The best gravel rides around Hoeselt

The difference in altitude between the Albert Canal and the Zuid-Willemsvaart is 20 m. It is overcome by two locks. Neerharen: single lock of 55 m x 7.50 m - fall of 8.40 m Briegden: single lock of 55 m x 7.50 m - fall of 8.79 m

The new Castle De Klee was built on behalf of and for the baroness Sneyers-d'Attenhoven in 1904-07. After a fire in 1933, it was restored again. The whole is located in a landscape-style park, enclosed by an iron entrance gate between bluestone pillars.

Between Diepenbeek and Hasselt, the F70 cycle highway, also known as the Demerroute, runs along the bank of the Demer river. This cycle highway, which is under construction, connects Hasselt with Bilzen. When completed, the route will be 21 km long. It is already largely passable, but diversions are currently in place in a few locations.

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.

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.

Hollow roads are not only important for nature, they also play a valuable role in agriculture and in our free time. Together with other slow roads, they form the perfect routes for hikers, riders, and cyclists to fully enjoy the landscape.

On the site where a manor house stood in the Middle Ages, the castle of Hardelingen was built in the 19th century. The site had continuous habitation from early on and was closely linked for centuries to agricultural exploitation in the fertile valley of the Werm. As a manor house, the domain served not only as a residence but also as an economic center that managed and structured the surrounding land within the traditional agricultural landscape of Haspengouw. Today, the castle of Hardelingen, located in the quiet village of Werm, is a valuable example of the transformation of a medieval manor house into a stately 19th-century country residence. The castle and the surrounding park landscape strikingly illustrate the neoclassical ideals of order, harmony, and scenic beauty, thus occupying a special place in the heritage of Haspengouw. Want to know more about the past? Click through to https://www.burchten-kastelen.be/provincies/limburg/042%20Kasteel%20van%20Hardelingen/Kasteel%20van%20Hardelingen.html