Cycling: The Bloesemroute

Hop on a bike and see the best of springtime Haspengouw. Three words describe this cycling route: blossoms, blossoms and more blossoms!

In April, Haspengouw transforms into a blossom spotting paradise and cycling is one of the best ways to get around and see the region. Bloggers Along Came an Elephant spent a spring weekend cycling around the blooming countryside. Their 52km ‘Bloesemroute’ takes you through flowering apple orchards, you'll pass by modern art and castles and get to see the best of springtime Belgium.

• Art and Castles: around Borgloon, a few short detours will take you to modern outdoor art, like the Reading Between the Lines church, and you'll find Nieuwenhoven Castle on the route just north of Sint-Truiden.
• Make a weekend of it - this is a perfect activity for a sunny spring day. But, if you've got time to spare take the weekend to soak up the flowery sights in all their glory. Along the cycling route, you'll find a few bed and breakfasts where you can spend the night. Then why not enjoy the evening relaxing at one of the region's many Bloesembars or 'Blossom bars', that pop up during the spring.
• Who said cycling can't be relaxing? For a chilled yet active day out, Along Came an Elephant recommend renting an electric bike. This will make biking up Haspengouw's hills just as much of a breeze as cruising down them.

See the cycle route here and check out Along Came an Elephant's blog below.