to be overlooked — especially for our cyclists and hikers — there’s also a mobile toilet available. 😊
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The Watermill on the Winge or Gempemolen was the abbey mill of the Norbertine nuns of Gempe, which was already mentioned in 1229 and has been in private hands since 1728. On 12 April 1944, the mill was protected as a monument. During this period, the miller's house was also known as a remote café. During the Second World War, a lot of milling was still done, but the activity slowly died out. After years of inactivity, the Brewery of Haacht bought the Gempemolen in the 1990s to convert the miller's house into a café after a thorough restoration. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Watermill Gempemolen, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/42834
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A beautiful photo opportunity of, and on the tower. You must have been there once to enjoy the unique view of the hills of the Hageland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Tienen?
Tienen boasts a rich history. You can visit the impressive Horst Castle, a 13th-century moated structure located in the Hagelands. Within Tienen itself, explore the Gallo-Roman burial mounds known as De Drie Tommen, dating back to the 2nd century CE, or the 19th-century Sint-Helena Lock, a piece of industrial heritage along the old Gete River. The Stedelijk Museum Het Toreke also offers insights into Tienen's past through archaeological finds.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Tienen area?
Yes, Tienen offers several family-friendly options. The Horst Castle grounds are great for exploration, and the nearby Lake Het Vinne provincial domain features a playground, play forest, and sensory experience path. The Gempemolen Watermill is also noted as family-friendly, and Tienen has a dedicated Heldenland Children's Playground.
Where can I find viewpoints or scenic spots near Tienen?
For panoramic views, visit the Vlooyberg Tower, a 'floating' staircase made of Corten steel that offers views from one of the highest locations in the Hageland. The Horst Castle, while a historical site, is also considered a beautiful viewpoint, especially from a distance across its moat. The Hagelands countryside itself provides many scenic vistas.
What natural features or green spaces are there to enjoy in Tienen?
Tienen is surrounded by pleasant natural areas. The provincial domain of Lake Het Vinne is unique as Flanders' only natural inland lake, offering opportunities for walking and nature discovery. You can also enjoy the Town Park, the Viander Recreational Domain, and the extensive green pastures and farmland that characterize the Hageland countryside.
Are there any museums in Tienen related to its local heritage?
Absolutely. Tienen, known as 'Sugar Town,' has the Suikermuseum (Sugar Museum) located on the Grote Markt, which details the history and impact of sugar production in the region. Additionally, the Stedelijk Museum Het Toreke, housed in a former prison, showcases archaeological artifacts that tell the story of Tienen's ancient roots.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or hiking, can I do near Tienen?
The Tienen area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For example, explore routes like the 'Hoegaarden City Park – Marollenkapel loop' for MTB or the 'Park Abbey – Steenveld Street loop' for gravel biking. Many of these routes pass by local attractions and through the scenic Hageland countryside. You can find more details on MTB Trails around Tienen, Gravel biking around Tienen, and Cycling around Tienen.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options around Tienen?
Yes, the grounds around Horst Castle are dog-friendly, though dogs are not permitted inside the castle itself. The extensive green pastures and farmland of the Hageland countryside also offer many opportunities for walks with your dog.
Where can I find a cafe or a place to rest during my visit to Tienen's attractions?
Several attractions offer places to relax. The Gempemolen Watermill serves as a resting point for walkers and cyclists and has a cafe. The Brasserie Wagenhuis is located at Horst Castle, ideal for a stop. Additionally, the Grote Markt in Tienen is a vibrant hub with many terraces where you can enjoy local beers and refreshments.
Is there anything related to famous Belgian figures near Tienen?
Yes, in Kiezegem, you can find the Eddy Merckx Monument. This statue pays tribute to the Belgian cycling legend in his birthplace, commemorating one of the most successful cyclists of all time.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions in the Tienen area?
The provincial domain of Lake Het Vinne is noted for its accessibility, offering two all-terrain wheelchairs and slings free of charge to visitors. The Eddy Merckx Monument is also listed as wheelchair accessible. While Horst Castle grounds are accessible, the castle itself may be difficult for wheelchair users.
What is the Grote Markt in Tienen known for?
The Grote Markt in Tienen is the second-largest Grote Markt in Belgium, measuring 15,900 m². It's a lively central square where you can find numerous terraces to enjoy local beers and admire the impressive 18th-century neoclassical Town Hall (Stadhuis).
Can I visit the Tienen Sugar Factory?
The Tienen Sugar Factory is a significant landmark, having been in operation since the early 19th century and giving Tienen its nickname 'Belgium's Sugar Town.' While it's a prominent feature of the town's industrial heritage, direct public tours of the factory itself are generally not available. However, you can learn extensively about the sugar industry at the Suikermuseum on the Grote Markt.
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