Walking and cycling
As the name Velogeren suggests, bike routes are our specialty, so for that we're happy to point you to our separate En Route page.
Blossom walks (various options)
Blossom walks galore, as you are staying right in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit region. For the most beautiful blossom walks, we refer you to our tips, which you will receive upon reservation.
The cherry tree blooms first, snow-white and abundantly. Next comes the pear, also with white blossoms. The apple tree blooms last, but for the longest time. White to light pink. The apple blossom gives Haspengouw its typical spring appearance.
Wissenboske
Just a kilometre's walk from our vacation homes lies the Wissenboske play forest, a site of almost 1 hectare. The forest is easy to reach and sits right along the bike route between junctions 174 and 178. At the entrance to Wissenboske, a child-sized walk begins for kids aged roughly 4 to 8. The route is 1.5 km long. Can you find all the wooden forest animals with their fun facts and challenges?
Hidden gem
Mombeekvallei
If you'd like to explore Alken on foot, the Verborgen Moois walk through Mombeekvallei is definitely worth it. This elongated nature reserve lies on the border between Alken and Hasselt, less than 2 km from our vacation homes, and is managed by Natuurpunt. You can explore this centuries-old Haspengouw valley area via 3 walking loops: Red route Alken: 8 km, 2 hours; Red route Sint-Lambrechts-Herk: 6 km, 1.5 hours; Yellow route Sint-Lambrechts-Herk: 5 km, 1 hour.
Greenspot Nieuwenhoven Forest full of surprises
Around Nieuwenhoven Castle (10th century) lies one of Haspengouw's rare, well-preserved parklands, spanning no less than 161 hectares. You'll find rich flora and fauna here, a fishing pond and an educational pond. The forest has its charms in every season. There are several marked walks of 0.6, 2.8, 4.1 and 7 km. After walking, kids can burn off energy in the play forest and playground by the brasserie. In the brand-new visitor centre, discover a special exhibition and educational activities for young and old.
Herkenrode Abbey & Clausura
Herkenrode Abbey was once the wealthiest women's abbey in the Low Countries. At the experience centre, you can explore its history. The walking route starts right after the gatehouse. You'll find yourself immediately among the historic buildings, admiring the immense artwork Clausura. The lanes around the Abbey have been restored into pleasant walking paths. Several walks depart from here, ranging from 1 to 6.9 km. They lead you past traditional orchards, grasslands, ponds and a historic hedgerow. Sheep and cattle help manage the grasslands. From the bird hide, spot herons and storks.
De Wijers - Land of 1001 Ponds
De Wijers is synonymous with ponds. This backdrop of 1001 ponds is breathtaking. True nature lovers will delight in discovering the rare plants and animals here. There are also adventurous kids' routes, and if you can't get enough, walk the Wijerstrail, a five-day, 110km walk past the most beautiful spots of De Wijers. Sustainability is central here — De Wijers is a candidate UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve.