Attractions and Places To See around Herentals - Top 20

Herentals offers several beautiful natural areas. The Lovenhoek Nature Reserve spans over 145 hectares with diverse habitats, including deciduous forests and heathland remnants. You can also visit The Zwart Water, a unique fen known for its dark water and a viewing hut for birdwatching. The picturesque Kleine Nete river also winds through the area, guiding walks past the beguinage and various nature reserves.

Yes, Herentals is rich in history. You can see the UNESCO World Heritage Belfry and Cloth Hall, dating back to 1543. The Church of Saint Waltrude, a significant example of Brabant Gothic style, is located in the town center. The peaceful Herentals Beguinage, founded in 1266, and the historic City Gates (Bovenpoort and Zandpoort) are also notable sites.

Beyond its landmarks, Herentals features cultural points of interest such as the Lakenhal Museum, which showcases the city's history. You can also explore the Way of the Cross, reputed to be the oldest in Belgium, and admire the historic architecture around the Grote Markt, the central square.

The area around Herentals is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For example, explore the Kempense Heuvelrug – The Zwart Water loop for hiking, or try the Warandeplas – The Zwart Water loop for gravel biking. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails like the Lichtaart Singletrack.

Yes, Herentals offers several family-friendly options. The Netepark is a large recreational area with a playground, indoor pool, and an outdoor pool and miniature golf in summer. Natural spots like The Zwart Water and the parks surrounding castles like Borrekens Castle and De Merode Castle also provide pleasant environments for families to explore.

You can discover several castles in the vicinity. Borrekens Castle is a beautiful, privately owned castle set amidst a forest. Further afield, De Merode Castle in Westerlo is over 600 years old, featuring four bay turrets and a 60-hectare park with a pond. Herentals itself also has Castle La Paige, a charming 1890s castle surrounded by a pleasant park.

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and diverse landscapes. For instance, at Lovenhoek Nature Reserve, people enjoy the changing scenery and the surprisingly varied habitats for plants and animals. At The Zwart Water, the sound of birds and the sky reflected on the water create a peaceful experience, with a viewing hut allowing intense enjoyment of bird activity.

Beyond the main landmarks, you can find unique historical structures like the Bridge over the Grote Nete (Het Trammetje) in Westerlo. This location is special not just for the bridge, but for its unique 19th-century lock system, 'Het Trammetje', which is protected by Monumentenzorg and offers insight into a bygone era.

Herentals offers attractions suitable for various seasons. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the natural reserves like Lovenhoek Nature Reserve and outdoor activities at Netepark. The historic sites and museums, such as the Belfry and Cloth Hall or the Lakenhal Museum, can be enjoyed year-round, offering cultural experiences regardless of the weather.

Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For a relaxed walk, consider the Kleine Nete – Beautiful Forest Lane loop from Herentals, which is rated as easy. Many trails along the Kleine Nete river also offer gentle terrain suitable for leisurely strolls.

Herentals has a rich religious history. The Herentals Beguinage, founded in 1266, is one of the oldest in the Duchy of Brabant and includes the beautiful Gothic St Catherine Church Beguinage. Additionally, the Herentals Hospital, dating from 1253, features an old cloister from the 17th century and a 16th-century chapel with Gothic windows.