This year’s bank holidays will be a high mass for long-distance hiking enthusiasts. On Sunday 21 July, the fifth Flanders Trails event of 2024 will take place. For the very first time, it will take place in … Belgian and Dutch Limburg. The Trans Limburg Trail will be a sporting experience to remember, along the most beautiful landscapes and most impressive castles of both Limburg regions. There are three different distances, so everyone can experience the region to the full at his or her level and pace.
Those opting for the 65 km start at the Castle of Hoensbroek, one of the most imposing castles in the Netherlands. The start of the 35 km is in the charming border village of Kanne near Maastricht, in the shadow of the stately Château Neercanne. Both routes lead literally and figuratively to the next highlight: the Landcommandery Alden Biesen, the largest castle complex between Loire and Rhine. For those who like it a little less, there is The Sunday route of 15 km in the vicinity of Alden Biesen.
Alderman for sport Peter Thijs: “Bilzen is a sporting city. We find it important that people can get to know various sports. Long-distance walking is becoming increasingly popular. That is why the city and Wandelsport Vlaanderen are organising this Trans Limburg Trail. We are aiming at walkers from all over Flanders and the southern Netherlands. Whether you are a seasoned walker or rather a recreational one: there are distances for everyone.”
The ingredients along the way are the same every time: pristine natural areas, rolling landscapes and beautiful historical heritage.
Take the longest route of 65 km. Jordy Clemens, alderman for heritage and culture: “Kasteel Hoensbroek is the ideal base for this special distance walk. In 2022, we were voted the most beautiful castle in the Netherlands by a professional jury. You are immediately in the mood. From here it is uninterrupted enjoyment of breathtaking views, the typical South Limburg hills, green valleys and lots of hidden beauty. The Trans Limburg Trail gives you a taste of the generosity of this region on all levels.”
Through the Geul valley and Burgundian Valkenburg, it heads towards Maastricht, one of the absolute attractions of the Euregio. After the famous Sint-Pietersberg, Kanne and Château Neercanne loom up, the starting point of the 35 km. On the other side of the Albert Canal, Haspengouw, one of the most popular regions in Flanders, awaits. Of course, the illustrious wine castle of Genoels-Elderen cannot be missed. A bit further on, in ‘s Herenelderen, the Sint-Stefanuskerk, the water castle of Renesse and the castle farm provide a collective sigh of admiration. Finally, nature reserve Molenbeemden forms the perfect backdrop to the finish on the courtyard in the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen.
Patrick Cornelissen, general manager Landcommanderij Alden Biesen: “We are delighted to be part of the foundation of this new sporting event with Alden Biesen, which links two of the most beautiful castle estates in Belgian and Dutch Limburg. This initiative breathes new life into a historical aspect of the Landcommandery: After all, Alden Biesen was an important stopping point for pilgrims for centuries.”
The Sunday route
For those who prefer to keep things quieter, there is this 15 km family walk along stream valleys, high roads and orchards. An ideal way to (re)discover Haspengouw, soak up the atmosphere of the Trans Limburg Trail and give long-distance walkers a symbolic boost. You can start at the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen between 10.30 and 13h.
Stefaan Bailleur, Wandelsport Vlaanderen: “In the heart of Flanders, where nature displays its pristine beauty, Wandelsport Vlaanderen vzw is proud to announce Flanders Trails 2024. This initiative, aimed at long-distance walkers, has seen an impressive growth in popularity in just two years. Known for their challenging and adventurous nature, the Flanders Trails are not only a draw for experienced hikers but also manage to captivate a younger audience. We are delighted, in cooperation with the city of Bilzen and the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, to add the Trans Limburg Trail to the select circle of Flanders Trails organisations for the first time.”
Info and entries: www.translimburgtrail.be
Contacts
Landcommanderij Alden Biesen
Kevin Slechten – marketing and communications manager
089 51 93 43
Kevin.slechten@vlaanderen.be
Stad Bilzen
Dienst MarCom
089 39 77 39
marcom@bilzen.be
An inspiring castle estate combined with modern facilities – Land Commandery Alden Biesen
