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Relax, learn and experience something new in this historic abbey’s grounds. Or get walking or biking your way around some of the beautiful landscape on the outskirts of Hasselt.

Interesting history. Flemish culture. Countryside walks. Sound good? Then you might want to check out Herkenrode Abbey, it's just a short drive from the centre of Hasselt. The site’s restoration, which renovated its impressive buildings and garden, is the largest Flemish restoration project in Limburg.

The abbey’s fascinating history, as one of the first and richest women’s abbey in the Low Countries, goes way back to the 12th century. You can learn all about it interactively with an audio tour in the Experience Centre.

From the beginning of April to the end of October you can check out the Herb and Inspiration Garden. This isn’t your traditional abbey garden, instead modern design mixes with an informative display of over 500 herbs and plants. This may not be right up your street but it’s still a place where you can chill out in peaceful surroundings.

  • Beer Stop: Check out the visitor’s reception where you can find all kinds of information about the abbey site and, most importantly, buy award-winning Herkenrode beers. They also sell their own organic beer and pressed apple juice, straight from the orchards. Yum.
  • Any art-lovers out there? Hans Op de Beeck has a large, permanent, ‘experience-oriented’ modern art installation in the gardens called ‘The Silent View’.
  • Fancy a bite to eat? Head over to the horse stables (De Paardenstallen in Dutch). Don’t worry, they have been renovated and turned into a self-service restaurant where you can get a taste of Limburg’s regional and seasonal produce.
  • You’ll find no shortage of scenic walks here. As well as the abbey’s own special grounds, the site is one of the access gates to The Wijers - a unique nature reserve made up of over 1000 ponds and full of rare animals and plant species.
  • Biking galore: There is a café for cyclists at the visitors’ centre and you can pick up a rental bike here too, making it an ideal place for you to start exploring Limburg by bike.
Updated on 8 November 2021

Tips and Tricks

  • In July and August both the visitors centre and herb garden are open on Monday.
  • Purchase a walking map for routes starting from the abbey around The Wijers for 2.50€ at the visitor’s reception.
  • Bringing your four-legged friend? Keep them on the leash in the abbey grounds unless you’re in the dog meadow, which can be found in the on-site parking lot. No dogs are allowed in the Herb Garden.

Transport

By car: free parking is available on site

By bike: the site is located between junction 94 and 237 off the Limburg cycle route network.

By bus: Bus 51 Heusden goes to the Herkenrode stop. From there it's approx 1km walk to the site.

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Tu - Su, 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30); Jul - Aug: open M

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All seasons, limited in Winter

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Experience Centre: Adults 5.45€, Kids free, special discount rates available

Herb Garden: Adults 4.45€, Kids free, special discount rates available

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Open; Reservations required for Experience Centre; ‘The Silent View’ is closed.

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Related Articles
  • Herkenrode Abbey Official Website
    Check the website for any new or temporary activities going on at the abbey.
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