Attractions and Places To See around Wellen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wellen encompass a diverse range of unique art installations, historical sites, and natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its rolling hills and agricultural heritage, particularly its high-stem orchards. Visitors can explore distinctive architectural artworks and cultural landmarks that blend into the natural surroundings. The area offers opportunities to experience both contemporary art and historical significance within a scenic setting.
Best attractions and places to see around Wellen
- The most popular attractions is Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church), a man-made monument that consists of 100 layers of steel plates stacked in the shape of a church. This installation allows the surrounding landscape to remain visible through its structure, offering unique views.
- Another must-see spot is Grootloon High-Stem Orchards, a natural area with historical significance. Visitors can walk through extensive orchards, which contribute to the regional identity and offer high ecological value.
- Visitors also love Twijfelgrens Sculpture by Fred Eerdekens, an art installation in the landscape. This sculpture, made of pleated lines, reveals the word 'doubt border' when viewed from a specific position.
- Wellen is known for its unique art installations, historical sites, and natural features like orchards. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from contemporary art to historical landscapes.
- The attractions around Wellen are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1200 upvotes and 780 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church)
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Grootloon High-Stem Orchards
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The area around GrootLoon is characterised by the high density of high-stem orchards. The Ferraris cabinet map (1771-1778) already shows that the plots around the buildings are all occupied by orchards. These orchards were aimed at production for the residents and not for sale or trade. These orchards were grazed by cattle. The high density of high-stem orchards can also be seen on later topographic maps. Around the beginning of the 20th century, orchards were also planted in the wider area, this fits in with the period of agricultural history in which high-stem orchards in Haspengouw were on the rise and would cover large parts of the landscape.
High-stem orchards are also already depicted on the Ferraris map near the Grootloon church. Only directly around the church. In the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, the area will expand further to the west. The orchards consist of various types of fruit and are of mixed age. Here and there, hawthorn hedges are used as a fence and there is an iron entrance gate. Many of the orchards are grazed, which contributes to the historical value. At this location, the value of the orchards is not only historical, the aesthetic value is also of great importance. The visual relationship between the orchards on the rolling landscape and the church is very strong. The high-stem orchards in Haspengouw and certainly in the area around Grootloon where there is still a high density, have a high experiential value and contribute to the regional identity of the landscape.
High-stem orchards have a high ecological and natural value, they are a particularly attractive habitat for many plant and animal species. The combination with extensively managed grassland is particularly interesting for nature.
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Twijfelgrens Sculpture by Fred Eerdekens
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Floating Chapel of Helshoven
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Market Square, Tongeren
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If you are drinking a delicious Morellenbier or La Cresse beer in one of the street cafes, also take a look at the Tongeren Town Hall. Does it look familiar? No wonder, because it is a one-to-one copy of Liège town hall. Liège architect Pascal Barbier designed the plans for both buildings. It is a fine example of the Maasland architectural style.
You must have noticed the tower of the Basilica of Our Lady from afar. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic church buildings in Flanders.
Our tip: if it works, visit the antique market on Sunday. Around 40 renowned antique shops and 350 (specialist) stalls offer century-old antiques, bric-a-brac, design, vintage and rare collectibles.
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Tips from the Community
No doubt it's beautiful here...
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lovely rolling landscape from village to village and a stopover in Maastricht... recommended!!!
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The Twijfelgrens is located at the Bollenberg viewpoint, which can be reached on foot or by bike. If you are driving, park at the car park on the Sint-Truidersteenweg, between the Grootloonstraat and the Neremstraat. From the car park, follow the signposted (blue or orange) walking route. (Visit Limburg)
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Beautiful to walk through with all those young blossoms.
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When you are in the church, you can admire the beautiful hilly landscape through the 'walls'. In the distance you can see the church of Borgloon. Many photographers also take a photo where you can see the church of Borgloon through the see-through church. You have this view from a certain spot in the meadow.
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Here, at the gallows, you are at the highest point in Helshoven. The artwork 'Helsh(ea)ven' by Frits Jeuris, known to most as the 'floating chapel', invites you to enjoy that landscape and the work itself. It is made from cherry tree wood. At the end of 2016, the 50-year-old high-stemmed trees in Helshoven had to be cut down due to a viral disease, Little Cherry, which causes tasteless cherries. The gallows represents death. Dead trees. And the dead person. And then there are the trees that are given a second life in the artwork, the floating chapel. An end, a beginning, a view, between heaven and Helshoven, inviting reflection, looking and of course what the work is best known for: that strange image of a chapel that seems to float.
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You don't see many high-stem orchards anymore, everyone already saw the plantations with smaller fruit trees. So there are initiatives here and there to preserve them. Various places in Limburg that are visited by hikers have pieces of high-stem orchard. The best known is perhaps that of Alden Biesen, where many tourists and hikers come. But here too, along the paths with crowd pullers (the see-through church and so on) there are. Like here in Grootloon where there is a path that takes you to the church. The management is done by local farmers with Natuurpunt. And in addition to the high-stem orchard preservation, there is also attention for the night owl and the dormouse, as the information boards here tell you.
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Beautiful square surrounded by a great row of houses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique art installations can I visit around Wellen?
Wellen is renowned for its distinctive art installations that blend with the landscape. You can explore Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church), a striking monument made of steel plates that allows the surrounding scenery to remain visible. Another must-see is the Twijfelgrens Sculpture by Fred Eerdekens, where pleated lines reveal a hidden word when viewed from a specific angle. Additionally, the Floating Chapel of Helshoven, crafted from felled cherry trees, offers a unique artistic and natural experience.
Are there any historical sites or natural features to explore near Wellen?
Absolutely. The Grootloon High-Stem Orchards offer a natural area with significant historical value, where you can walk through extensive orchards that define the regional identity. The Market Square in Tongeren, Belgium's oldest city, is also a rich historical site featuring the Ambiorix monument and the impressive Basilica of Our Lady.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Wellen?
The region around Wellen is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like "The Metsterenmolen watermill – Elsbroek Mill loop" or "Floating Chapel of Helshoven – Honsbergweg Apple Orchards loop." For runners, there are trails such as "Oetersloven Chapel – Apple Orchard loop" and "Molenvijver – Kasteel Printhagen loop." Gravel biking enthusiasts can tackle longer routes like the "Haspengouw MTB Tour" or "Loop through the Limburg orchards." Find more details on these activities on the cycling guide, running guide, and gravel biking guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Wellen area?
Yes, several attractions around Wellen are suitable for families. The Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) and the Floating Chapel of Helshoven offer engaging visual experiences for all ages. Walking through the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards is also a pleasant family activity, especially during blossom season.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Wellen?
Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of art and nature. Many appreciate the opportunity to see the hilly landscape through the 'walls' of the See-Through Church, especially during sunset. The beauty of the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards, particularly when in bloom, is also a highlight. The interactive nature of the Twijfelgrens Sculpture, where you need to find the right position to read the hidden word, is also a popular experience.
Where can I find viewpoints with scenic vistas in Wellen?
The region offers several excellent viewpoints. The Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church) itself acts as a unique viewpoint, framing the surrounding hilly landscape. The Floating Chapel of Helshoven is situated at the highest point of Helshoven, offering breathtaking views of the Haspengouw landscape. The area around the Twijfelgrens Sculpture, known as the Bollenberg viewpoint, also provides beautiful rustic scenery.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or attractions in Wellen?
While specific dog parks aren't highlighted in the immediate data, many of the natural areas and trails around Wellen are generally dog-friendly. The extensive network of walking and cycling trails, including those through the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards, are ideal for walks with your dog. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.
What is the best time of year to visit Wellen for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Wellen, especially for enjoying the orchards in bloom and the pleasant weather for cycling and running. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing leaf colors. For specific events or blossom viewing, it's advisable to check local tourism information closer to your visit.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the main attractions?
Yes, particularly in nearby towns. The Market Square in Tongeren, for example, is lined with numerous restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after exploring the historical sites. Many of the cycling and running routes also pass through or near villages where you can find local establishments.
Are there any easy hiking trails around Wellen?
The region offers a variety of trails, and many of the paths through the orchards and natural areas are relatively flat and suitable for easy walks. While specific 'easy' trails aren't detailed, the general landscape of rolling hills and agricultural heritage suggests many accessible paths. For more detailed information on trail difficulty, you can check the individual route descriptions on komoot.
What is the significance of the orchards in the Wellen region?
The orchards, particularly the Grootloon High-Stem Orchards, are central to the regional identity and have high ecological and historical value. They have been a part of the landscape for centuries, originally for local production, and now contribute significantly to the area's scenic beauty and biodiversity. They are a particularly attractive habitat for many plant and animal species.
Most popular attractions around Wellen
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