Tienen, Belgium: The Heart of Sugar Production in Belgium

Last Updated on 21st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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You would be forgiven for never having heard of Tienen before. After all, it’s a tiny town of just under 35000 residents which is not nearly as popular as other Belgian destinations such as Brussels, Bruges, or even Ghent. However, if you find yourself in the heart of sugar production country, then here’s your guide to the best things to do in Tienen.

Introducing Tienen

Please note that Tienen is in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium which is known as Flanders. With this being said, it is just 5km away from Wallonia, which is the French speaking part of the country. In French, Tienen is known as Tirlemont.

Unfortunately, Tienen has a bit of a reputation for not being the most aesthetically pleasing part of Belgium. Luckily, it is somewhat redeemed by its spectacular duo of Gothic churches and unique history as the centre of sugar production in Belgium.

The history of Tienen dates all the way back to the Middle ages, when it was likely ruled over by the German family, the Thienen family, hence its name. Today, the biggest industry in town is sugar refinery.

On the eastern fringes of town, there’s a large sugar beet processing factory, which is known as the Sugar refinery of Tienen (Tiense Suikerraffinaderij in Flemish – Raffinerie Tirlemontoise in French).

If you are planning to spend some time enjoying Belgium, be sure to check out our guides on the best-kept secrets of Belgium and our perfect long weekend in Belgium itinerary.

Things to do in Tienen

Wander around the historic district

You’ll only need an hour or two to wander around the historic centre as it comprises of a smattering of cobbled streets, typically Belgian cafés, and war memorials. There used to be a sugar museum, detailing the production of the sweet stuff in the area, though this has now permanently closed down.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poel

The main church in town dominates the biggest square in Tienen (Grote Markt), which is also where the town hall is located. Considered to be one of the greatest examples of Brabant High Gothic, the choir dates back to the middle of the 14th-century.

The transept and the tower date back to the 15th-century. Unfortunately, there was a great fire in the 17th-century, of which the resulting renovations led to the installation of a baroque spire.

Though the ecclesiastical building began life as a pilgrimage chapel, it has been the main parish church of Tienen since the beginning on the 19th-century. Unfortunately the church seems to operate at random opening hours, though it’s free to enter if you do get the chance to enter.

Sint-Germanus Church

Yet another ecclesiastical building worth checking out in Tienen is the church dedicated to Sint-Germanus. This church was built in the 12th-century and boasts an altarpiece by the 19th-century painter Gustaaf Wappers.

Its belfry is of such importance and beauty that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list of Belfries of Belgium and France. the church is free to visit, thought its opening hours remain somewhat erratic. Nevertheless, do go in if you get the chance.

Het Toreke museum

If you want to learn more about the history of Tienen and its surroundings, then you can check out the Het Toreke museum, which is only open on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 AM and 5 PM. Exhibitions are predominantly focused on three themes: work, prayer and celebration.

City Hall

Situated right next to the main church of the town, the city hall was built in 1836and its Corinthian columns are constructed in the neo-classical style. Unfortunately, there’s no consensus of when the first town hall was built as much of Tienen was burnt down in 1635.

Collage of Tienen

Truth be told, one of the best places to visit in Tienen is the Collage, which are some of the most fascinating ruins in Belgium and can be found on the fringes of town.

Also known as the ruins of Paterskerk (St Peter’s), the site is free to visit and there is parking nearby on the street. It may well surprise you, but this church actually only burnt down in 1976, though, of course, the crumbling ruins look much, much older than this!

Getting to Tienen

Tienen is served by its own train station, which is located on the railway line between Brussels and Liège. The town is roughly halfway between the two cities, with a forty minute train ride to get to either one.

Tienen is located just a ten minute train ride away from Leuven, a delightful university city that is a little off the beaten path but is a must-visit for those who love gorgeous architecture, off the beaten path locations, and beautiful green spaces. After all, Leuven is home to the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.

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