The peaceful life around Zonhoven

You cycle past Herkenrode Abbey or the Abdij van Herkenrode. This abbey was founded around 1182 and was built as a monastery for Cistercian nuns. Nothing remains of the twelfth-century monastery. The buildings that you can still admire today date from the 16th to the 18th century: the monumental gatehouse, the watermill on the Demer, the infirmary, the farm buildings, the beautiful tithe barn and the residences of the abbesses. An experience centre tells the story of 600 years of Cistercian nuns and you will find beautiful inspirational gardens to wander around in.

On the abbey's website you can buy delicious abbey products: Herkenrode cheese, honey liqueur, elderflower liqueur, sloe berry liqueur, honey, Herkenrode chocolates and of course the abbey beer Herkenrode Tripel, officially recognised as a Belgian Abbey Beer.

You cycle through the forests of the Provincial Domain Bokrijk, a forest and nature area of 550 ha. The domain is best known for its Open Air Museum, but you will also find a playground, an arboretum and a scent and color garden.

This green route also takes you past the nature reserve De Kolveren. In this wooded landscape, the Laambeek meanders between meadows and hayfields and along forests and ponds. A multitude of plants, birds, insects and mammals grow, bloom and roam here. In the shade under the wooded edges you will find lily-like plants such as lily of the valley, common Solomon's seal and lily of the valley and at the end of the day the honeysuckle gives off its sweet scent.

A perfect resting point on this route is De IJsboetiek. On the lawn or in the tent, sheltered from the warm summer sun or unexpected rain, you can enjoy sorbets and ice cream based on goat's milk. This artisanal ice cream is made with Fair Trade products and goat's milk from a farmer in the region. A delicious ice cream for a fair price!