Hiking in Haspengouw: the Alden Biesen wandelroute
Alden Biesen wandelroute
Start
Start: Landcommanderij Alden Biesen
The Medieval Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, founded in the 13th century by the religious Knights of the German Order, was an influential headquarters. From here, the order governed its possessions throughout the region: parts of modern Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Knights stayed here, there were farming activities and pilgrims were welcome. The fairytale moated castle from the 16th century is now an enchanting backdrop for cultural events. You are welcome to visit this estate on your own (or with a guide) between sunrise and sunset. On your way, you can enjoy the English Park and the French Garden and take a peek inside the Baroque church. The Rentmeesterwoning (Steward's House), which is now a hotel, is also remarkable. It was once home to the steward, who managed the finances and farming activities at the landcommanderij.
Apostelhuis
We enter through the 17th-century gate building. This used to be the main entrance of the Landcommanderij. It comprises three parts: the Apostelhuis, the gate tower and the Trompetterswoning, where the gate guard announced visitors. The Apostelhuis accommodated important commanders or high officials of the German Order. Starting from the gate building, seven avenues in a star shape form a symbolic reference to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, the patroness of the Order. The Celli family is breathing new life into the seventh avenue with Wijndomein Montepertini. Visit for guided tours, workshops or tastings between the vines and on the delightful wine terrace.
Tall orchard
During your walk around the castle estate, you will notice how well preserved the old landscape has remained. It is one of the few places where you can still stroll between the tall trees in the orchard and find plenty of fruit. In some orchards you can stay and picnic, pick fruit and children are free to play. The apple juice from Alden Biesen is turned into delicious juice and syrup called ‘Biesonder sap’ and ‘Biesondere stroop’ - a play on words combining 'Biesen' and ‘bijzonder’, meaning special. Sometimes you will face a climb, but you will always be rewarded with magnificent views. For example, you can see the distant mounds in Genk and even as far as the water tower at Rosmeer. The sloping landscape also conceals some special nature areas.
Demervallei Nature area
The Demervallei Nature area is one such lovely example. We find ourselves in the marshy woods of Elzenbroekbos, near the source of the Demer. Deep in the woods, calcium-rich water bubbles up through small sources. A crust forms, known as limestone tuff or travertine. This natural limestone layer provides the perfect nutrition for rare plants such as thin-spiked wood-sedge and remote sedge. The Roman (or vineyard) snail also feels at home here and creeps between the rare flora. In the spring, the ground gets a yellow carpet of marsh marigolds or kingcups. For them, this wet ground is a delight!
Sunken lanes
Did you already notice them during this walk? In this region you find very many sunken lanes. In the whole of Flanders, you only find such a large concentration of these old country lanes in South Limburg. Sunken lanes are deeply worn paths, often between two slopes, hollowed out by rainwater and centuries of use by carts, cattle and hikers. They provide shelter and tranquillity, adding special charm when walking here. They are also important hotspots for biodiversity. Many plants and animals feel at home here, like the badger in its sett, an extensive underground system of tunnels.
Arrival: Brasserie ‘t Gasthuis
From this gorgeous green gem, we walk on towards the estate of Landcommanderij Alden Biesen. This is also where our route ends. Feel free to stick around and continue enjoying the goodies of Haspengouw. For example, in Brasserie ‘t Gasthuis, at the entrance to the estate or go for a culinary adventure in De Boomgaerd.
Finish
