Herkenrode Abbey

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.