A princely walk in the Merode

The first half of the route takes you through the nature reserves Beeltjens and Kwarekken. You walk through coniferous and deciduous forests and you pass the Asberg, a 24-metre high sand dune. You also walk for a while along the rippling water of the Grote Nete river. On the edge of Westerlo you pass the impressive Prins de Merode Castle. The oldest part of the castle dates from the Middle Ages and the rest of the castle has been added to over the centuries. The quiet forests of the Merode nature reserve stretch out around the castle.

Then you walk through the pleasant centre of Westerlo towards Castle Jeanne de Merode. Countess Jeanne de Merode lived here for a long time. In 1940 the Nazis used this castle as local headquarters and the countess moved to the other castle of the de Merode family. Since 1970 the castle has served as a town hall.

If this walk has made you hungry for more, then pay a visit to Tongerlo Abbey . The history of the abbey goes back to 1130. The Norbertines of this abbey focused on, among other things, the development of agricultural land. This resulted in a beautiful landscape that you can still enjoy today. Via a centuries-old lime tree avenue you walk past the gatehouse to the courtyard of the abbey. In the tithe barn you can visit an exhibition about the history of the abbey and monastic life.

Would you like to know more about De Kempen?

Then take a look at route.nl/antwerpse-kempen .