Landcommanderij Alden Biesen estate gardens Bilzen

The Landcommanderij Alden Biesen in Rijkhoven, a sub-municipality of Bilzen, is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castle estates in Belgium. The former seat of the Teutonic Order dates back to the 13th century and was extended in the 16th and 17th centuries into the impressive ensemble we know today. The estate includes the castle itself, a French garden, an English landscape garden with pond, a tall-stem orchard and old service buildings that now host a conference and cultural centre.

Accessibility has been thoughtfully arranged. The inner courtyard and the main wing of the castle are barrier-free; a lift connects the various floors. The French garden has wide gravel paths that are passable for most wheelchair users, although a sporty companion is handy on the looser sections. The landscape garden around the pond has a partly compacted surface. Adapted toilets and disabled parking spaces are amply provided.

Alden Biesen is at Kasteelstraat 6 in Rijkhoven, ten minutes' drive from Tongeren or Hasselt. A visit combines ideally with the Demerlinde cycle route, the Castle of Alden Biesen itself, or a terrace break in the orangery. Allow half a day to a full day for an extensive visit including a garden walk.