Park Haffmans

Park Haffmans is a municipal park in Bilzen, in the Belgian province of Limburg, laid out along the Demer river in the southeastern part of town. Designed in the English landscape style, it covers roughly 14.5 acres and ranks among the favourite green spaces for both locals and visitors exploring the Bilzen-Hoeselt region.

Where does the park's name come from?

The land now occupied by the park once served as the private garden of a notary's residence owned by the Haffmans family. That house, built in neo-rococo style, still stands and remains privately owned, separate from the publicly accessible park grounds. The Haffmans name is tied above all to Leon Haffmans, who served as mayor of Bilzen from 1947 to 1979. It was from his heirs that the town purchased the grounds, turning a once-private garden into a public recreational space.

What can you find inside the park?

Walking through Park Haffmans, visitors come across the Bilzermolen, a historic watermill standing right on the Demer. The mill is a reminder of how important the river once was to the local economy, its current having powered milling equipment for generations. The park is also known for its picturesque pond, a favourite stop along walking routes, where calm water contrasts with the surrounding greenery and mature trees typical of an English-style landscape garden.

A distinctive feature of the park is its collection of life-size sculptures depicting figures tied to Bilzen's musical past. The town carries a legendary musical history, and these sculptures serve as a tribute to that heritage, blending the park's recreational role with a strong sense of local cultural identity.

Where exactly is Park Haffmans located?

The park sits at Beukenstraat 2-18, 3740 Bilzen. Its position along the Demer makes it a natural extension of the walking routes that run along the river, popular among residents of the wider Bilzen-Hoeselt area. Its proximity to the town centre makes the park easy to reach, whether for a short daily walk or a longer stretch of time spent outdoors.

Who is this park for?

Park Haffmans suits anyone looking for a quiet escape from town life — its network of paths and well-kept greenery make it ideal for walking, while the pond and historic mill give the grounds a character that many ordinary town parks lack. Families with children enjoy the space just as much as visitors curious about local history, for whom the musical-heritage sculptures offer an unexpected discovery along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any historic structures in the park? Yes, the park contains the Bilzermolen, a historic watermill on the Demer river, alongside a surviving private house built in neo-rococo style that once belonged to the Haffmans family.

Where does the park's name come from? The park is named after the Haffmans family, former owners of the land — most notably Leon Haffmans, long-serving mayor of Bilzen.

Is there anything music-related in the park? Yes, the park features life-size sculptures representing figures connected to Bilzen's musical history, honouring the town's heritage in that field.

How do you get to Park Haffmans? The park is located at Beukenstraat 2-18 in Bilzen, in the province of Limburg, in the southeastern part of town along the Demer river.