Experience and discover
Gateways
Herkenrode Abbey
Herkenrodeabdij 4
3500 Hasselt
+32 11 23 96 70
abdijvanherkenrode@herita.be
www.abdijvanherkenrode.be
Reflection of a Glorious Past
You simply cannot miss it: the former Abbey of Herkenrode breathes a strong connection to the past. The historic buildings and the surrounding nature reserve reveal their charm in every season. The abbey estate invites you to relax and enjoy its unique atmosphere at your own pace.
Once, Herkenrode was the wealthiest women's abbey in the Low Countries. Today, its historic buildings have been beautifully restored or are still undergoing restoration. The abbey church, for example, is being rebuilt as Clausura, an artwork by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh: a remarkable see-through church made of corten steel.
Yet the Abbey of Herkenrode is much more than a place of historical significance. It is also a 100-hectare oasis of peace and tranquillity set within a stunning natural landscape. Around the abbey buildings, walking trails lead you towards De Wijers, the region of 1,001 ponds.
Activities
Clausura
Artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh is reimagining the once magnificent abbey church of Herkenrode, the convent buildings and the cloister walkways at their original scale as a large-scale artistic installation in corten steel. The abbey church rises again as a true see-through church.
The artwork, entitled Clausura – A Spatial Memory, will likely be known to many visitors as the larger counterpart of the famous “see-through church” in Borgloon (Reading Between the Lines). The first phase of this artwork has already been completed and can be visited free of charge at any time.
Paddling route
From July 1 to March 31, you can rent a 1- or 2-person kayak via the automatic Paddle Share rental system to sail down the Demer to Kuringen. Admire the beautiful natural banks and experience the abbey site from the water!
Book here
Key Route Through the Abbey Buildings
Would you like to explore the abbey buildings from the inside? You can!
Over a 1.2-kilometre route, the Key Route takes you past hidden places, miracles and fascinating pieces of history. You will be given a key to unlock doors and discover the abbey’s secrets for yourself.
Opening hours vary between the low and high season. For the latest information, visit our website: www.abdijvanherkenrode.be .
Hiking
From the site, you can strike out for marked nature trails, ranging from 1 to 9 K. They take you along ponds, orchards, damp grasslands, hedges and historic landscapes. Dogs must be kept on a leash, except in the dedicated dog area next to the parking lot, where they can run around freely.
www.natuurenbos.be/herkenrode
www.wandeleninlimburg.be
BUY THE HIKING MAP
Hiking areas nearby
- Platwijers-Wijvenheide
- Bolderberg
- Herkenrode Woods
Cycling
The Herkenrode Abbey Site is located on the Limburg cycling route network that connects the entire region.
Bikes can be rented via www.visitlimburg.be/en/bike-hire
Food and Drink
On the abbey site
Nearby
Tuiltermolen
The fully restored ‘Tuiltermolen’ mill is home to the Herbal Knowledge Centre, open during certain events or can be hired.
www.herkenrode.be
Hasselt
Rent a bike and visit the inviting city centre of Hasselt. Take a stroll through the streets and alleys full of trendy shops or visit one of its museums, such as the Jenever Museum, Fashion Museum Hasselt, ‘Het Stadsmus’ or ‘Villa Verbeelding’. A visit to the world-renowned Japanese Garden should definitely be on your to-do list.
www.visithasselt.be