Along abbeys in the Merode area

The Hertberg is very diverse, with low iron sandstone hills and dune-like sandy soils. Conifers, beech, silver birch, and sessile oak are the most common trees here. The herbaceous layer is most beautifully developed here, with lily of the valley, lily of the valley, and white clover sorrel. Bilberries are found in many places. Along forest edges and in bright spots, you'll find many flowers such as hawkweed, goldenrod, and sedge. On some plains, heather appears en masse, along damp paths sometimes accompanied by bell heather, tormentil, blue button, and beautiful marsh gentian. The area also boasts several remnants of old fens and ponds, namely the Witput, the Kwacht, and the Rode Vis.

After all this nature, it's time for a good dose of culture: Tongerlo Abbey. A short walk is a must here. As you enter the abbey's beautiful courtyard, passing under the late Romanesque and Gothic gatehouse, you'll immediately get an overview of the main sights, such as the classical abbot's house. The former carriage gate of the abbot's house provides access to the abbot's garden, home to the Da Vinci Museum, where the oldest replica of Leonardo da Vinci's mural, The Last Supper, is on display.

Meandering past water and forests, you'll make a complete loop back to the starting point. Of course, before returning, you should also stop at the famous Averbode Abbey. The abbey was founded in 1134 at the initiative of Arnold II, Count of Loon. It is an abbey of the Premonstratensians, also known as Norbertines or Witheren. During the day, you can freely visit the abbey courtyard and the abbey church. You're also welcome to visit the abbey bookstore located in the courtyard. It's worth it, as your visit is a journey of discovery into the life of the Norbertines of Averbode. You'll gain an open perspective on the community's inspiration and motivations, see what a day at the abbey looks like, and see the tasks performed. You'll also gain a wealth of information about prayer life and the passionate commitment to fellow human beings. In short: here you'll see abbey life as it really is.

No longer on display here, but originating from this abbey, is the remarkable Passion altarpiece, which tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth's suffering. The left panel depicts his crucifixion, the wooden section the lamentation, and the right panel his resurrection. It is uncertain who painted the panels, and they may even be by different artists. The altarpiece is part of the collection of the Vleeshuis in Antwerp and was temporarily exhibited in 2010 at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. It is currently part of the exhibition at the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) in Antwerp.