A day trip to the blossom region in Limburg with your dog
A day trip to the blossom region in Limburg with your dog In spring, Haspengouw transforms into a sea of blossoms. Orchards filled with apple and pear trees turn white and soft pink, giving the landscape an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. It is without doubt one of the most beautiful moments of the year to head out with your dog.
For those who enjoy walking with their dog, Haspengouw is an ideal spring destination. You combine peaceful walking routes, beautiful blossoms, wide open views and cosy stops along the way.
Haspengouw is the region in Belgium to walk among the blossoms. Especially around Sint-Truiden, Borgloon and Nieuwerkerken you will find beautiful routes through the fruit landscape of Limburg.
💡 Tip: want to be sure you see the blossoms at their best?
From March onwards you can follow the current blossom status via the region’s blossom trackers:
This way you know exactly when the orchards are in full bloom.
In this blog you will discover two beautiful blossom walks that can easily be combined into one relaxing day trip.
Blossom walk in Nieuwerkerken
Nieuwerkerken lies in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit region. During blossom season you walk past large orchards filled with blooming apple and pear trees.
The route is calm and easy to follow, making it ideal for a relaxing walk with your dog.
Route via walking junctions
Starting point: centre of Nieuwerkerken
Follow these junctions:
123 → 124 → 129 → 132 → 130 → 125 → 123
Distance: about 7 km
Duration: about 1.5 to 2 hours
What you will see along the way
This walk passes through the typical fruit landscape of Haspengouw.
Along the way you walk past:
- apple and pear orchards
- quiet country roads
- open fields with beautiful views
- small chapels along rural roads
During blossom season you literally walk between the blooming trees. Especially in April the orchards turn white and soft pink and the atmosphere feels like true spring.
Break stop: Snoetjes & Toetjes
After the walk, Snoetjes & Toetjes is a lovely place to take a break in Nieuwerkerken.
This cosy spot is known for homemade waffles, ice cream and other sweet treats.
Your dog gets a bowl of fresh water and there is even dog ice cream available, a nice treat after the walk.
Snoetjes & Toetjes is also a WinstonWelcome ambassador from the very beginning. It is therefore a place where dogs are warmly welcomed. :-)
Take your time to sit on the terrace for a while. During blossom season it is wonderful to relax here before continuing to the next walk.
Blossom walk near the Transparent Church in Borgloon
After your stop in Nieuwerkerken you can easily drive to Borgloon, where another beautiful blossom walk awaits.
A special place to start is the see-through church, officially called “Reading Between the Lines.” This art installation by the Belgian architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh stands in the middle of the Haspengouw landscape and is one of the most famous spots in the region.
Route via walking junctions
Starting point: the Transparent Church in Borgloon
Follow these junctions:
137 → 138 → 135 → 136 → 137
Distance: about 5 km
Duration: about 1 to 1.5 hours
Blossoms and panoramic views
This route runs through the rolling landscape around Borgloon.
In spring you walk past orchards that are in full bloom.
Along the way you can enjoy:
- panoramic views over Haspengouw
- blooming apple and pear orchards
- quiet country paths between fruit plantations
- the Transparent Church as a unique starting and finishing point
Because of the open landscapes and soft blossom colours, this walk is particularly photogenic.
Practical tips for your blossom trip
The blossom season in Haspengouw usually runs from late March to mid-April, depending on the weather.
Useful tips for your visit:
- come early in the day to avoid crowds
- respect private property of fruit farmers
- bring water for your dog
- choose quiet rural paths
The region around Sint-Truiden, Nieuwerkerken and Borgloon is perfect to combine nature, walking and cosy stops.
Anyone visiting Haspengouw in spring quickly understands why this region is known as the blossom heart of Belgium.
End the day with a cosy dinner
Feeling hungry after all that walking?
End your day with a delicious dinner at Bogest in Borgloon, a great place to relax and enjoy a nice meal after an active day.
It is the perfect way to end a day among the blossoms in Haspengouw.
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