The pleasant life around Zonhoven

You cycle past Herkenrode Abbey or Herkenrode Abbey. This abbey was founded around 1182 and a monastery for Cistercian women was built. Nothing has been preserved from the twelfth-century monastery. The buildings that you can still admire today date from the 16th to 18th centuries: 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 center tells the story of 600 years of Cistercian women 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, blackthorn berry liqueur, honey, Herkenrode chocolates and of course the abbey beer Herkenrode Tripel, officially recognized as Belgian Abbey Beer.

You cycle through the forests of the Provincial Domain Bokrijk, a forest and nature reserve of 550 hectares. 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 De Kolveren nature reserve. In this hedgerow landscape, the Laambeek meanders between meadows and hay meadows and along forests and ponds. A multitude of plants, birds, insects and mammals grow, bloom and forage there. In the shade under the wood edges you will find lilies such as lily of the valley, common Solomon's seal and valley herb 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 the unexpected rain, you can enjoy sorbets and ice cream made from goat's milk. This artisanal ice cream is made with Fair Trade products and goat's milk from a local farmer. A delicious ice cream for a fair price!