Princely wonderful walk in the Merode

The first half of the route takes you through the Beeltjens and Kwareken nature reserves. You walk through coniferous and deciduous forests and you pass the Asberg, a 24 meter high sand dune. You can 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 peaceful forests of the Merode nature reserve extend around the castle.

Then you 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. The castle has served as the town hall since 1970.

Has this walking tour left you hungry for more? Then visit Tongerlo Abbey . The history of the abbey dates back to 1130. The Premonstratensians of this abbey focused, among other things, on developing agricultural land. This resulted in a beautiful landscape that you can still enjoy today. You walk past the gatehouse via a centuries-old lime alley 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 .