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Reading Between the Lines Doorkijkkerk

4.5
·3k reviews·Tongeren-Borgloon, Belgium

An iconic steel art installation resembling a see-through church, blending modern design with the picturesque Belgian countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Eglise borgloon

Reading Between the Lines Doorkijkkerk

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic steel art installation resembling a see-through church, blending modern design with the picturesque Belgian countryside.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A unique architectural marvel that frames the beautiful Limburg landscape, perfect for photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smartly

Use the Sint-Truidersteenweg parking; avoid agricultural tracks to prevent fines. 🚗

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The See-Through Church

The See-Through Church

Borgloon, Limburg, Belgium

An iconic steel structure that creates a unique optical illusion, blending art with the landscape.

Limburgse Haspengouw Landscape

Limburgse Haspengouw Landscape

Surrounding the doorkijkkerk

Enjoy rolling hills, fruit orchards, and picturesque rural scenery perfect for walks and picnics.

Sunrise/Sunset Views

Sunrise/Sunset Views

Doorkijkkerk viewpoint

Experience breathtaking golden hour light illuminating the steel church and surrounding countryside.

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Planning Your Visit

Access & Parking

Direct car access is prohibited on agricultural tracks to protect the landscape and avoid fines. Park at the designated lot on Sint-Truidersteenweg and enjoy a short, scenic 5-minute walk to the doorkijkkerk. Reddit

Best Visit Times

For the most dramatic light and fewer crowds, aim for sunrise or sunset. Weekends can be busy, so consider a weekday evening for a more peaceful experience. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Summer Afternoons
Why
Pop-up bar open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Zo heeft @vanderheiden.media deze foto gemaakt bij de doorkijkkerk 'Reading between the lines'. 📸 Ben jij al eens bij dee doorkijkkerk geweest? #camera #fotografie #foto #fotoinstellingen #readingbetweenthelines #doorkijkkerk #inspiratie #fotograaf
cameranu_nl
103 likes • 10.9K views

🚗 Park Smartly

Use the Sint-Truidersteenweg parking; avoid agricultural tracks to prevent fines. Reddit 🚗

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer people. TikTokInstagram :camerawithflash:

Doorkijkkerk (See-through church), also known as “Reading between the lines”, designed by Belgian architects Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh and built in 2011. Despite being made with 30 tonnes of steel, this architectural delight exists harmoniously within the rolling hills of Borgloon, Belgium. 🎥: @turismofiandre 📸: @kavbpoo 🔸 🔸 🔸 #building #church #steel #contemporaryarchitecture #f...
mrsajjadsadeghi
20 likes • 235 views
🇧🇪 Reading between the lines 📖 Reading between the Lines is 10 metres high and consists of 100 stacked layers of steel plate in the shape of a small church of Loon. (known in Flemish as Doorkijkkerk) During the sunrise or the sunset is the best time as you will have the most beautiful light but sometimes you will be not lucky enough to see it, tough it’s amazing with rain, it gives you something...
travelerabxl
400 likes • 13.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

The short walk from parking to the church is part of the experience. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

☀️ Summer Bar Vibes

A pop-up bar is often available nearby during warmer months. Reddit :beer_mug:

GR 128 van Borgloon naar Tongeren (Zavelberg) 🚶Afstand: 17 km ↕️ Hoogteverschil: 192m 🚗 Transport: auto geparkeerd aan de parking N79 (Parking Reading Between the Lines) in Borgloon. Vanuit Tongeren kan je de bus terug nemen richting Borgloon. (zie App van de Lijn) 🌍 Route: aan de doorkijkkerk volg je de witrode GR-bewegwijzering richting Tongeren! Alles wordt goed aangeduid! Je kan de GPX van...
groteroutestapper
15 likes • 473 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smartly

Use the Sint-Truidersteenweg parking; avoid agricultural tracks to prevent fines. Reddit 🚗

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer people. TikTokInstagram :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

The short walk from parking to the church is part of the experience. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

☀️ Summer Bar Vibes

A pop-up bar is often available nearby during warmer months. Reddit :beer_mug:

🖼️ Art & Landscape

Appreciate how the 'see-through church' frames the beautiful Limburg countryside. Instagram :frame_photo:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the 'Reading Between the Lines' doorkijkkerk for its unique architecture and the beautiful rural setting of Limburgse Haspengouw. It's a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, and offers a peaceful escape with walking trails and picnic opportunities. Some find it a brief stop, while others appreciate it as part of a larger regional exploration.

"Original and unique place located in Borgloon. More than the sculpture, this place offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Limburgse Haspengouw (landscape dedicated on agriculture, specifically fruit cultivation, on a slightly hilly set up). From there you can discover the region with plenty of beautiful trails between the cultures, meadows and groves.

Be very careful : You can't access directly by car the area ! If you drive on the surrounding agricultural tracks (only for tractors, bicycles, horse riders and pedestrians), you'll break the law and may get a €174+ fine (third-degree infraction). Then, do NOT go through the signs (F99c) obviously indicating the restriction (see picture). Police is patrolling and may intercept you whether driving or being parked. Instead, you can easily reach the place (5 minutes walk) from a parking located nearby on the Sint-Truidersteenweg (see picture). Enjoy !"

Philippe Callot

"Nice architecture. Scene around the church is also beautiful. Rural and quiet. There is a pop up bar currently between the parking and the church, where you can have a drink"

Yasmine Wu

"Nice piece of art - can get there by walking or cycling, easy to access, then people can follow the trails to the Twijfelgrens (but not recommend for wet days). There is summer bar close by from April. Great view during sunset."

Tien-Thanh Nguyen

What People Like

Unique see-through church
Beautiful landscape views
Great for photography

What People Dislike

Can be a brief visit
Crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You cannot access the doorkijkkerk directly by car on agricultural tracks, as this is illegal and can result in significant fines. Park your car at the designated parking area on Sint-Truidersteenweg in Borgloon. From there, it's a pleasant 5-minute walk to the art installation. Reddit

While direct public transport to the exact spot is limited, you can take a bus to Borgloon and then walk or cycle to the doorkijkkerk. Check 'De Lijn' app for routes from Tongeren or other nearby towns. Instagram

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the doorkijkkerk, especially if you're exploring the wider region. There are designated cycling routes that pass by the installation. Instagram

The most recommended way is to park at the designated parking lot and walk. This ensures you avoid fines and get to experience the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Yes, direct vehicle access on agricultural tracks is strictly forbidden to preserve the landscape and prevent damage. Stick to the designated paths and parking areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the doorkijkkerk is an outdoor art installation and is freely accessible to the public. There are no tickets required for entry. Instagram

As an outdoor art piece, the doorkijkkerk is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photography. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit the 'Reading Between the Lines' doorkijkkerk. It's a public art installation meant to be enjoyed by all. Instagram

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the art and its surroundings. Daylight hours offer the best viewing experience. Instagram

No booking is required. You can visit the doorkijkkerk spontaneously. However, planning your visit around sunrise or sunset can enhance your experience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and dramatic, creating beautiful silhouettes and illuminating the steel structure. TikTokInstagram

Photographers often recommend using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the church and its surroundings. Experiment with aperture for depth of field and consider a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset. TikTok

Drone usage might be subject to local regulations. While some have captured aerial shots, always check current drone laws in Belgium before flying. TikTok

Try different angles, play with the light by shooting towards or away from the sun, and incorporate the surrounding landscape into your shots. Capturing the illusion of the church appearing and disappearing is key. Instagram

Weekends and peak sunset/sunrise times can get busy, making it challenging to get unobstructed shots. Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours can provide a better photography experience. TikTok

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

The doorkijkkerk is situated in the beautiful Limburgse Haspengouw region, known for its fruit cultivation. You can explore walking and cycling trails, enjoy picnics, and discover the rural landscape. InstagramReddit

There isn't a permanent cafe or restroom directly at the doorkijkkerk. However, a pop-up summer bar is often available between the parking area and the church during warmer months. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding fields and meadows offer a lovely setting for a picnic. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the rural atmosphere after viewing the art. Reddit

It's a 10-meter-high sculpture made of 100 stacked steel plates, designed to look like a church. Its 'see-through' nature allows the landscape to be viewed through its structure. Instagram+1

The visit itself is quite short, often just a few minutes to admire the art. However, factor in the 5-10 minute walk from the parking and time to explore the surrounding landscape. Reddit

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