Babbelbankenroute Medium

The Babbelbankenroute is a unique collaboration between the St.-Jozef Medical Center (Munsterbilzen) and the municipalities of Bilzen, Herstappe, Hoeselt, Riemst, Tongeren and Voeren. A story of connectivity and social participation to support people with psychological vulnerability and promote overall social cohesion. Thanks to Visit Limburg for the development of the cycle paths.

Close the door behind you and hop on your bike for a journey through Munsterbilzen, Bilzen, Herstappe, Hoeselt, Riemst and Tongeren.

We start at St.-Jozef Medical Center, where the story of the "Babbelbankenroute" was born. Discover the rich past of this psychiatric hospital and the Abbess's House during the permanent exhibition of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Just through Demerstad Bilzen, with the town hall, the Sint-Mauritiuskerk, the Borreberg, the Wasvrouwtje and many other sights, we continue cycling to Hoeselt. Here, the hermitage of Vrijhern is definitely worth a visit. Do you want to linger a little longer? In Hooilingen (Hoeselt) you can camp for one night as a cyclist or hiker on a free camping pitch. We are now aiming for the Basilica of Tongeren. In the oldest city in Belgium you will discover the Gallo-Roman museum, the beguinage, the Teseum, ... and on Sunday morning the famous antique market. From the oldest city, we cycle to the smallest municipality in Belgium, Herstappe. On the way, the Holy House and the Château Hamal adorn the route. Another eye-catcher is the moated castle at Millen, a 14th century castle built in local marl stone. After a glass of wine at the Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen, we pedal to the imposing Alden Biesen Commandery and then, inspired by culture and nature, we settle on a Bilzens terrace.

This road is just waiting to be discovered. Along the way, you will pass several Babbelbanken... It's time to chat with an occasional passerby, perhaps a vulnerable person, and help break social isolation!

Cue and enjoy along the 'Babbelbankenroute'!