Cyclists on a country lane beneath blossoming fruit trees in Haspengouw

Cycling holidays in Haspengouw · Château de la Motte

The best way there?
The scenic route.

Past blossom, orchards and little villages. Discover Haspengouw’s rhythm by bike, with Château de la Motte as a welcoming place to eat and stay.

Groot-GelmenHaspengouw · Belgium
Groot-Gelmen · Belgian Limburg

A landscape
with more to discover.

The road climbs a little, then the landscape opens up. Rows of fruit trees, a church tower in the distance, a farmhouse around the bend. Haspengouw is made for exploring on two wheels: close enough to notice the details, slow enough to stop along the way.

Château de la Motte lies in Groot-Gelmen, near Sint-Truiden. Plan a ride through the region and make the estate your lunch stop, your destination after a day’s cycling or your base for a longer stay.

A pause for you. Fresh energy for your bike.

Charging
on the estate.

There are charging points for electric bikes available at Château de la Motte. Bring your own charger; we will show you where to charge when you arrive.

In the meantime, join us for lunch or a moment on the terrace. Book in advance if you would like to be sure of a table.

Book your cycling break ↗
Guests dining by candlelight beneath the illuminated gazebo and flowering wisteria at Château de la Motte
Two lovely loops to start with

Choose your route.
Take your time.

These Visit Limburg routes start in Sint-Truiden and Tongeren-Borgloon. Distances refer to the official loop; the ride from Château de la Motte to join it is additional.

Cyclists on a country lane beneath blossoming fruit trees in Haspengouw01 / 37.4 km
Hilly · Official cycling route

From fruit to syrup

A ride through orchards and villages, along the old Fruitspoor railway and past Mariënlof Abbey. Meet the region’s fruit-growing heritage along the way at the syrup makers. Expect a few challenging climbs too.

Starting point
Fruitbelevingscentrum Stroopfabriek, Stroopplein 8, Tongeren-Borgloon
Route, junctions & GPX ↗
Panorama of rolling Haspengouw with orchards, green meadows and church towers in the distance02 / 50.3 km
Rolling terrain · Official cycling route

Comparing apples and pears

Orchards, traditional courtyard farms, villages and châteaux unfold along the way. A lovely day’s ride to enjoy the open landscapes of Haspengouw, with time to pause en route.

Starting point
Groenmarkt, Sint-Truiden
Route, junctions & GPX ↗

Route distances checked against Visit Limburg’s official route pages. Check those pages for the latest route and any changes before setting off.

Explore more cycling routes in Haspengouw ↗
Prefer to find your own way?

From one lovely moment
to the next.

A short ride before lunch, a day through the orchards or a route with a stop in Borgloon. Limburg’s numbered cycling junction network lets you decide how far to go.

Open the official cycling route planner ↗
  1. 01

    Choose your starting point.

    Find Groot-Gelmen on the map and plan your connection from Mettekovenstraat 4. Or start at the beginning of an official loop.

  2. 02

    Make the route your own.

    Select the numbered junctions and check the total distance. Match the length and climbs to your group, and allow time for a break.

  3. 03

    Take the route with you.

    Download your GPX file, print the route or share it with your cycling companions. Check the planner for current diversions before setting off.

Panorama of rolling Haspengouw with orchards, green meadows and church towers in the distance
A landscape that changes with the seasons

More than one season.
Always a new view.

Spring · blossom

White and pink orchards turn a bike ride into something special. April is often the peak, but the weather and fruit varieties determine the timing.

Check the current blossom tracker ↗

Summer · long days

Orchards in leaf, green lanes and time for a long break. Begin the day gently and leave the afternoon free for the terrace.

Late summer & autumn · fruit

Apples and pears bring colour to the orchards. Harvest time fills the region with life, while autumn brings warmer shades to the landscape.

Time to step off the bike

Fruit and heritage.
And a fresh perspective.

Allow time for a visit along your route. In Borgloon, the Fruitbelevingscentrum Stroopfabriek tells the story of fruit and syrup. The see-through church, Reading between the Lines, offers a different perspective on the landscape.

In Sint-Truiden, park your bike for a while and explore the historic centre. Choose your stop in advance and check the route and opening hours.

More places to discover↗
Green fields and rolling farmland beneath a wide, cloudy sky in Haspengouw
Ready to set off

Make it
a lovely day’s cycling.

Hire a bike

Fietspunt at Sint-Truiden station offers city bikes, children’s bikes and e-bikes, among other options. Book in advance with the hire provider.

Bike hire in the region ↗

Rolling countryside

Haspengouw is rolling countryside, not flat terrain. Choose a manageable distance and check the route’s difficulty. An e-bike can help make even the longer loops a relaxed ride.

With a cycling group

Join us for lunch or end the day with dinner. Let us know your group size and expected arrival time. For more than 20 people, please call us.

Plan a group stop ↗

Cycle & stay

Stay at De Kleine Motte and explore the region over several days. Ask about bicycle storage before booking and bring your charger.

Make it a cycling weekend ↗
Good to know

A few practical
answers.

All practical questions ↗
Can I charge my electric bike at Château de la Motte?+

Yes, charging points for electric bikes are available on the estate. Bring your own charger and ask us where to plug in when you arrive.

Do the listed cycling loops start at the château?+

The official loops have their own starting points: the Stroopfabriek in Tongeren-Borgloon or the Groenmarkt in Sint-Truiden. The stated distances apply to those loops. To start from Château de la Motte, plan your connection using the numbered junction planner; that ride is additional.

Where can I find the cycling junctions and a GPX file?+

Use Visit Limburg’s cycling route planner to create your own ride. You can see the distance and download a GPX file or print the route. The official pages for the selected cycling loops also provide a GPX file and numbered junction map.

When is the best time to see the blossom?+

April is usually blossom season, but the timing varies from year to year and between fruit varieties. An early or late spring makes a difference. Check Visit Limburg’s current blossom tracker shortly before your visit.

Is Haspengouw suitable for a regular bike?+

Yes, although the countryside is rolling and some loops include challenging climbs. Choose a distance and elevation profile that suit your fitness. An e-bike can make a longer ride more comfortable; remember to allow for wind and battery range too.

Can I hire a bike nearby?+

Fietspunt at Sint-Truiden station offers city bikes, children’s bikes and e-bikes, among other options. Check availability, reservations and current opening hours through Visit Sint-Truiden and the hire provider.

Can we come for lunch as a cycling group?+

Of course. Please book your meal in advance and share your expected arrival time and group size. For more than 20 guests, please call +32 (0)11 48 10 86. Let us know about any dietary requirements too.

Can we stay overnight and store our bikes?+

You can stay in one of the 17 rooms at De Kleine Motte, beside the château estate, subject to availability. Charging points are provided. Before booking, tell us how many bikes you are bringing so we can confirm storage options personally.

Current routes, seasonal information and practical tips: Visit Limburg, Visit Sint-Truiden and the guide to bicycle charging points.

Erik Wulms, your contact at Château de la Motte
Personal contact with Erik Wulms

A lovely plan
starts with a conversation.

A lunch, a stay or a special event. Tell me what you have in mind; I would be delighted to help.

Discuss your plans with Erik ↗
Book a tableBook your stay