Ten highlights along the UEC Road European Championships course

Unlike the riders, you may have a little more time to explore the tourist highlights on and along the course. We’ve already compiled a handy checklist for you!

1. Herkenrode Abbey Site

The Herkenrode Abbey site has served as a base camp in De Wijers for centuries. Once upon a time Herkenrode was the richest women’s abbey in the Low Countries. It was the abbesses who issued the order for the transformation of old holes from which peat had been extracted into productive fish ponds. Fish farming provided a protein-rich solution for Fridays and fasting periods when the faithful were not allowed to eat meat from ‘animals with four legs’.

You can’t miss it, even today. The stately Abbey Site with its ornate turrets exudes tranquillity and hospitality. The imposing buildings are a place for encounters and the surrounding nature reserve plays out its charms to the full every season. Hike across the estate or cycle right through the entrance gate into the impressive courtyard and take some time to relax. Perhaps in the Herb and Inspiration garden? Want to really delve into the history of Herkenrode? If so, visit the experience centre.

2. Japanese Garden

A stone’s throw from the UEC Road European Championships finish line, you’ll feel totally zen in the Japanese Garden. The Oriental oasis of calm is the largest of its kind in Europe, and is located right here in the centre of the Province. The garden inspires meditation and contemplation. Those in search of tranquillity are in for a treat. Listen to the sound of splattering waterfalls, feed koi carp or relax on a bench or picnic blanket and enjoy the varied scenery.

Of course, it is also the ultimate place to learn about and experience Japanese culture, one of the main missions of this Hasselt attraction. With seasonal events, sushi and origami workshops, sake and tea drinking, the land of the rising sun is closer than you think

3. De Wijers observation tower in Platwijers

It is obvious that De Wijers is a patchwork of ponds from the aerial images of the course. But do you prefer to experience it first hand? Head to Platwijers by bike or put on your hiking shoes and venture deep into the maze of ponds. Tree frogs, bitterns, herons all live in Platwijers, though some are easier to spot than others. You can’t miss De Wijers observation tower. At the top, you are treated to a fantastic view of the pond area.

4. 'Cycling through Water' in Bokrijk

Cycling in Limburg will constantly surprise you, but this highlight shouldn’t be a surprise by now? ’Cycling through Water’ in Bokrijk is a unique cycling experience in which you cycle over 200 metres right through a pond. The sunken bike path was opened in April 2016 and since then, lots of cyclists and hikers have already experienced the magic of this place.

In the middle, the water is at eye level on both sides. You feel, see and smell the water. An amazing and unique view of this piece of nature. Haven’t experienced it yet? You can’t be left behind, can you?

5. Zolder mine site

In 1992, the last coal mine in the Benelux closed its doors in Zolder. The listed buildings, including the shaft tower, Monnoyer chimney and the mortuary, represent this municipality’s mining past. Today, the bathhouse houses a bistro and the restored collection building is the place to go for the free heritage walk ZLDR Luchtfabriek. Here you discover how an impressive industrial plant pumped air up to 800 m underground. Fresh air for the miners and compressed air for the machines.

Fancy a breath of fresh air yourself? Hike from the mine site straight to the Zolder slag heap and admire stunning views of the mine region.

6. Hasselt city centre

Can Hasselt still surprise you? Definitely! The capital of Limburg has so much more to offer than jenever and speculaas alone. Hasselt really does have everything you need for a successful day trip or weekend away. The atmospheric, compact city centre is vibrant and bustling, full of fun places to eat and drink, with hidden terraces and irresistible treats to be discovered. You shop in the hippest concept stores and exclusive boutiques, discover numerous fascinating museums and be surprised by extraordinary street art works behind every corner. 

7. Bokrijk

Bokrijk is a unique heritage park focusing on the culture of everyday life. The Open Air Museum is the beating heart of Bokrijk, but with a large playground, arboretum, cycling and hiking paths - with Cycling through the Water as a unique cycling adventure - Bokrijk offers a total experience.

Many a Fleming has visited Bokrijk on a school trip during their childhood. But who returned? Bokrijk has evolved into a lively, creative place where inventiveness, contemporaneity and sustainability are key. Today, you can come here to rediscover heritage and be inspired for the future.

8. Borgloon Syrup Factory

You probably knew that Haspengouw is Belgium’s premier fruit-growing region. But did you know that Borgloon’s Syrup Factory is a great place to begin your visit to the fruit region?

Today, the former Syrup Factory is a unique experience centre. Here you discover all about its fertile past, as well as the fruity future of this historic site and the fruit region. Indulge your taste buds in the shop selling local produce and, of course, this is the perfect place to stock up on syrup waffles. The ultimate Haspengouw sweetener for when you're waiting by the roadside for the riders’ next passage.

9. Reading between the Lines

Never heard of it? Perhaps Borgloon’s ‘See-through church’ rings a bell? Belgian architect duo Gijs van Vaerenbergh created one of the eye-catchers of the PIT art project in Haspengouw right here.

’Reading between the Lines’ is 10 metres high and consists of 100 stacked layers of corten steel in the shape of a small Loon church. The structure weighs a whopping 30 tonnes. The special construction method ensures that the landscape always remains visible through the church, both from a distance and up close. Depending on your perspective, the church is either present or absent from the landscape. TIP: visit it at dusk, when the setting sun provides a touch of magic.

10. Tongeren Basilica 

The belfry tower of the Basilica of Our Lady is visible from afar, no matter which direction you approach Tongeren from, it will guide you to the ramparts of Belgium’s oldest city like a lighthouse. The basilica is one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in our country. The interior too is majestic, transporting you back in time through Tongeren’s intriguing history.

Want to know more? At the Teseum museum site, you descend into the foundations of the basilica and stroll between remarkable church treasures and archaeological finds. Don’t miss the chance to climb the belfry tower and marvel at the unforgettable views of Haspengouw.