Herkenrode Abbey, or the tale of a fascinating past in a beautiful setting. The old farm buildings of Herkenrode Abbey and the surrounding 100 hectares of nature have now been developed into a beautiful estate with various facilities. Because the site is still being rebuilt, there’s always something new for you to discover.

Herkenrode Abbey prides itself on a magnificent history which begins in 1182 in the centre of the county of Loon. In 1217 Herkenrode Abbey became the first women’s abbey of the Cistercian order in the Netherlands. The noble ladies who controlled the abbey for centuries also left their mark on the region. The abbey subsequently became a popular place of pilgrimage. Until the French Revolution, the abbey experienced alternate periods of violent decline and phenomenal prosperity. By 1796, the nuns were forced to leave their abbey. After 1820 the abbey church, the cloister and a large part of the original monastery building were either burnt down or demolished.

The remaining farm buildings of the abbey and the roughly 100 hectares of nature around the site are now being restored and redeveloped while respecting the abbey’s former use.

Experience 600 years of history
Highlighting the presence of women at Herkenrode
The experience centre focuses on the abbey’s story, with a chronological journey through the fascinating 600-year history of Herkenrode, highlighting the presence of the nuns, and the periods of prosperity and decline. Their story comes to life thanks to the audio guide, ‘In the Abbess’s own words’. Immerse yourself in the magnificent past of this women’s abbey. Experience and explore their lives!

Be inspired bij the garden
Learn more about the history of herbs and how people through the ages and in different cultures used and continue to use herbs today in the inspirience garden. The garden consists of a hortus officinalis or teaching garden and a campus officinalis or cottage garden. Each garden has about 250 different herbs and herbaceous plants for you to explore. A place to always go back to and relax.

Walking and cycling in nature
Herkenrode Abbey is situated in a beautiful nature reserve. The natural landscape is currently being gradually restored to its former seventeenth-century splendour, the abbey’s golden age. Four signposted walks leave from the site. A dozen or so beacons along the route tell you more about the (hidden) flora and fauna, and nature conservation and the abbey. Enjoy your hike!
The abbey is also the ideal starting point for a beautiful bike ride through De Wijers, a unique nature reserve with 1,175 ponds. The bike brochures are available from the reception desk of the visitor centre.

Shop & visitor centre
The shop in the carriage house sells books, abbey products, fun herbal gifts and Herkenrode’s delicious abbey beer. Don’t forget to take the time to enjoy a Herkenrode Triple or a Herkenrode Brown Beer on the terrace. The visitor centre is a recognised bicycle stop making it an ideal place for a break on your bike tour around Hasselt.