The best MTB trails around Borgloon

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.

This transparent church, aptly named 'Reading Between the Lines', is a work of art by PIT, designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. It symbolises the decay of the church. The ten-meter-high artwork consists of one hundred stacked layers of sheet steel in the shape of a church in Loon. Thanks to the unique construction, the beautiful Haspengouw landscape remains visible through the church. In 2012, this transparent church received the 'Building of the Year' award from the renowned website ArchDaily. It was the first time a Belgian project had received this honour. Enjoy the view; this is a place with one of the most breathtaking panoramas.

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.

A hollow way or grub(be) is a road that has been eroded by rainwater runoff or by frequent use (by livestock or vehicles), causing the road to lie between two slopes.

On a regular basis, fishing competitions are organized here on the fishing ponds at the castle ponds in 's Herenelderen.

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 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.