The best MTB trails around Bassenge

This section, together with the water lock and the outer bailey, belongs to the oldest parts: in the Apostles' House, remains of the late Gothic ordinance from the second half of the 16th century from the building campaign of Land Commander Wijnandt van Brijel have been preserved. The complex is located at the highest point of the domain, on the eastern side of the commandery. Seven avenues converge at the gate, symbolizing the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Mary. To the right of the gatehouse was the now disappeared Apostles' House; it was an L-shaped building of two storeys, with a chapel on the ground floor, and twelve rooms for needy men, hence the name Apostles' House; late Gothic core from the second half of the 16th century, enlarged and adapted in 1716-1726, under Commander Damian Hugo von Schönborn, as indicated by a facade stone. After World War II, the Apostles' House slowly deteriorated but has since been restored.

The Katteberg is said to owe its name to a quarry in the nearby Leten called 'In de Kat'. This nature reserve on the Demer is very varied with its fish ponds, species-rich meadows, rough areas, an orchard and a slope forest. The walking path that leads via the Leterweg to Alden Biesen follows the route of a vanished tram line. This was built in 1908-1910 to connect the industrial area of Liège with the Limburg coal mines. The tram line had to bridge a height of 25 meters here and crossed the Demer via a double arched bridge in masonry. The tram tracks were removed in 1952. The pond behind the tram bridge was created by the extraction of clay for the Belisia tile factory in the Zeepstraat.

Sunken roads only occur in hilly regions. They are typical of the loess region. They were created by human intervention. They were used as connecting roads between farm and field, and due to frequent use, loose sand was washed down the slope with every rain shower. In this way, the road became increasingly hollowed out. A sunken road has a mild temperature; the wind has no hold on it. The silence is also noticeable during a walk in the shelter of a deep lane.

The Katteberg follows the route of an old tramway. A climb not to be underestimated awaits you here. Historical context: This semi-hardened gravel path follows the route of the former tram line that connected the coal mines of Genk with the industrial area of Liège. The construction of the tram line began in 1908. To overcome the difference in altitude between the station and the hamlet of Leten, an earthen embankment was built over a distance of 700 meters, cutting straight through the Katteberg. A double arch bridge in masonry was built over the Demer river. The steam tram was put into operation in 1910 and caused a huge increase in passenger traffic in the region. The tram was definitively taken out of service in August 1948. The tram tracks were removed in 1952. Now, this is a route where recreational users, hikers, and cyclists can cross paths. Each at their own pace, enjoying together.

A pleasant trail to walk

You will have to stand on tiptoe to observe the body of water over the fence.

Le Belvédère is not located at this spot!

The Blaarmolen is an old watermill on the Jeker River near Tongeren-Borgloon (Flemish Limburg) and forms an interesting part of the industrial heritage in the landscape surrounding the river. The mill is located on the Kevieweg near the De Kevie nature reserve and is a recognizable witness to centuries-old business activities that once used the Jeker river. The complex consists of the mill itself, outbuildings, and a so-called "woelkom" (a pond or channel) that formed part of the water management system around the mill. This pond regulated the water level and supplied the mill wheel with running water. This structure is still visible in the landscape, surrounded by meadows and tree growth. Historically, the Blaarmolen was used as a grain or corn mill, harnessing the power of the river to grind grain. Such mills were essential for local farming communities before modern energy sources were available, and farmers from the surrounding area brought their grain to the mill to be turned into flour. The Blaarmolen mill is recognized as a building heritage site by the Flanders Heritage Agency, demonstrating that it is not only an industrial monument but also of architectural and cultural-historical value to the region. The mill has been out of use since the Jeker river was diverted in 1968, but its structure and turning basin remain a striking feature in the landscape and recall the time when water power played a significant role in daily life.