Tienen: Culture, Nature and Special Experiences

Tienen combines impressive church art, urban history, nature experiences and a wide range of activities. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Tienen can therefore tailor their trip to their own interests: culture enthusiasts can discover significant religious buildings and a museum, while cyclists, nature lovers and families can explore other diverse sides of the town.

Churches, History and Archaeological Discoveries

A remarkable experience is the Sint-Germanuskerk. Its construction history goes back almost nine centuries. The tower houses Willem Witlockx’s original carillon with 54 bells; it is one of the largest in the country. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk also makes Tienen an interesting destination for travellers who appreciate historic architecture and art. It is considered the cradle of Brabant Gothic and features Baroque furnishings with altars and confessionals. The church also houses the painting “De Kruisverheffing” from 1635, from the workshop of Antoon van Dyck.

The Het Toreke Museum is housed in Tienen’s former town prison on the Grote Markt, built in 1848. The exhibition displays finds from the Grijpenveld, one of the largest Gallo-Roman archaeological sites in the Benelux region. The Necropolis of Grimde offers another way to connect with the past. The memorial is located in the former Sint-Pieterskerk from the 13th century. There, 140 Belgian soldiers who fell in the fighting around Grimde in 1914 were buried. Simple graves and distinctive stained-glass windows characterise the site; its historic atmosphere invites reflection.

Nature, Cycling and Regional Experiences

Outside the centre lies the Vianderdomein, a green and blue nature area and the green-blue heart of the city. Those who would also like to include landscapes in their trip planning will find another perspective on Tienen along the Grote Geteroute. The route passes through the Getevallei, with open fields and wet valleys. In places, it follows the IJzerenweg, a car-free cycle path on the former railway line between Tienen and Diest. This combination of open spaces, valley landscapes and a former railway line makes the route an exciting choice for an active day of travel.

Local experiences can also be included in your plans. During a visit to Brouwerij Vissenaken, guests receive a detailed explanation of the craft brewing process. Brewing is experienced there with all five senses: seeing, smelling, touching, hearing and tasting. At Deboeshoeve, visitors can get to know and care for farm animals, including by petting, feeding and brushing them. The farm also offers a heated horse-drawn wagon ride with a wheelchair lift.

Action-Packed Days with Exercise

Heldenland adds high metal structures made from reused industrial materials to the range of attractions. These include a five-metre-high climbing and sliding tower as well as a 25-metre-long Deathride. Such specific experiences can help you decide which location suits your accommodation needs: Should the focus be on churches and museums, on nature and cycling, or on shared activities and regional discoveries? The mix you want gives you a clear direction when searching for a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Tienen.

Other Places to Consider When Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Tienen with other destinations, you can also include Braine-Le-Château, Leuven, Chastre, Wezembeek-Oppem, Walhain, Kortenberg, Bekkevoort and Braine-L'Alleud in your further search.

For the overarching travel overview: Brabant.