The best road cycling routes around Heers

The metamorphosis of the station surroundings in the shadow of the syrup factory in Borgloon is a fact. The design was realized with respect for nature and the heritage value of the site. It includes the development and organization of the former station surroundings into a visitor site, as a cycle connection on the former fruit railway, and as a base for hikers and cyclists. The new pavilion is the eye-catcher with its sleek, pure design and refers to the former station surroundings. The pavilion is subtly equipped with resting places, charging points, information carriers, etc. The square transforms into a pleasant green environment, with the parking subtly hidden.

The town hall can be visited with a guide, who will tell you more about the fascinating history and special architecture of this monument.

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.

Starts to slowly rise towards the zweefkapel...

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.

The town hall has been a protected monument since 1935.

The castle is a U-shaped building with a northwest corner tower, which is the former keep. The side wings still have their 17th-century stepped gables. The appearance is strongly influenced by the 1763 renovation, and the interior also dates from that period. Rococo stucco work, a plastered ceiling, and several fireplaces are found. Interesting is the cardinal's hall, dedicated to Jean Walther de Sluse, who was a cardinal and whose coat of arms is present. A stone flower vase on a pedestal is also depicted, attributed to the Liège native Cockler. Of the outer bailey, only the southern wing remains. Furthermore, there is the gatehouse from around 1700, flanked by two square, brick towers. These are covered by bell-shaped roofs - covered with slate - crowned with a lantern. The castle - located near the church - is surrounded by a park. @https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel_van_Hoepertingen