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.
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.
01 / 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.