"Borgloon"

"PIT" OPEN-AIR ART  

Hiking trails: 

The 3-km trail takes you to landmark "The Roman Villa's", "the play orchard" and the "see-through church",

The 5-km trail adds "de Twijfelgrens",

The 8-km trail adds the "Proximity Effect" (Grootloon),

The 12-km trail will also take you by beautiful authentic farmhouses.

Artwork  “Memento" is situated at only 15 minutes walk from Villa Kakelbont.

Visit abbey Mariënlof for artwork "Untitled (4 km)

With a 9 km walking loop you could visit "Tranendreef” in Bommershoven.

Artwork “Helsheaven” is situated near chapel Helshoven as well as the cosy restaurant “Heirbaan 66”.

BORGLOON SYRUP FACTORY

The ancient syrup factory running on steam engines is one of the last remnants of the industrial processing of fruit into syrup. At the beginning of last century, Borgloon was the cradle of syrup production. Hence the name “strooplekkers” (syrup tasters) for the inhabitants of Borgloon. The factory was founded in 1878 and its activities were stopped in 1988. In 1999 part of the factory, including the complete installation, became a classified monument. In 2005 the city council of Borgloon buys the syrup factory. In 2007 the syrup factory of Borgloon won the program “Monumentcompetition” in Flanders. In 2019 it went through a complete renovation.

The "gloednieuwe fruitbelevingscentrum"[allows you to learn all about the story behind the yummy syrup “Loonse Stroop”. Follow the floating walking bridge to the syrup room and experience center.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed on Monday (except during school holidays).

Don’t miss the website of the syrup makers of Borgloon: http://www.gebroedersbleus.be/

CYCLING ROUTES

“Cycle friendly B&B Villa Kakelbont Borgloon” is (almost) located between Nodes 152 and 154.

The Node-to-Node Network allows you to map out the most beautiful cycling experiences. Bicycle map available.

Visit a terrace in Tongeren, Sint-Truiden or on the way at e.g. Heirbaan 66  in Helshoven or de bottelarij in Ulbeek.

We have 2 electric bikes for rent.

THE “STROOPLEKKER” AND THE SYRUP FEAST  ON APRIL 13, 2020

You’ll find the statue Strooplekker (the nickname of the inhabitants of Borgloon) at the cobblestone courtyard of the Canon’s House at Speelhof.
The “Strooplekker” is a happy dude. He represents our rich history. His head is an apple, his body is a pear. The perfect combination of fruits that our region is famous for.
The syrup refers to the product we used to make in abundance. 

The Syrup Feast takes place on April 13.  Be sure to also visit the fruit experience center.

De stroopfeesten 

THE COUNTHOUSE OF LOON

The Town Hall is considered one of the most beautiful civilian buildings in the south of Limburg. The building originally dates back to the 11th century. It was restored in Maasland style in 1680. The height of the Town Hall Tower is 15m and indicates that the building once belonged to nobility, i.e. Carrier pigeons lived there. Keeping carrier pigeons was a privilege of nobility and clergy.

Originally the town hall was the residence of the first counts of Loon. Upon their departure, the last count gifted his home to the city. That’s why we still call it Count House.

THE CANON HOUSES

At Speelhof, the square in front of the church, you’ll find the Canon House. This house is also in Maasland Style (1670), yet there are quite a few differences. The town hall was a venue for administrative, civilian and legal matters, while the Canon House - together with the Church of Saint Odulfus - operated as the religious component.

ABBEY MARIËNLOF

Abbey Mariënlof was founded in 1438 by Maria van Colen and the crosiers. Since 1822 it is a Cistercian nunnery. The Abbey of Colen is a beautiful, peaceful place which is still inhabited by a few nuns. They remain loyal to the rules of their order and stay on the sidelines of all rush. A serene and simple life in a rich environment. Since 1990 the former convent of Colen can bear the title of “abbey”. Attracting thousands of visitors, Abbey Mariënlof is an example for her architectural beauty and rich furniture. Her most remarkable objects are the memories of Saint Lutgard, patron saint of the Flemish, and the shrine of Saint Odilia.
The abbey is the home for the 12th century Chair of Saint Lutgard.

You can visit the abbey from: April 1 to October 15: during weekdays from 2.15 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.   Click for more information

02-24-2020: Attention please. The Abbey is being sold and the information can be subject to change. Information at Tourism Borgloon

CHURCH OF SAINT ODULPHUS

Dates back to the 12th century. This collegiate church was built in Romanesque style. In 1406 the Tower was refurbished in Gothic style. This church witnessed the counts of Loon when they took their oath and after 1366  the prince-bishops of Liège used this church for their coronation.

The church is temporarily closed due to a complete restoration.

WINE TASTING AT THE vintners OF BORGLOON

The excellent quality of our soil is shown in our delicious wine. Haspengouw excels in producing top-quality wine. The finest wines of the “North” are born in the vineyards of Haspengouw.

Viticulture has already been around in Borgloon between the 12th and 15th century. Viticulture played an important role, i.e. it was one of the seven city guilds. Borgloon has various renowned wineries delivering a top-quality product.

Check out the link of Tourism Borgloon to know more of the various winemakers and wine tastings.

"Klick"  and discover the vintners of Borgloon

THE FORMER BRIDGETTINE CONVENT

1650 - 1663: Building the convent with church devoted to Our Lady of Good Assistance. During the French occupation the possessions were confiscated and sold to B. Vercoven, Bridgettine, and four fellow brothers. In 1849 clergy inhabited the building and also accommodated a  girls school with boarding. Later a teacher’s college is added. In 1857 the original chapel is being replaced but already in 1868 the current, bigger chapel is build. More information on https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/dibe/relict/31802

The convent garden is open to the public from April 1 until October 31. from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

THE GUEST HOUSE CHAPEL

This chapel was part of a widespread network of “guest houses” started in our region by the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Saint John in the 12th - 13th century.
They were intended to offer a resting place or overnight stay for pilgrims.
The Romanesque-Gothic chapel served among other things as the burial site of the count of Loon Louis I (+ 1171) and his wife countess Agnes.

THE “GRAAF”

Walking over the Graaf (street) you’ll see the remains of the city walls.

The Graaf follows the same path as the ancient city walls. The final part runs over the “kattensteeg” along the castle.