Bilzen

Day Trips

Visit Bilzen's main square to admire 18th-century architecture and grab a warm croissant at a family-run bakery. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued townhouses and window boxes bursting with flowers. Pause by the old city hall to soak in the tranquil morning light and local chatter.

Indulge in a traditional Flemish lunch at a charming café tucked away on a side street. Explore the Munsterbilzen Abbey and its serene cloisters while learning about the Benedictine monks who once lived there. Take time to enjoy a coffee and pastry at a riverside terrace overlooking the Jeker River.

Dine at a riverside restaurant where you can sample Belgian beers and regional specialties. Stroll along the riverbank as lanterns reflect on the water in the gentle dusk. Conclude the evening with live folk music at a cozy pub in the heart of town.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Alden Biesen Castle and wander through its expansive baroque gardens at sunrise. Join a guided tour of the stately rooms and grand hall to marvel at frescoed ceilings and antique furnishings. Capture photographs of the imposing façade framed by manicured lawns and ancient trees.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the castle grounds with fresh local cheese, breads, and fruit from a nearby market. Explore the castle’s courtyards and the historic commandery, then visit the small on-site museum detailing the Teutonic Order’s presence in the region. Relax on a bench beneath a canopy of linden trees as you savor the peaceful ambiance.

Return to Bilzen for dinner at a farmhouse restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine. Toast the end of the day with a glass of Limburg wine while watching the sun set over rolling fields. Join an evening lantern walk through the castle’s illuminated gardens if available for a magical finale.

Set out early for a guided hike through the diverse landscapes of Hoge Kempen National Park, featuring pine forests, heather fields, and shifting sand dunes. Learn about local flora and fauna from an expert guide as birds chirp overhead and deer graze in the distance. Pause at a scenic lookout to photograph sweeping views of the Limburg countryside.

Refuel with a packed lunch by the serene waters of Kattevennen Lake before renting a bike to explore the park’s well-marked cycling trails. Discover hidden ponds and rolling heaths as you pedal along peaceful paths, breathing in fresh forest air. Stop at a restful picnic shelter to enjoy a homemade Belgic drink and local pastries.

Head back to Bilzen for a casual dinner at a family-run pizzeria featuring wood-fired specialties. Wander through the quiet streets to a nearby wine bar, sampling regional vintages and artisanal charcuterie. Cap the evening with stargazing from a rooftop terrace, far from city lights.

Travel to the nearby town of Genk and arrive at C-Mine to delve into the region’s mining heritage. Explore the interactive exhibits in the Underground Mining Museum housed in a former coal mine. Participate in a creative workshop in the revitalized industrial halls, learning about contemporary art installations.

Satisfy your appetite at a trendy café inside the C-Mine site, sampling innovative dishes from local ingredients. Wander through the C-Mine site gardens and public art displays, then catch a short bus ride to Bokrijk Open Air Museum to see reconstructed 19th-century Limburg homes. Attend a live blacksmithing demonstration and try your hand at a traditional craft.

Return to Bilzen and dine at a modern bistro offering a fusion of Belgian and international flavors. Unwind with craft cocktails on an outdoor terrace glowing with lanterns. Finish the night with a movie at the historic local cinema or a jazz performance at a nearby bar.

Kick off the day with a guided tour of a family-owned brewery in the surrounding countryside, learning the art of Belgian beer making from grain to glass. Sample a variety of beer styles, from crisp pilsners to rich tripels, while the brewer describes unique local ingredients. Enjoy a pairing of freshly baked bread and artisanal cheese to complement each sip.

Travel to a nearby distillery to explore the distillation process behind regional jenever and fruit liqueurs. Participate in a masterclass mixing botanical flavors to craft your own gin blend. Relax in the distillery garden with a tasting flight, discussing flavor notes and distillation techniques.

Dine at a gastropub known for its rotating selection of local brews on tap. Order a charcuterie board featuring house-made sausage and pickles. Wrap up the evening with a guided night tour of the brewery grounds lit by soft lanterns, learning about beer storage traditions.

Rent a sturdy touring bike and set off along the Kempen hills cycle route winding through forests, rolling meadows, and quaint villages. Stop at a roadside farmhouse to sample fresh goat cheese and homemade yogurt. Admire panoramic views from a hilltop lookout as the morning sun warms the landscape.

Pause for a hearty picnic lunch by a babbling stream, enjoying local breads, cold meats, and seasonal fruits. Visit a traditional windmill restored to working order and learn about historic grain milling. Continue cycling through ancient beech woods, watching for deer and squirrels darting among the trees.

Return your bike and head to a riverside terrace for dinner featuring locally sourced fish dishes. Share stories with fellow travelers over a cold Belgian ale as the river reflects the twilight sky. End the day with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, lulled by the sound of the flowing water.

Drive to a nearby thermal spa resort and begin the day with a sunrise yoga session in a glass-enclosed studio overlooking wooded hills. Soak in mineral-rich thermal pools while inhaling the scent of eucalyptus and lavender. Warm up in a Finnish sauna before alternating with refreshing plunge pools.

Enjoy a light, health-focused lunch at the spa café, choosing salads and smoothies made from regional produce. Treat yourself to a signature full-body massage and a detoxifying mud wrap. Lounge on a heated relaxation terrace, sipping herbal tea and reading a book in blissful silence.

Return to Bilzen rejuvenated and dine at a wellness-oriented restaurant serving organic, vegetarian-forward dishes. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp white wine or a botanical-infused mocktail. Take an evening stroll under the stars, appreciating the calm energy carried over from the spa.

Head to the weekly regional market in a neighboring village to peruse stalls of fresh produce, flowers, and homemade pastries. Chat with local farmers about the season’s best fruits and vegetables. Pick up handwoven textiles and ceramic wares from artisans setting up their displays.

Visit a local potter’s studio for a hands-on workshop shaping clay into mugs or bowls. Learn glazing techniques before leaving your piece to be fired. Stop at a nearby dairy farm for a guided tasting of fresh cheeses and creams, served with rustic bread.

Return to Bilzen and cook a simple dinner in your guesthouse kitchen using market ingredients you purchased. Pair your homemade meal with a bottle of Limburg wine. Enjoy a laid-back evening sharing travel tales with your group around a candlelit table.

Spend a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before departing for Alden Biesen Castle grounds. Walk through the orchards and admire the early morning light filtering through apple trees. Capture serene photos of the manor and its reflection in the moat.

Relax on the castle lawns with a gourmet picnic prepared by a local caterer, complete with sparkling wine and artisan cheeses. Take a guided garden tour to learn about the history of the ornamental planting schemes. Wander through pop-up art installations that may be featured on the grounds.

As dusk approaches, find a spot on the hill to enjoy an open-air classical concert set against the castle’s illuminated façade. Listen to a chamber ensemble or solo performance while the sun dips below the horizon. Conclude the evening with champagne served beneath the stars in an elegant marquee.

Embark on a private boat tour along the meandering Jeker River, passing through lush pastures and historic mill sites. Sip on freshly brewed coffee and pastries as the captain shares local legends. Stop at a secluded riverside clearing for photos amid blooming wildflowers.

Dock at a riverside taverna for a leisurely lunch of grilled fish and seasonal salads. Explore nearby walking trails shaded by ancient oak trees before returning to Bilzen. Spend a final hour browsing boutique shops for souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Treat yourself to a farewell dinner at Bilzen’s finest fine-dining restaurant, where a multi-course tasting menu highlights local ingredients. Indulge in delicate dishes paired with expertly selected wines. End the night with a delightful chocolate praline and coffee as you reflect on your immersive journey.