The best running trails around Sint-Truiden

So-called "Nieuwenhoven Castle," a castle with farm buildings. Since the fourth quarter of the 13th century, it served as a playground and summer residence for the abbots of Sint-Truiden; fortified in 1329 by Abbot Adam van Ardingen; completely rebuilt in 1340 by Abbot Amelius van Schoonvorst; enlarged and renovated from 1521 to 1525 by Abbot Willem van Brussel; the current farm was built by Abbot Hubert Germeys (1612-1638), the castle by Abbot Jozef van Herck (1751-1780); Nieuwenhoven became the abbots' permanent residence primarily during the 18th century; after the French invasion, the property was sold. During the second half of the 19th century, renovation works were carried out in the English neo-Gothic style: a carriage house with stables between the castle and the farm, and a castle wing that burned down in 1932. Inventory of Immovable Heritage 2024: Nieuwenhoven Castle and castle farm https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/23016

Nieuwenhoven Castle is situated in a beautiful, fertile location amidst forests and farmland. The castle has a cycling café, and visitors can stroll along the antennae trail on the private grounds.

This expansive 161-hectare parkland welcomes you with stately avenues, ancient heirloom trees, and a surprisingly rich biodiversity, all without ever sacrificing any agricultural land. You'll stroll past tranquil fishponds, open grasslands, and an educational zone with a natural water purification system, while the modern visitor center on stilts offers an added experience. Children can enjoy the playground, and dog lovers will find a large off-leash area.

At the Viersprong between Engelbamp and Heide, the lookout point on top of the shoulder of the sunken road directs the view to the southern Sint-Truiden, whose skyline is clearly recognizable on clear days. You are here at the so-called 'viersprong' at about 100 meters above sea level. Behind you lies Nieuwerkerken with the Mierhoopbos, an extension of the Nieuwenhoven forest. Together they form the largest forest area in the fruit region. On the left in front of you lies the Nieuwenhoven forest, traditionally called 'Galgenbos'. It is a remnant of the 'Brudelholtwoud'. In the 10th century it was donated to the abbey of Sint-Truiden and served as a country house for the abbots of the abbey. The nature reserve is 164 ha in size and is managed by the Provincial Nature Center. It is an interesting bird area with a rich flora, walking paths, a fishing pond, a playground, a dog meadow and a nice play forest where children can romp. In the castle of Nieuwenhoven, various owners work together on the restoration of this beautiful domain and they open up this valuable heritage to visitors.

Very beautiful boardwalk through the flood area of the Trudobronbeek near Sint-Truiden on the former domain of 't Speelhof.

In 2008, an 8 hectare cropland in the domain was converted into a controlled flood zone. The Trudobronbeek was 'liberated' from its tight straitjacket and given a new winding course straight through the flood zone, supplemented with various pools. The area was bordered with a dike. In times of emergency, excess water in the Cicindriabeek can also be collected in this zone in a controlled manner. This means additional protection against flooding for the village centers located downstream.

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Nieuwenhoven Castle is situated in a beautiful, fertile location amidst forests and farmland in the south of Belgian Limburg. Since the year 800, two farms and four castles have stood here in succession, built and demolished under the influence of history. Initially a country retreat for Benedictine monks, after the French Revolution the castle came into the hands of the nobility. History reveals that the castle primarily served as a "pleasure garden for nourishing body and mind." More information: https://www.kasteelnieuwenhoven.be/