48 hours in Tongeren-Borgloon – the heart of the Haspengouw

Let's start our two-day visit at the Gallo-Roman Museum in the heart of Tongeren, just next to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Nativity. There, you can travel effortlessly through thousands of years of history – from Neanderthals and early farmers to Celts and Gallo-Romans. More than 2,000 authentic objects bring the past back to life, which makes for an engaging experience for the young and also for the not so young. What is more, the museum is easily accessible to wheelchair users. People with visual impairments can also comfortably visit the permanent collection.

After our visit to the museum, the café terraces on the Grote Markt beckon, under the shadow of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Nativity and under the watchful eye of the folk hero Ambiorix. As leader of a tribe known as the Eburones, Ambiorix, whose bronze statue stands nearby, fought the Romans in 54 BCE. To this day, he is therefore a proud symbol of Limburg. Work to construct the Basilica, which began in the 13th century, took more than 300 years and the result was definitely worth the wait. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic religious structures in the country. Inside, you can admire colorful stained glass windows, a richly decorated altar and relics of saints, while the tower, which has been recognized by UNESCO, can be seen from far and wide. The Teseum, which houses more than 130 Flemish Masterpieces, is among the richest treasuries in the Low Countries. Below the basilica, the archeocrypt (the underground archeological site) leads you past remains of Roman city dwellings from the 4th century.

Why not spend a morning strolling along the stylish boutiques? Tongeren has deliberately chosen to host shops that offer ‘couleur locale’: no big chains, but small stores where you can buy unique items. This makes shopping in Tongeren not only stylish, but cozy and personal too. On Sundays, all roads then lead back to the antiques and bric-a-brac market that stretches out along the historic medieval city walls. With more than 350 exhibitors and 40 antique stores, this international hotspot for antiques, brocante, design and vintage is the largest in the Benelux!

Haspengouw is a Valhalla for cycling enthusiasts. You can choose from a wide range of ready-made cycling routes.Using the online cycling route planner, putting together a route of your own is easy! Rent a bike at a Fietsparadijs Limburg pickup point, such as the one in the Syrup Factory in Borgloon (between nodes 152 and 136). You can find other bike rental points here. This fruit experience center takes you on a journey into the history of Haspengouw, from the life of the fruit farmer to the production process, and lets you sample what's on sale in the local produce store. Between nodes 154 and 155, the iconic, see-through church known as Reading Between the Lines awaits. There, you can stand and admire a magical interplay of art and landscape. Feel like stepping off your bike for a while? Then hike up Beukenberg for panoramic views, discover the remains of a Roman aqueduct that once supplied ancient Tongeren with water and explore the surrounding castle grounds.

The end of our visit to Tongeren-Borgloon is gradually approaching. So we've chosen a fitting finale by deciding to climb the belfry tower of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Nativity. This is one of 56 belfries that were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you clamber your way up, you'll be walking amongst the 49 bells of the carillon. On reaching the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama of the region that has treat you well these past two days.