Nature walks

Evermaruspad

(9 km, leave from Hospitaalplein in the centre of Tongeren)

Long, long ago, thousands of pilgrims used to pass through Tongeren on their way to Santiago de Compostela, 2000 km away. Six hexagonal signs with a yellow scallop guide you through a part of this historical walking route to the village of Rutten. The return route is marked by white hexagonal signs bearing a white scallop.

Tip: On 1 May each year, the villagers of Rutten perform a mystery play in honour of the pilgrim Evermarus, who was murdered, along with his companions, by the local robber baron Hacco.

Verborgen Moois - Berg (Hidden Treasures - Berg)

(6 km, Berghoeve, Nellestraat 28)

Hollow roads are typical of Haspengouw. They were created by centuries of walking the same path from the village to the fields located higher up. Loosened earth was rinsed away until these paths cut deep grooves into the landscape. Hidden Treasures - Berg reveals the special features of hollow roads. This is a fascinating world populated by timid badgers, chirping birds, colourful butterflies and numerous insect types.

Verborgen Moois - Lauw

(6 km, end of Schutterijstraat, junction 115)

The valley of the river Jeker has made its mark on the landscape in the south eastern part of Haspengouw. Open arable fields surround the rolling landscape and fertile, loam-rich hills. In the valley, old hay meadows are enclosed by hawthorn hedges, poplar woods and valley woodlands populated with black elder and ash trees. Hidden Treasures - Lauw guides you past the water course, the village of Lauw and the hollow roads. This beautiful walk through the valley requires a pair of sturdy walking shoes or boots.

Verborgen Moois - Beukenberg

(4 and 7 km, Betho Castle, Mulkerweg)

Literally follow in the Romans? footsteps. Two walking routes depart from the village of Mulken and along the 2nd century city walls. Located there is a monumental earthen construction that is part of the aqueduct that the Romans built for Tongeren. Almost 2000 years old, it is the largest Roman monument in Flanders.

Walks along the border between wet and dry Haspengouw

Walk along the border between rolling hills and flourishing fruit cultivation and the typical southern arable fields. Six signposted walks pass through the boroughs of Piringen, Overrepen, Kolmont, Neerrepen and Riksingen, 40 km in total.

Walk through hollow roads and clear springs

The green panorama in the north-east of Tongeren conceals many archaeological traces. The nobility and gentlemen farmers were enthusiastic builders of vineyards, castles and square farmhouses. The result is a sublime mix of nature and culture. Savour the views from more than 30 kilometres of walking paths and 4 signposted routes in the boroughs of Henis, ?s Herenelderen and Berg.

Along the banks of the river Jeker & De Kevie nature reserve

The river Jeker meanders past Tongeren?s ancient city walls and through rural Haspengouw, shaping the entire area. Follow its banks along 9 signposted routes through the boroughs of Mal, Sluizen, Nerem, Vreren and De Kevie, a magnificent area of natural beauty. You can really get away from it all here.

Cross the language barrier through arable fields, traditional farmhouses and castles

The rich loamy soil in southern Haspengouw is perfect for arable farming. Fields stretch out for miles, making a patchwork blanket of brown and many shades of green in this gently undulating landscape. The legendarily fertile soil has been attracting settlers since Roman times. This has produced a rich cultural heritage full of romantic castles, traditional farmhouses and picturesque parish villages.