The best traffic-free bike rides around Zoutleeuw

Along the E314 on the border of Limburg and Flemish Brabant, there have been about a dozen wind turbines of approx. 150m height for several years. From here you have a completely different view of the turbines and the rural surroundings. The highway is not even (or barely) noticeable.

On the site of the current Sint-Leonardus church, there was a chapel – whose construction date is unknown – in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely erected between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Sint-Leonardus church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame mainly to them. The Iconoclastic Fury of 1566 and the French Revolution passed by the church without major damage, so that the impressive artistic heritage built up over centuries has largely been preserved: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverware, vestments, and other devotional objects.

The new Castle De Klee was built on behalf of and for the baroness Sneyers-d'Attenhoven in 1904-07. After a fire in 1933, it was restored again. The whole is located in a landscape-style park, enclosed by an iron entrance gate between bluestone pillars.

At the highest point of Helshoven, you can now enjoy a breathtaking view over the Haspengouw landscape. Artist Frits Jeuris has created a unique work of art from dozens of felled fruit trees from the area. “Helsh(ea)ven”, a wooden work of art consisting of 90 standard cherry trees, each fifty years old, was hit by the cherry plague virus at the end of 2016, a contagious plant disease that causes small fruits on cherries. Now the felled trees are getting a second life. The work of art symbolizes the dynamic landscape of Haspengouw.

Black devils

Well-maintained path through the Tienbundersbos.

On the site of the current St. Leonard's Church stood a chapel—the date of construction of which is unknown—in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. St. Leonard's Church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm of 1566 and the French Revolution passed the church by without significant damage, thus preserving most of the impressive artistic heritage accumulated over centuries: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverwork, vestments, and other devout objects. Below, a few of these showpieces are presented. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the Marianum: this double statue (1533) is situated within the 15th-century veneration of Mary, which depicted the Virgin Mary as the apocalyptic woman and mediatrix of grace. Not-to-be-missed highlight inside: The Sacrament Tower: A tabernacle crafted from white Avesnes stone is undoubtedly the church's showpiece. The artwork was created in the workshops of Cornelis II Floris de Vriendt in Antwerp and erected in Zoutleeuw in 1552. The tower is 18 meters high, has nine stories, and contains approximately 200 statues depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A replica is on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The Paschal Candlestick This copper candlestick is 5.68 meters high and weighs approximately 950 kg. It was cast by Renier van Thienen, based on a design by Jan Bornam, and installed in the choir by the founder himself in 1483. It is the second-largest Easter candlestick in Europe. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-leonarduskerk

Slow down and enjoy. In some areas, the reeds have been cut, and you have a beautiful view of Het Vinne.