The best MTB trails around Alken

The beguinage of Borgloon originated around the chapel of the Knights Hospitaller in Graethem, near the city gate. This chapel is the burial place of Louis I († 1171), Count of Loon, and his wife Agnes, who is mentioned twice in the Legend of Saint Servatius by Hendrik van Veldeke. The tomb remained preserved until around 1860. In 1174, Agnes, now a widow, donated the hospital and all its dependent goods to the Abbey of Villers; she endowed it with her lands in Heks. After some time, beguines began to settle around the hospital; in 1258 or 1259, a beguinage was definitively established. The Abbey of Villers retained the right of patronage of the chapel and the right to appoint the nine beguines. In 1582, this right passed to the Saint Lambert Chapter of Liège. From 1500 onwards, the city council appointed a master of the house in the hospital. In 1654, the nine beguinage houses were burned down by Lorraine troops during the siege of the city. The beguines rebuilt their houses with the income from their prebends and the alms of the Cathedral of Liège. Around 1714, the hospital had deteriorated so much that it was moved to the other side of the road; in 1784, it was taken over by the city's poor relief board. By decree of 25 November 1797, the beguinage came under the administration of the Bureau of Weldadigheid (Bureau of Charity). In 1802, the beguinage was converted into a retirement home; there were still four beguines living there at the time. In 1814, the chapel was opened for public worship. Between 1836 and 1844, the construction of the old men's home began; an enlargement took place between 1868-1872, a later enlargement in 1891 and 1896, designed by E. Serrure. In 1846, a girls' school was added to this complex; the latter, under the leadership of the Sisters of Charity, functioned there only until 1849, when it was transferred to the old Brigittine convent. In 1911, a new chapel was built next to the elder's home. Reportedly, the beguinage chapel was used as a classroom for a few more years.

At the highest point of Helshoven, you can now enjoy a breathtaking view over the Haspengouw landscape. Artist Frits Jeuris has created a unique work of art from dozens of felled fruit trees from the area. “Helsh(ea)ven”, a wooden work of art consisting of 90 standard cherry trees, each fifty years old, was hit by the cherry plague virus at the end of 2016, a contagious plant disease that causes small fruits on cherries. Now the felled trees are getting a second life. The work of art symbolizes the dynamic landscape of Haspengouw.

The ideal starting point to explore Borgloon. The location is now a fruit experience center with a focus on syrup distillation. There is a shop with regional products and a bistro where regional dishes are served.

On the site where a manor house stood in the Middle Ages, the castle of Hardelingen was built in the 19th century. The site had continuous habitation from early on and was closely linked for centuries to agricultural exploitation in the fertile valley of the Werm. As a manor house, the domain served not only as a residence but also as an economic center that managed and structured the surrounding land within the traditional agricultural landscape of Haspengouw. Today, the castle of Hardelingen, located in the quiet village of Werm, is a valuable example of the transformation of a medieval manor house into a stately 19th-century country residence. The castle and the surrounding park landscape strikingly illustrate the neoclassical ideals of order, harmony, and scenic beauty, thus occupying a special place in the heritage of Haspengouw. Want to know more about the past? Click through to https://www.burchten-kastelen.be/provincies/limburg/042%20Kasteel%20van%20Hardelingen/Kasteel%20van%20Hardelingen.html

In 2022, around 30 slow roads in Heusden-Zolder received nameplates. A brilliant move to raise awareness of the many unknown church paths, country lanes, and shortcuts to the general public. More walkers and cyclists passing along slow roads means more safe travel, less congestion, and a greater experience for users. And the slow roads themselves are less likely to become congested.

The chapel at Oetersloven is also known as the chapel of the Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders). Jan van Muysen, a clog maker from Wellen, had left a letter of complaint at the farm of Jan Wouters from Ulbeek, demanding a large sum of money, or else his farm would be set on fire. The money was to be placed in a hole near the chapel. Wouters, however, recognized Van Muysen, despite his disguise. Jan van Muysen was arrested as a goat rider on April 1, 1774, and beheaded on June 16 of the same year in the Bonderkuil in Wellen.

Striking color...

In autumn, you feel like you're walking through a tunnel of vegetation. I recommend this passage.