Lovely walks in the Merode

Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium

Hiking route: 334952

based on 1 reviews

Provided by: De Kempen

12.0 km
03:00 h
682 kcal
26 m

Description

During this walking tour you will get to know the beautiful heritage of the de Merode family. Since the 15th century, the history of Westerlo has been closely linked to that of this noble family. On this route you walk past two castles of the De Merode family and through the De Merode nature reserve, one of the largest contiguous green areas in Flanders.

A medieval castle

The first half of the route takes you through the nature reserves of Beeltjens and Kwarek. You walk through coniferous and deciduous forests and you pass the Asberg, a 24 meter high sand dune. You can also walk along the rippling water of the river Grote Nete. On the outskirts of Westerlo you pass the imposing Castle Prince de Merode. The oldest part of the castle dates from the Middle Ages and the rest of the castle has been built over the centuries. The quiet forests of the Merode nature reserve stretch around the castle.

Town hall in a castle

You then walk through the pleasant center of Westerlo towards Jeanne de Merode Castle. Countess Jeanne de Merode lived here for a long time. In 1940, the Nazis used this castle as a local headquarters and the Countess moved to the other castle of the de Merode family. Since 1970, the castle has been used as a town hall.

Tongerlo Abbey

Got an appetite for more from this walking tour? Then pay a visit to Tongerlo Abbey . The history of the abbey dates back to 1130. The Premonstratensians of this abbey devoted themselves to, among other things, the cultivation of agricultural land. This resulted in a beautiful landscape that you can still enjoy today. You walk past the gatehouse to the courtyard of the abbey via an ancient linden driveway. 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 .
Parking Castle

Height Profile

De Kempen

Just across the border from North Brabant you will find the Antwerpse Kempen. Enjoy forests, heaths, beautiful old sights such as beguinages and abbeys and charming towns and villages such as Turnhout, Lier and Malle. You can also let yourself be pampered culinary with the most delicious regional dishes

Directions

# Description Distance
Parkeergelegenheid (Hollandse dreef, B-2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 0.00 km
4
4 (2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 0.37 km
3
3 (2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 0.91 km
340
340 (2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 1.21 km
7
7 (2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 2.22 km
8
8 (2260, Westerlo, Flanders, Belgium) 2.71 km

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