Top 7 Lakes around Herstappe

The old Tongeren railway embankment is a valuable piece of nature that crisscrosses the cultural landscape in Haspengouw like a ribbon. The Spoorwegzate, formerly a heavily used connection between Tongeren and Tienen, is today a valuable piece of nature. Around 1879, a network of railway and tram lines was constructed between Tienen and Liège for rapid and mass transport between the agglomerations and for the transfer of goods. The old railway bed cuts through Wet Haspengouw. The subsoil consists of clay and sand layers, covered by a layer of loam. The valley floors are very wet and were therefore used exclusively as hayfields and pastures. Later, poplars were also planted. The Fonteinbeek crosses the landscape and flows into the Mombeek further downstream. Rooi Castle, Hoevenaars Castle, and Kolmont Castle are historical attractions. On one side of the embankment are badger burrows, orchards with tall trees, and fields. On the other side of the bed, at a distance of approximately 50 meters, flows the Fonteinbeek, with damp grasslands and hay meadows, some planted with poplars.

Today, the park is extremely overgrown, overgrown, and covered with car wrecks – we counted about twenty – and most of the park's trees are overgrown or have even become picturesque ruins that overhang the ponds or block the walking path. Solitary trees no longer stand alone; new growth plagues the entire park, disrupting the large lawn and the sightlines. However, careful clearing, a few mowings, and judicious new plantings of trees and flowering shrubs would suffice to restore the structure to its legibility and offer captivating and varied views.

1274: Heers Castle is first mentioned in a historical document. A century later, it is plundered and burned by the troops of Charles the Bold. The current castle is a result of reconstruction and dates from around 1500. The following centuries continued to be ravaged by war: the Dutch, French, and Germans all made their appearances. The De Rivière family, who had owned the castle since the 14th century, was declared bankrupt in 1757. From 1859 onward, the castle came into the possession of the Desmaisières family, who lived and enjoyed it lavishly... until the costs became too high. In the 21st century, the castle fell into complete disrepair due to conflict and lack of funds. Local volunteers launched a rescue initiative. Today, many partners are working on a new future for this impressive place steeped in history.

For those interested: you will also find one of the boards with photos that tell the story of the fruit trail (with QR codes).

Our small country is a patchwork of small-scale nature reserves that overlap and influence each other, and that is also the case here. You are in the Mombeek valley, a stone's throw from Spoorwegzate and the Sint-Annabeek valley. From Opleeuw, a unique grassland hill bends towards Kerniel. Impoverished grass and hay fields of, among other things, glossy oat, marsh marigold and blue grass are in full development here and will attract various plants, including colourful orchids. Finally, note the high-stem orchards of Zammelen, the sloping forest and the many springs. In any case, there are enough information boards along the way to learn and read all about it. In short: variety galore. More about the Mombeek valley, the central area at this location, can be found at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/mombeekvallei

The sports and recreation park is located on the edge of the city centre and functions as a green lung and recreational alternative to the busy city life. The city park is divided into a recreational and sports zone.

Green path on the old railway in the Spoorwegzate nature reserve

You will still find many pools in Haspengouw. They were once dug to provide drinking water for livestock and are located in places where the soil is naturally wet, due to high groundwater or confluent rainwater. The combination of permanent and drying pools and a structure-rich environment makes these remaining livestock drinking pools an ideal habitat for damselflies and dragonflies. The rare great crested newt also finds a place in the Loon pools.