Gelinden, Sint-Truiden and Velm

History is alive in the Haspengouw region. More than 100 castles, fortresses and religious monuments are scattered in the lovely rolling landscape. Also breweries, square farms are not lacking. But there is more, much more. The landscape in which you cycle is one big postcard when the lush fruit trees show their colorful blossom in full splendour. And fruit, you will find a lot of delicious fresh fruit in this region.

Sint-Truiden has it all, it is the sixth monument city of Flanders and even has two monuments on the Unesco World Heritage List; the belfry of the town hall and the Begijnhof. Moreover, Sint-Truiden is the fruit city of Belgium.

After cycling for 27 km you will arrive at De la Motte Castle. After years of vacancy, the owner started the restoration of the dilapidated castle in 1994 and has now established a hospitable restaurant. The Motte tower is authentic and goes back to 1000 years. From the beautiful forest that is open to the public, you can relax quietly on a park bench where you let the scents of the country penetrate you.

The route also leads you past Rijkel Castle in the village of the same name. The oldest part of the castle is the east wing and was originally built in the 16th century. The U-shaped moated castle in its entirety dates from the 17th / 18th century, and originated from a 16th-century mansion core. With the last extension in the 18th century, the drawbridge disappeared. Around the castle is a museum orchard with all kinds of traditional, regional fruits.