Kortessem Tour

Belgian Limburg has a surprising amount of natural beauty. This route takes you through the Demerdal and Haspengouw. You will also visit places such as Hoeselt, Diepenbeek and the ancient Bilzen. A route with taste, because along the way you will find many places to enjoy a regional dish at your leisure.

Haspengouw is a slightly undulating region that is reminiscent of Tuscany. A lot of fruit is grown on the fertile soil. Part of all that delicious fruit naturally ends up in one of the types of Limburg pie. On many of the terraces in Haspengouw you can enjoy this fresh delicacy with your coffee or tea. A lot of grapes are also grown in this region, so you will find some of the northernmost Belgian vineyards here

In the valley of the river Demer you cycle through a green zone with swamp forests, wet meadows and large areas where poplars grow. Along the river there are reed fields here and there. It is relaxing cycling here in this quiet and rural area.

In the villages and towns you will experience the characteristic Limburg friendliness. And of course the Burgundian way of life. In Bilzen, for example, you can enjoy a beer from the local craft brewery Den Toetëlèr. Or you can try a regional dish, such as rabbit or farm chicken Bilzen style.

While cycling you will regularly see some buildings with a clear cultural-historical value. Printhagen Castle for example. The tower of this building was built in Maasland Renaissance style, the core dates from the beginning of the seventeenth century. You will also pass square farms and see the town hall from 1685 at the market in Bilzen. The front facade was made of limestone in the Maasland Renaissance style. Near Schalkhoven you will pass the castle of the same name. The original building dates from 1588. The castle was given a makeover in French style at the end of the eighteenth century.