The best MTB trails in Jongenbos

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.

At the end of the Second World War, the youth movements of Hoeselt built this chapel under the leadership of the assistant priest Vliegen. In the back wall, a large field cross is embedded with the text: 'and no one who guesses my origin or knew my destination'. But the origin of the cross is no mystery: it was the only survivor of a series of field crosses that stood along the old road between Hoeselt and Alden Biesen. The field crosses recalled a bloody piece of history: the people of Hoeselt had attacked some servants from Alden Biesen. Those who managed to escape were caught up and killed at the Biesenveld. The TEUTONIC ORDER erected these field crosses in memory.

Sunken roads only occur in hilly regions. They are typical of the loess region. They were created by human intervention. They were used as connecting roads between farm and field, and due to frequent use, loose sand was washed down the slope with every rain shower. In this way, the road became increasingly hollowed out. A sunken road has a mild temperature; the wind has no hold on it. The silence is also noticeable during a walk in the shelter of a deep lane.

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.

Cycle bridge next to the road bridge. A beautiful structure for a safe crossing.

The chapel at Oetersloven is also known as the chapel of the Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders). Jan van Muysen, a clog maker from Wellen, had left a letter of complaint at the farm of Jan Wouters from Ulbeek, demanding a large sum of money, or else his farm would be set on fire. The money was to be placed in a hole near the chapel. Wouters, however, recognized Van Muysen, despite his disguise. Jan van Muysen was arrested as a goat rider on April 1, 1774, and beheaded on June 16 of the same year in the Bonderkuil in Wellen.

This is not the Donnea castle, the Donnea castle is located on the Tongersesteenweg in Guigoven: https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/plan/@50.8369945,5.4012574,18.095z?sport=hike&constitution=2&waypoint=poi:6YOUd