The best traffic-free bike rides around Crisnée

This section, together with the water lock and the outer bailey, belongs to the oldest parts: in the Apostles' House, remains of the late Gothic ordinance from the second half of the 16th century from the building campaign of Land Commander Wijnandt van Brijel have been preserved. The complex is located at the highest point of the domain, on the eastern side of the commandery. Seven avenues converge at the gate, symbolizing the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Mary. To the right of the gatehouse was the now disappeared Apostles' House; it was an L-shaped building of two storeys, with a chapel on the ground floor, and twelve rooms for needy men, hence the name Apostles' House; late Gothic core from the second half of the 16th century, enlarged and adapted in 1716-1726, under Commander Damian Hugo von Schönborn, as indicated by a facade stone. After World War II, the Apostles' House slowly deteriorated but has since been restored.

The Katteberg is said to owe its name to a quarry in the nearby Leten called 'In de Kat'. This nature reserve on the Demer is very varied with its fish ponds, species-rich meadows, rough areas, an orchard and a slope forest. The walking path that leads via the Leterweg to Alden Biesen follows the route of a vanished tram line. This was built in 1908-1910 to connect the industrial area of Liège with the Limburg coal mines. The tram line had to bridge a height of 25 meters here and crossed the Demer via a double arched bridge in masonry. The tram tracks were removed in 1952. The pond behind the tram bridge was created by the extraction of clay for the Belisia tile factory in the Zeepstraat.

The Katteberg follows the route of an old tramway. A climb not to be underestimated awaits you here. Historical context: This semi-hardened gravel path follows the route of the former tram line that connected the coal mines of Genk with the industrial area of Liège. The construction of the tram line began in 1908. To overcome the difference in altitude between the station and the hamlet of Leten, an earthen embankment was built over a distance of 700 meters, cutting straight through the Katteberg. A double arch bridge in masonry was built over the Demer river. The steam tram was put into operation in 1910 and caused a huge increase in passenger traffic in the region. The tram was definitively taken out of service in August 1948. The tram tracks were removed in 1952. Now, this is a route where recreational users, hikers, and cyclists can cross paths. Each at their own pace, enjoying together.

Café Coureur and their Lumberjack rides in both winter and summer are slowly becoming legendary: Lumberjack is one of the first gravel rides ever in Belgium. The rides are great and varied, the staff (Peter, Simon, Virze, and the team) are extremely friendly, and the afterparty with a BBQ and a fire is a must. Not to mention the beautiful café itself with photos and other cycling elements, and the cool Kwaremont beer… Just to be clear, I don't work for Café Coureur, but I am an avid gravel rider and have been riding the Lumberjack for many years.

In autumn, you feel like you're walking through a tunnel of vegetation. I recommend this passage.

The Gatehouse, together with the moated castle and the outer bailey, belong to the oldest parts: in the Apostles' House, remains of the late Gothic ordinance from the second half of the 16th century from the building campaign of Land Commander Wijnandt van Brijel have been preserved. The buildings are being restored or redesigned by Land Commander Caspar Anton van der Heyden de Belderbusch in 1755. The complex (Gatehouse, Apostles' House, Trumpeter's House) is located at the highest point of the domain, on the eastern side of the commandery. At the gate, seven avenues come together, as a symbol of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Mary. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

In the Trumpet Building (formerly the gatekeeper's home), Trèscape, an escape room company, has now established itself with the escape room "The Lost Treasure of Alden Biesen". This was previously located in the cellars of the castle of Alden Biesen. Trèscape has also developed an "Escape walk". That's walking in a different way. 😉

Step into a fascinating world where nature is in control. A fairytale domain, where fjord ponies graze, dragonflies and damselflies skim over the water and where the heathland treats you to a real spectacle of colours in the summer, awaits you. In the Kikbeek valley, in addition to cycling, walking and horse riding, you can also cast your fishing line into one of the trout ponds. https://www.natuurenbos.be/natuurgebieden/kikbeekbron