The best running trails around Bilzen

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 Bilzermolen is a grist watermill with an undershot wheel on the Demer, at Kattebroekstraat 11, on the eastern side of Haffmans Park or Demer Park, owned by the city of Bilzen. This watermill already existed in the 13th century (first mention: 1301) and was rebuilt several times. It was one of the four Bilzen compulsory or ban mills from the Ancien Régime. It was operated by private individuals who paid an annual rent to the Princely Episcopal Audit Office. It was also mentioned in 1569 as Bouchoutmolen. After 1600, the following miller families worked here: Castermans, Maurissen, Martens and Withofs. The building was considerably damaged in 1893, but was soon repaired. The watermill remained in professional operation until around the Second World War. Above the water wheel, the facade still has a wooden cladding. The mill is equipped with a metal undershot wheel and is still capable of grinding. The mill house has been restored. The last professional miller was Gaston Goffin (°Rijkhoven 1921 - +Hasselt 2010), married to Maria Jans. In the end, he only let the mill run for visitors. After the floods of 1998, the embankments on the mill side were heavily damaged. In 2001, a bypass with a fish ladder was built around the mill. This bypass primarily serves to prevent flooding in case of blockages of the mill sluice. In this bypass, about eight pool steps between 10 and 15 cm high were built.

Anglers can indulge themselves here at 3 fishing ponds. For 2 of these ponds, you need a permit.

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.

The Kimpel pond, located behind the tram bridge, was created by the extraction of clay for the Belisia tile factory in Zeepstraat.

The outer courtyard is mainly characterized by the presence of the church. It all began for the Commandery with the church. More than 800 years ago, there was a chapel here, and through the centuries, the church grew into today's baroque masterpiece. On the outer courtyard, you can also recognize the tenant farm. Want to know more about the Commandery? Click through to https://www.alden-biesen.be/domein

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.

The outer courtyard (Vorphof) was primarily built between the 16th and 18th centuries during the expansion of the Teutonic Order's complex. It served as an economic and reception area in front of the inner castle courtyard. Stables, barns, coach houses, and administrative buildings were located here. Visitors and suppliers first reached this courtyard before entering the main area. Architecturally, the outer courtyard is characterized by brick buildings with a regular layout. Gates, moats, and bridges were originally part of the defensive system of the former moated castle. Today, the outer courtyard has been restored and is part of a publicly accessible cultural and event center.