Gelinden, Sint-Truiden and Velm

History lives in the Haspengouw region. More than 100 castles, fortresses and religious monuments are scattered in the lovely rolling landscape. Breweries and square farms are also 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 colourful blossom in full splendour. And fruit, lots of delicious fresh fruit can be found 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 city hall and the Beguinage. Moreover, Sint-Truiden is the fruit city of Belgium.

After 27 km of cycling 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 1000 years. From the beautiful forest that is open to the public, you can quietly rest on a park bench where you can let the scents of the country penetrate you.

The route also takes you past Rijkel Castle in the village of the same name. The oldest part of the castle is the east wing and originally dates from the 16th century. The U-shaped moated castle as a whole dates from the 17th/18th century, originating from a 16th-century manor house core. During the last expansion in the 18th century, the drawbridge disappeared. Around the castle is a museum orchard with all kinds of traditional, regional fruits.