Alken is a Hesbayen municipality located in Belgian province of Limburg. The community lies just south of the provincial capital of Hasselt. Alken is best known for its brewery and the beer Cristal Alken brewed there, but also for its many castles, churches, chapels and water mills. In recreational terms, one can indulge in the leisure park "De Alk" between large and the small Herk (river), one can walk in the Mombeek valley and explore the well equipped bicycle network. Alken is located in the most productive fruit cultivation area of Belgium and the area is famous for its blossoming fruit trees filling the landscape.