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Belgium
Flanders
South Limburg
Hasselt

Sint-Truiden

Attractions and Places To See around Sint-Truiden - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Sint-Truiden. Sint-Truiden is a historic city located in Belgium's Haspengouw region, known for its rolling hills and extensive fruit orchards. The area features a mix of ancient landmarks, impressive architecture, and serene natural landscapes. It offers opportunities to explore medieval history, cultural sites, and picturesque surroundings.

Best attractions and places to see around Sint-Truiden

  • The most popular attractions is Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church), a man-made monument that allows visitors to…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church)

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When you are in the church, you can admire the beautiful hilly landscape through the 'walls'. In the distance you can see the church of Borgloon. Many photographers also take …

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Herkenrode Abbey Site

Highlight • Historical Site

This abbey is over 800 years old. The historic buildings have been restored, and today it's a place to visit and relax. The surrounding nature reserve houses a botanical garden …

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Grootloon High-Stem Orchards

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

is indicated as established woody planting with heritage value High-stem orchards at Grootloon church.
The area around GrootLoon is characterised by the high density of high-stem orchards. The Ferraris cabinet …

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In Borgloon, Fred Eerdekens (°1951, Belgium) shows a pleated line in the landscape. Along the Roman cobblestone you will find a wood-like sculpture in which you can read the word …

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Floating Chapel of Helshoven

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At the highest point of Helshoven, "De Galg," is this floating, or floating, cherrywood chapel. It's a work of art by Frits Jeuris, inspired by the Helshoven Chapel.

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Hiking around Sint-Truiden

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Running Trails around Sint-Truiden

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Bloesems, Forests and hidden Heritage – Streek-GR Haspengouw

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Jeff S
February 9, 2026, Twijfelgrens Sculpture by Fred Eerdekens

No doubt it's beautiful here...

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The Herkenrode Abbey site is an interesting combination of culture, history, nature and an ideal starting point for walks.

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The Twijfelgrens is located at the Bollenberg viewpoint, which can be reached on foot or by bike. If you are driving, park at the car park on the Sint-Truidersteenweg, between the Grootloonstraat and the Neremstraat. From the car park, follow the signposted (blue or orange) walking route. (Visit Limburg)

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Beautiful to walk through with all those young blossoms.

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When you are in the church, you can admire the beautiful hilly landscape through the 'walls'. In the distance you can see the church of Borgloon. Many photographers also take a photo where you can see the church of Borgloon through the see-through church. You have this view from a certain spot in the meadow.

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Here, at the gallows, you are at the highest point in Helshoven. The artwork 'Helsh(ea)ven' by Frits Jeuris, known to most as the 'floating chapel', invites you to enjoy that landscape and the work itself. It is made from cherry tree wood. At the end of 2016, the 50-year-old high-stemmed trees in Helshoven had to be cut down due to a viral disease, Little Cherry, which causes tasteless cherries. The gallows represents death. Dead trees. And the dead person. And then there are the trees that are given a second life in the artwork, the floating chapel. An end, a beginning, a view, between heaven and Helshoven, inviting reflection, looking and of course what the work is best known for: that strange image of a chapel that seems to float.

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You don't see many high-stem orchards anymore, everyone already saw the plantations with smaller fruit trees. So there are initiatives here and there to preserve them. Various places in Limburg that are visited by hikers have pieces of high-stem orchard. The best known is perhaps that of Alden Biesen, where many tourists and hikers come. But here too, along the paths with crowd pullers (the see-through church and so on) there are. Like here in Grootloon where there is a path that takes you to the church. The management is done by local farmers with Natuurpunt. And in addition to the high-stem orchard preservation, there is also attention for the night owl and the dormouse, as the information boards here tell you.

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The main entrance to the abbey is located to the south of the complex. It is a late Gothic gatehouse, built in 1531 by order of Abbess Mechtildis of Lechy. There are two storeys under two intersecting slate saddle roofs with a spire with a pear-shaped crowning at the intersection, dated 1531 (coat of arms on the rear facade) and restored in 1907 (architect G. Rypens) and 1973. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Herkenrode Abbey, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/22246

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique artistic attractions in the Sint-Truiden area?

Sint-Truiden offers several distinctive art installations. You can visit Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) near Borgloon, an architectural marvel that allows you to view the landscape through its steel plate structure. Another intriguing piece is the Twijfelgrens Sculpture by Fred Eerdekens, which reveals a hidden word when viewed from a specific position. Additionally, the Floating Chapel of Helshoven, made from felled cherry trees, offers breathtaking views from Helshoven's highest point.

Where can I experience the historical and cultural heritage of Sint-Truiden?

Sint-Truiden is rich in history. Explore the impressive Abbey Tower, a remnant of a powerful Benedictine abbey, offering panoramic city views. The Grote Markt is a central hub surrounded by historic buildings like the Stadhuis (City Hall) with its UNESCO-listed belfry. Don't miss the Herkenrode Abbey Site, an 800-year-old historical site with restored buildings and a nature reserve, or the UNESCO World Heritage Sint-Agnesbegijnhof (Beguinage) with its historic houses and church murals.

What natural landscapes can I explore around Sint-Truiden?

The region around Sint-Truiden, known as Haspengouw, is famous for its natural beauty. You can wander through the extensive Haspengouw Orchards and Blossom Fields, especially stunning in spring. The Fruitvallei offers old fruit orchards, streams, and meadows for relaxation and walking. The Herkenrode Abbey Site also features a nature reserve with a botanical garden. For a unique visual experience, visit the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards, which have significant historical and ecological value.

When is the best time to visit Sint-Truiden to see the fruit blossoms?

The best time to visit Sint-Truiden to witness the spectacular fruit blossoms in the Haspengouw orchards is typically during spring, from late March to mid-April. This period transforms the landscape into a sea of white and pink flowers, offering picturesque scenery for walks and cycling.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Sint-Truiden?

Yes, several attractions in Sint-Truiden are suitable for families. The Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) and the Floating Chapel of Helshoven offer unique visual experiences that can captivate children. The Herkenrode Abbey Site, with its historical buildings and botanical garden, provides space for exploration. Additionally, exploring the Haspengouw Orchards and the Fruitvallei offers pleasant outdoor activities for all ages.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

Sint-Truiden is an excellent base for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, such as the 'Café Coureur – Saint Genevieve Church, Zepperen loop' or the 'Jonas Vlayenpad – Along the Kleine Gete loop'. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Floating Chapel of Helshoven – Helshoven Chapel and Hermitage loop'. If you prefer running, there are trails like the 'Sint-Agnesbegijnhof – Long Boardwalk loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Gravel biking around Sint-Truiden, MTB Trails around Sint-Truiden, and Running Trails around Sint-Truiden guides.

Are there hiking trails near Sint-Truiden's attractions?

Yes, the region offers many hiking opportunities. The Fruitvallei features walking routes of varying lengths through old orchards and natural areas. The Herkenrode Abbey Site serves as a starting point for walks through its nature reserve and botanical garden. You can also explore the picturesque Grootloon High-Stem Orchards. For specific running trails, consider the 'Sint-Agnesbegijnhof – Long Boardwalk loop' or the 'Nieuwenhoven Castle loop' as detailed in the Running Trails around Sint-Truiden guide.

What are some significant religious sites in Sint-Truiden?

Sint-Truiden has a rich religious heritage. The Abbey Tower is a key remnant of the Benedictine abbey. The Sint-Gangulfuskerk is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 11th century. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is a Gothic church known for its colorful murals and treasury. The Sint-Agnesbegijnhof also features a late Romanesque and early Gothic church with impressive murals.

Are there any museums or unique cultural experiences in Sint-Truiden?

Beyond historical buildings, Sint-Truiden offers unique cultural insights. Visit Museum De Mindere to learn about Saint Francis of Assisi and Franciscan heritage. Explore Huis Nagels 1892, a 19th-century notary's house offering an 'upstairs-downstairs' experience. Don't miss the impressive Festraetsuurwerk (Festraets Astronomical Clock), a complex 6-meter tall clock with approximately 20,000 parts.

What are the options for public transport to attractions in Sint-Truiden?

Sint-Truiden's city center and many of its main attractions are accessible by public transport. The city has a train station, and local buses connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas. For specific routes and schedules to individual attractions, it's advisable to check the local public transport provider's website or visit the tourist information office upon arrival.

What do visitors enjoy most about Sint-Truiden?

Visitors frequently praise Sint-Truiden for its blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The unique artistic installations like the See-Through Church are often highlighted for their visual appeal. The serene atmosphere of the Herkenrode Abbey Site and the picturesque Haspengouw orchards, especially during blossom season, are also highly appreciated. The city's rich history, evident in its medieval landmarks and cultural sites, provides a captivating experience for many.

Are there any attractions related to the region's fruit-growing heritage?

Absolutely. Sint-Truiden is at the heart of Haspengouw, a renowned fruit-growing region. You can explore the extensive Haspengouw Orchards and Blossom Fields, particularly beautiful in spring. The Fruitvallei is a natural area featuring old fruit orchards. Additionally, the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards offer a glimpse into traditional fruit cultivation with historical and ecological significance. The Chapel of Guvelingen also screens 'Divine Fruit,' a film about the history of fruit growing in the area.

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