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Borgloon

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City
—°15
Borgloon (Belgium)
ℹ️

Practical info — Borgloon

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the 'Reading Between the Lines' see-through church at sunset, when the optical illusion and lighting are most striking.
  • Rent a bike in April or May to cycle through the famous blossoming fruit orchards of the Haspengouw region.
  • Use the designated visitor parking lot for the see-through church, as the narrow dirt roads leading up to it are closed to cars.
  • Check with the local tourist office to find the locations of the many other hidden outdoor art installations across the landscape.

🍽 Food

🍽
Loonse Stroop

Try this traditional thick apple and pear syrup spread on a slice of fresh bread or paired with local cheeses.

🍽
Limburgish Vlaai

Treat yourself to a slice of this delicious regional fruit pie at one of the small local bakeries.

🍽
Regional Belgian Beer

Relax in a cozy pub around the town's market square with a refreshing, locally brewed regional ale.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Stroopfabriek Shop

Buy authentic fruit syrup and other local farm products directly from the historic old syrup factory's store.

🛍
Haspengouw Wines

The region is home to several excellent wineries; pick up a bottle of crisp local white wine to take home.

🧘
Colen Abbey (Mariënlof)

A highly peaceful monastery surrounded by a serene atmosphere and beautiful old fruit orchards.

🧘
Castle of Rullingen Park

Take a tranquil stroll along the walking paths surrounding this easy on the eye and historic 17th-century castle.

Borgloon, once the proud capital of the County of Loon, is a pretty town in the Belgian province of Limburg, located in the rolling hills of the Haspengouw region. This area is renowned as Belgium's premier fruit region, transforming into a sweeping sea of white and pink blossoms during the spring. Visitors flock to witness this spectacle, ideally explored on foot or by bicycle on the myriad trails that crisscross the landscape. Beyond the orchards, Borgloon is celebrated for its unique fusion of art and landscape. The most iconic example is 'Reading between the Lines,' a see-through church by architects Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, offering striking views and a moment of contemplation. The town's rich history is evident in its compact center, featuring the old town hall and the Sint-Odulfus Church. Another key landmark is the former syrup factory, now a visitor's center that narrates the story of fruit processing in the region. Borgloon's gastronomy is intrinsically linked to its agricultural surroundings, offering delicious fruit tarts, juices, and the traditional 'stroop' (syrup). Conveniently located near larger towns like Sint-Truiden and Tongeren, Borgloon is easily accessible by car or public transport. The best time to visit is undoubtedly spring (April-May) for the blossoms, but autumn with its harvest season also holds its own charm.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171919151163
Rain mm706257426165748054616877

Geography

Population
9,955
Coordinates
50.80220, 5.34330

Facts

  • Former capital of the County of Loon.
  • The heart of Belgium's Haspengouw fruit region.
  • Famous for the 'Reading between the Lines' see-through church.
  • A paradise for hiking and cycling during spring.
  • Home to a historic syrup factory.
  • Known for delicious fruit tarts and 'stroop'.
  • The landscape is dotted with castles and old farmsteads.
  • Rolling hills and blossoming orchards.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TongerenTongeren9 km · EExplore →
Castle of HamalCastle of Hamal11 km · SExplore →
Haspengouw Fruit RegionHaspengouw Fruit Region11 km · WExplore →
WaremmeWaremme13 km · SWExplore →
Alden Biesen CommanderyAlden Biesen Commandery13 km · EExplore →
HasseltHasselt14 km · NExplore →
BilzenBilzen14 km · NEExplore →
Hesbaye PlateauHesbaye Plateau15 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Borgloon (15)

Oorlogsmonument🏺 historical

This war memorial in Borgloon honors the local victims of historical conflicts.

Kasteel de Tornaco🏰 castle

18th-century castle in Borgloon.

Lorettokapel⛪ religious

Loreto chapel from 1689 (rebuilt 1882) in Borgloon.

Sint-Niklaas en -Dionysiuskerk⛪ religious

This religious site in Borgloon is dedicated to Saints Nicholas and Denis.

Kasteel van Rullingen🏰 castle

Kasteel van Rullingen is an easy on the eye moated castle set within a scenic park in Borgloon.

Burcht van Loon🌿 nature

The Burcht van Loon serves as a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas of Borgloon.

Schatten van de Sint-Odulphuskerk🏛 museum

This museum displays the rich religious treasures of the Saint Odulphus Church in Borgloon.

Belevingscentrum Graaf🏛 museum

Belevingscentrum Graaf is an interactive experience center exploring local heritage in Borgloon.

Kasteel Hulsberg🏰 castle

A castle built in 1882 in Borgloon.

Belevingsboomgaard Grootloon📍 landmark

This experiential orchard in Borgloon provides visitors a unique walk through local fruit-growing traditions.

Kersentoren📍 landmark

Medieval tower, the last remnant of a castle in Borgloon.

Openluchttheater Klappoel🎭 culture

Open-air theatre in a wooded area near Borgloon.

Sint-Lambertuskerk⛪ religious

The Church of Saint Lambert is a historical parish church located in the Broekom area of Borgloon.

Landhuis Grote Mot🏺 historical

Landhuis Grote Mot in Borgloon, a 16th-century moated manor house.

Fruitbelevingscentrum🏛 museum

Museum dedicated to fruit cultivation with an orchard and tasting room in Borgloon.

💶

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous attraction in Borgloon?
The 'transparent church' (Reading between the Lines) is a world-famous work of art.
What is the region around Borgloon known for?
Borgloon is in the heart of Haspengouw, Belgium's most important fruit-growing region.
When is the best time to visit Borgloon?
April is good for experiencing the beautiful fruit blossoms throughout the region.
Are there any historical buildings in the center?
The town hall and St. Odulfus Church are significant historical buildings.
Can you taste wine in Borgloon?
Yes, there are several wineries nearby, as Borgloon is an emerging wine-growing area.
Borgloon: where is it located?
Borgloon is located in Belgium.
Borgloon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Oorlogsmonument, Kasteel de Tornaco, Lorettokapel.
Borgloon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Borgloon: why is it worth visiting?
Borgloon, once the proud capital of the County of Loon, is a pretty town in the Belgian province of Limburg, located in the rolling hills of the Haspengouw region.
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