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. There are also breweries and square farms. But there is more, much more. The landscape you cycle in is one big picture postcard as the lush fruit trees show their colorful blossoms in full splendor. 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 in Flanders and even has two monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List; the belfry of the town 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 restoring the dilapidated castle in 1994 and has now established a hospitable restaurant there. The Motte tower is authentic and dates back 1000 years. From the beautiful forest that is open to the public, you can quietly rest on a park bench where you let the scents of the land 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 dates back to the 16th century. The U-shaped water castle as a whole dates from the 17th/18th century, originating from a 16th-century mansion core. During the last expansion in the 18th century, the drawbridge disappeared. Around the castle there is a museum orchard with all kinds of traditional, regional fruits.