Cycle through Limburg in the tracks of the 2024 European Cycling Championships

From September 11 to 15, 2024, the UEC Road European Championships will descend upon Limburg. With Hasselt and Heusden-Zolder as hosts and a course that traverses the pond area of De Wijers towards the castle-studded hilltops of fruitful Haspengouw, cyclists will enjoy the diversity of beautiful landscapes that Limburg has to offer along the way, and of course, everything that comes with it.

Who can enjoy this even more? You!

As a cycling enthusiast, you'll naturally relish the pinnacle of the race in Limburg, but at the same time, you'll discover the many other treasures of the region. Because Limburg, as a pioneer in cycling junctions, is not just an unparalleled paradise for recreational cyclists.

Also, hikers find plenty to explore in this patchwork of landscapes. And gourmets! The Limburg soil also produces many delicious treats, to be savored in the coziest cafes and refined restaurants.

The secret ingredient? The legendary Limburg hospitality.

Exploring along the European Cycling Championships route

Fietsers op het fietspad Fietsen door het Water in Bokrijk

Ten highlights along the UEC Road European Championships course

15/05/2024

Join us on an exploration along the route of the 2024 European Cycling Championships. These 10 remarkable places in Limburg are even more beautiful in person.
Loonse stroopwafels

Limburg supplies in the musette!

15/05/2024

Without fuel, the engine sputters and stops! Before you go cycling, fill your rucksack or pannier with these Limburg delicacies!
Wielrenners op de kasseistrook in Manshoven

Five UEC Road European Championships nodes

15/05/2024

The European Cycling Championships will take place in Limburg in 2024. Explore the course using the legendary node network. We'll list 5 European Championship nodes for you.
Kasseiweg met kasteel in Sint-Truiden

Cycling over Limburg’s cobblestones

15/05/2024

The Paris-Roubaix classic cycling race is known for its famous cobbled sections. Do you fancy tackling the cobbles yourself? The Limburg cycling network includes a number of cobbled sections to test your cycling legs.
Koffiestops in Limburg op het parcours van het EK wielrennen 2024

Bike-crazy coffee stops while exploring the UEC Road European Championships course

15/05/2024

While exploring the European Championship course, you can definitely take a well-deserved coffee break. We've selected some bike-friendly coffee stops where you can start to feel the European Championship excitement while sipping your coffee.
Twee mensen proeven Limburgse wijn in wijndomein Gloire de Duras in Sint-Truiden
What to do

Vineyards

Discover the Limburg of the European Cycling Championships

The riders cycle through Hasselt, De Wijers and Haspengouw. The European Cycling Championships in Limburg is an opportunity to get to know this warm region better. It's the perfect chance to venture out and be amazed by all the beauty hidden in Limburg's landscapes.

We're happy to assist you on this exploration with inspiration, tips, cycling and hiking routes, and the most charming addresses.

Cycle along the route of the European Cycling Championships

Vakmanschapsroute De Wijers

Cycle through the water landscape of De Wijers

41 km

Starting at Herkenrode Abbey, this cycle route leads you round the pond landscape of De Wijers.
Koppel op de fiets aan de Stroopfabriek van Borgloon

Along Loon Castles

52 km

With the rich past of the Earldom of Loon and Prince Bishopric of Liege, the region around Borgloon is thick with castles. More than that, Haspengouw has one of the largest concentrations of castles in Western Europe! So it should come as no surprise that along this 52 km route you pass no less than 13 castles and even more castles adorn the surrounding hilltops.
Van Hasselt naar Fietsen door het Water in Bokrijk

'Cycling through Water' in Bokrijk

23 km

You start and end in Hasselt, know for its shopping fun, surprising museums, and cozy terraces. The towpath along the Albert Canal takes you to the De Wijers nature reserve with its 1001 ponds. Enjoy the many beautiful water features along the way. At junction 91 in Bokrijk, you can fully immerse yourself in the pond landscape: here you cycle right through the water.
Koppel fietst door een landschap vol fruitboomgaarden in Haspengouw

Explore Haspengouw from Hasselt

57.3 km

From the capital of Limburg, this route takes you towards the rolling fruit landscape of Haspengouw. Expect impressive panoramas, square farms, quiet church villages and magnificent castles. A blossom splendor in spring, but possibly even more colourful in late summer, when apples and pears are blushing in the plantation.
Fietsen door de fruitboomgaarden van Haspengouw

Cycling through Haspengouw Terroir

53 km

Cycle through the undulating fruit landscape of Haspengouw while enjoying impressive panoramas, square farms, quiet church villages, and magnificent castles. The blossoms are on full display in the spring, but there’s possibly even more colour in late summer. Apples and pears are blushing in the orchards.
Fietsers in het Haspengouws landschap

From fruit to syrup

38 km

This cycle loop with steep climbs starts in Borgloon. Along the way you pass colorful fruit orchards, church villages, the old fruit track Kolenspoor, the beautiful 15th-century Abbey Mariënlof, castles, the fruit experience center Stroopfabriek in Borgloon, and the traditional syrup distillery Vrolingen.

Hike along the route of the European Cycling Championships

Wandelen in Bolderberg-Viversel

Bolderberg-Viversel - blue hiking route

5.1 km

An inlier is a solitary mound in an otherwise flat landscape. The Bolderberg and the Galgenberg are two examples found on the territory of Heusden-Zolder, and it is these 'mountains' we explore on this 5.1 km hiking route. Therefore, we probably don’t need to explain that a decent climb lays in store. 
Wandelen in Abdij van Herkenrode

Herkenrode Abbey – yellow hiking route

4.4 km

Join us for a hike to admire both Herkenrode's greenery and history. Herkenrode Abbey was once the richest women's abbey in the Low Countries. Visit the Experience Centre to see and experience the site’s history in full. The hiking route starts as soon as you walk through the gatehouse. 
Quartier Bleu in Hasselt

Hasselt - Smaakmaker Spraakmaker route

5 km

Whether you are visiting Hasselt for the first time or already know it like the back of your hand: the Smaakmaker Spraakmaker Route is bound to be a hit. The expertly chosen stops along the route invite you to stimulate your senses.
Wandelen in Platwijers-Wijvenheide

Platwijers-Wijvenheide – orange hiking route

5.2 km

In Platwijers you will experience everything the landscape of De Wijers has to offer. Along the 5.2 km hiking route, you make your way through a mosaic made up of dozens of ponds. 

Visit the fish farming exhibition at Heidestrand and you’ll find out how the ponds were created. Along the way, you will also hear stories and facts about Zonhoven's centuries-old fish-farming tradition. 
Wandelen in Bokrijk-Kiewit

Bokrijk-Kiewit – yellow hiking route

4.2 km

Explore the Bokrijk Domain on the yellow hiking route, which consists entirely of paved paths. It means everyone can enjoy the natural beauty! 

Forests and numerous ponds form the route’s backdrop. The area is part of the larger De Wijers pond landscape and is managed by the Provinciaal Natuurcentrum and Natuurpunt. 
Wandelen in Grootloon

Grootloon – orange hiking route

9.3 km

Experience the best Haspengouw has to offer on the Grootloon orange route. This 9.3 km hike leads you through a rolling landscape of fruit orchards, meadows and fields. 

The hike starts in the centre of Borgloon. From the castle hill cast an admiring glance at the area you are going to traverse, with the vineyard of Castle De Grote Mot nearby. 
Wandelen in Heks

Heks – yellow hiking route

11.9 km

Ready for a brisk 12 km hike through the Heers countryside? Grasslands, fields, meadows and orchards surround you along the way. Every so often you’ll come across a castle or square farmstead. If you drink a sip of water every time you see one, you will stay fully hydrated. 
Zammelen

Picturesque church villages of Zammelen, Jesseren and Piringen – yellow hiking route

12.5 km

This slightly longer hiking route combines the best Haspengouw has to offer. You hike from village to village with their characteristic fruit landscapes, square farms and fairytale castles along the way. The path regularly descends to below ground level. Indeed, sunken lanes are quite common in this region. 

Hotel Malpertuus Riemst
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