Savour the local flavour
You can enjoy a whole day of delicious regional specialities and recognised regional products. Ask for a real Bilzen mikkeman (small spiced rolls in the shape of a person), a Biesenkoek (local version of the speculoos biscuit), or Heer van Biesen bread (a sourdough beer bread). Spread a generous amount of Sjroeëp van Spaân, a thick syrup of traditional fruit from Spouwen. Order Briëmmelevloj, the Bilzen variant of the Flemish knobbelkesvlaai (crumble flan). Wash it all down with the Bilzen aperitif based on liqueur wine or the fresh Biesonder apple juice made from the apples of Alden Biesen’s standard orchard.
Heer van Biesen (Beer)
This official Bilzen city beer won a silver medal at the World Beer Awards in 2015, and the Hoogstam variant even won gold at the same competition in 2019. The name refers to the last inhabitant of the Grand Commandery of Alden Biesen.
Jazz Bilzen Beer
Jazz Bilzen, the mother of Flemish festivals! Since 2018, a new beer has been released for each of the 17 editions (1965-1981) in honour of an act or artist. We will be introducing the newest addition, ‘de 66’ on 30 April. Roland Van Campenhout will take the stage again for the occasion.
Syrup from Spouwen (Sjroeëp van Spaân)
Pure syrup from Spouwen made from unsprayed fruit from standard fruit trees (80% pears – 20% apples)
Plum jelly from Spouwen (Proëmegelee van Spaân)
Plum jelly from Spouwen made from fruit from standard fruit trees.
Special syrup (Biesondere stroop)
Syrup made with 100% fruit from standard fruit trees in the Alden Biesen orchards.
Local honey
Toerisme Bilzen sells 100 percent pure honey, just as the bees have collected it. The taste depends on the flowers or blossoms the bees visited. The bees compose the mix themselves when storing the nectar in the combs. Spring honey is fruity and sweet, while summer honey is floral and spicy.
- Honey from the Hoelbeek municipality
Harvested by Bilzen resident Enzo Vandevenne. - Honey “In den Grond”
The name refers to the place name “In den grond”. It is harvested in the municipality of Schoonbeek.
Biesonder apple juice (Special apple juice)
Apple juice made from apples from the Alden Biesen orchard. The orchard is managed by the Nationale Boomgaarden Stichting [National Orchards Foundation]. The unsprayed apples are pressed into juice at De Wroeter in Kortessem, a place that offers social employment. €0.09 from each bottle sold goes to Kortweg Natuur – a quality label for locally-produced products. The money from this fund is used for various initiatives (such as planting new standard fruit trees) in the natural areas around Bilzen.
