The best cycling routes around Bassenge

The Water Castle was the center of the lordship of Millen or Milina, which was a fief of the County of Loon. It was first mentioned in 1143. The oldest known lord was Walter van Millen (Walterus de Milne), who was seneschal to Louis II of Loon. Successively, the lordship was owned by the families de Melin, Proest (1369), van Guygoven (1456), van Berloz (1479), van Houthem (1531), de Fléron (1625) and d’Hemricourt (1741). The castle was first mentioned in 1365. The original castle was transformed into a water castle in the 14th century. It then consisted of the older keep, which was expanded into a square water castle with a gate tower and two side towers. In the first half of the 17th century, the castle, which had fallen into ruin, was converted into a castle. It became a comfortable nobleman's residence without military significance. From the 18th century onwards, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited and fell into disrepair. In 1811, it was bought by baron de Blisia, after which a large part of it was demolished, including the keep and the tower on the southwest side. Only the east and west wings remained and have since served as a farm. In 1972, the remains of the castle were purchased by the municipality and restored. The 14th-century left tower, made of marlstone, has a Gothic vault. It is part of the east wing, the age of which may date back to the 12th century. Today, the castle houses a museum that depicts the life of the nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also a hub for a number of cycling routes in the surrounding area that focus on the fortified past of the Euregio. The building also houses a tourist café, and the water castle is freely accessible.

The De Kevie nature reserve, located in the southeast of Tongeren, is not only a beautiful place for walking but also ideal for cyclists who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature and green surroundings. This expansive valley belt around the Jeker River is popular with recreational cyclists and cycle tourists, and several cycle paths and routes run through and alongside the area, forming part of the local cycling network. A popular route follows parts of the old railway line towards Nerem and skirts the edges of De Kevie, where cyclists ride on quiet unpaved paths often shared with hikers. These paths are largely free from heavy traffic, ensuring a pleasant and safe cycling experience amidst the countryside. Along these paths, you cycle through a varied landscape of meadows, valley forests, and marshlands, with the green banks of the Jeker River and the surrounding nature forming a constant backdrop. The route connections are linked to locally signposted junctions, making it possible to plan both short loops and longer tours that integrate De Kevie into broader cycling routes through the Limburg landscape, including routes that pass picturesque villages and through farmland. In addition, there are plans and projects to further improve the cycling infrastructure between Tongeren's city center and De Kevie. New cycle paths should provide a safe and comfortable connection between the city park, the allotments, and De Kevie, and connect to regional cycle routes such as the future F791 cycle highway towards Liège.

Rosmeulen Castle is a historic country house and estate of great architectural and heritage value, located at Neremstraat 229 in Nerem, a sub-municipality of Tongeren. Dating back to the early 20th century, the building represents a unique combination of Neo-Rococo and Art Nouveau architecture, designed for chocolate and gingerbread manufacturer Florent Rosmeulen. Construction of the manor house, originally named La Brise, began around 1911, opposite the Rosmeulen chocolate factory. However, the founder himself never fully occupied the building, partly due to financial difficulties and the impact of the First World War. The building is situated amidst a romantic castle garden in the English landscape style, featuring ponds, lawns, mature trees, walking paths, and a walled vegetable garden, all contributing to the estate's unique atmosphere. The imposing entrance hall features a majestic staircase and stained-glass windows, while the exterior facades are richly ornamented with features such as bay windows, colonnades, and a round tower under a domed roof. During the First and Second World Wars, the castle was used by German and later American troops, respectively, reflecting its strategic location and the building's role during that time. After the war, the manor changed owners several times. Families such as Duesberg-Bossen Blijweert and Riskin lived there, and the Riskin family, in particular, carried out maintenance and renovation work for many years. In mid-2020, the castle was purchased by Dirk and Bie D'haese, who began a thorough restoration to restore the dilapidated building to its former glory. Their goal is not only to preserve the heritage but also to open the castle and park for use by associations and for events, with spaces such as a large hall of over 300 m² available. The castle is included in the Inventory of Immovable Heritage of Flanders for its architectural value, rich ornamentation, and its location in a historic park with a pond. Rosmeulen Castle, together with the former Rosmeulen chocolate factory and the surrounding landscape, forms a recognizable and valuable ensemble in Nerem with ties to the local industrial culture of the early 20th century, the social history of the region, and today's heritage conservation.

An unusual, beautiful building with many great photo opportunities.

The Alden-Biesen gazebo is a charming and historic horticultural feature that forms part of the rich heritage surrounding the Alden Biesen Commandery and the impressive castle grounds in Bilzen, Limburg. This historical garden feature dates from 1749 and is part of the estate's 18th-century rococo architecture. Originally, the gazebo was built as part of the rectory garden on land owned by the Grand Commander of Alden Biesen. Today, the gazebo, which initially functioned as a small chapel, stands in a visible and accessible location on Demerlaan after being moved from its original context and rebuilt in 1991. The gazebo has an octagonal shape with a mansard roof and a small spire, typical characteristics of 18th-century garden pavilions. It served not only as a decorative element in the garden but also as a quiet spot and a sheltered spot in the garden where one could enjoy the surroundings. Since November 16, 2022, the garden gazebo has been officially protected as a listed monument for its historical aesthetic and architectural value. This protection emphasizes the importance of this small but valuable heritage piece within the broader context of Alden-Biesen and the cultural history of the region. Today, when you stroll through the grounds or the surrounding area of Alden-Biesen, for example, through the gardens of the English Park or along the walking trails around the castle, the garden gazebo forms an atmospheric, decorative respite that invites you to reflect on the long history of garden and landscape architecture in this region. It demonstrates how carefully landscaped gardens and pavilions were once an integral part of life around a Commandery: as a place for reflection, views, and togetherness in a green setting.

You can take a 5 km tour through the corridors in the cave

The current church, built of limestone in the Neo-Romanesque style and dedicated to Saint Victor, was rebuilt in 1880. The organs date from 1756. The church suffered damage in the 1983 earthquake. Near the church is the magnificent rectory.

The chapel appears to be older. It is located on Rue de Èglise.