Attractions and Places To See around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, a municipality in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, offer a blend of historical, cultural, and natural experiences. The region is characterized by its location at the transition between the Kempen and Hageland regions, featuring the Demer River valley. Visitors can explore significant religious sites, medieval landmarks, and extensive natural reserves. This area provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities, from forests and fens to heathlands.
Best attractions and places to see around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
- The most popular attractions is Horst Castle, a castle that is an idyllic moated structure from the 13th century. It is surrounded by an impressive moat and is known as the home of the cartoon character De Rode Ridder.
- Another must-see spot is Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, a bridge offering a pleasant spot just off the cycle path. Visitors can enjoy views while crossing a beautiful fens area within the nature reserve.
- Visitors also love Averbode Abbey, a Norbertine Abbey founded in 1134. This historical religious building features an experience center and cafΓ©, Het Moment, offering local products like craft beer and abbey bread.
- Scherpenheuvel-Zichem is known for its historical sites, religious landmarks, and natural reserves. From medieval towers to extensive forests and fens, the region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1500 upvotes and over 1000 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Averbode Abbey
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On the grounds, you will also find an experience center dedicated to traditional crafts. The old farm buildings now house a monastery cafΓ© with its own brewery, a bakery, and a monastery shop.
By the way: You can also stay overnight in one of the guest rooms.
Information and registration: gastenkwartier@abdijaverbode.be.
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Demer Towpath
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Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond
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Horst Castle
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Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds
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From Flanders to the Ardennes β GR 5 in Belgium
Streek-GR Hageland β Hollow roads and endless fields
Belgium's best β the most beautiful hiking routes in Flanders
Belgium's Flanders region β the new hiking destination
Hiking around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
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Cycling around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
Running Trails around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
Gravel biking around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem
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Tips from the Community
One of my favorite places in the area.
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The core of Horst Castle probably dates back to the 13th century and is characterised by a square keep. The keep probably belonged to the oldest core that was further expanded into a fortified castle in the 15th century. During the troubles under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire. According to literary sources, only the keep, part of the entrance gate and a defensive wall remained standing. The residential and east wing were renovated and expanded in the 16th century. The round tower also dates from this period. The outer wall was provided with a rectangular bay window. The castle lost its military character and became more of a pleasant residential area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the inner courtyard. Brick construction with sandstone layers characterise these buildings. In 1587, however, the castle was set on fire again during the raids of the Geuzen. It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that restoration work began. It is difficult to deduce from the available sources to what extent this involved restoration or an embellishing conversion of the castle complex. Presumably nothing changed in the internal structure, but only after the structurally necessary repairs were the interiors completely refinished. Maria-Anna Van den Tympel had a new chapel built against the keep in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the complex must have been damaged by plundering and neglect, and it is possible that it also suffered from plundering during the Brabant Revolution of 1830. Around 1850, the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. In the land registry, the site around the castle is called "De Notelaren Boomgaerd". Around that time, the most dilapidated part must have been demolished, namely the southern part and the superstructure of the gate. The rest of the complex was probably restored with reused demolition material and in traditional style. The castle was divided in 1880, with one part being registered as a school house. In 1897, a further division followed, with two plots being designated as houses. Several restoration campaigns followed in the 20th century. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Horst Castle, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43619
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Since December, there has been a spire on the castle again after the unstable spire was removed more than four years ago and could be viewed on a wooden platform in the pond. Now it is back. And the other works are also progressing quickly. More about the replaced spire on https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/12/10/torenspits-staat-weer-op-kasteel-van-horst-holsbeek/
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A bridge provides a connection between two banks. Usually a bridge is over water: a ditch, a canal, moat, river, lake, ravine, ...
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Beautiful and nice bridge over the fen, with a wonderful view...
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For those who have traded in their horse for a steel steed. Information boards and such on site.
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Nice spot just off the cycle path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem?
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem is rich in history. You can visit the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, Belgium's oldest domed church and a significant pilgrimage site. Another must-see is Averbode Abbey, a Norbertine abbey with over 900 years of history, offering guided tours and local products. Don't miss the 14th-century Maagdentoren (Maiden's Tower) in Zichem for panoramic views, or the Ernest Claes Home to learn about the renowned author's life.
Are there natural areas for walking and relaxation in the region?
Absolutely. The region offers diverse natural landscapes. Explore Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, which features extensive forests, fens, marshes, and heathland perfect for walks. The Demerbroeken Nature Reserve and the Demer Valley also provide excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, with diverse landscapes and bird-watching huts. You can also find the ancient Oude Eik van Kaggevinne, a pleasant spot for a picnic.
What activities are available for families with children?
Many attractions in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem are family-friendly. Children might enjoy exploring the grounds of Horst Castle, an idyllic moated structure known as the home of the cartoon character De Rode Ridder. The Maagdentoren offers an exciting climb with rewarding views. Nature reserves like Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds are great for easy walks, and the Demer Towpath is ideal for family bike rides on fine asphalt.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem?
For breathtaking views, climb the recently restored Maagdentoren (Maiden's Tower) in Zichem, offering panoramic vistas of the Demer River Valley up to 30 kilometers on clear days. Another pleasant spot is the Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, which provides lovely views over a beautiful fens area within a nature reserve.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or running, can I do near these attractions?
The region is excellent for outdoor activities. For cycling, the Demer Towpath offers a quiet, asphalted route along the Demer River. Cycling enthusiasts can also tackle the Dwars door het Hageland Gravel Route, a challenging 75 km ride through the Demerbroeken and Averbode woods. You can find various cycling routes around the area, including those starting from Zichem and Testelt, by exploring the Cycling around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem guide. For runners, there are numerous trails, such as the 'Singletrack in Averode Forest' loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem guide.
Are there any accessible trails or attractions for visitors with limited mobility?
While some historical buildings may have limitations, efforts have been made for accessibility in natural areas. The grounds of Horst Castle are wheelchair accessible, though the interior of the castle is not. In Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, the paved avenues are accessible to wheelchair users, allowing enjoyment of the beautiful natural surroundings.
What is the best time of year to visit Scherpenheuvel-Zichem for outdoor activities?
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem offers outdoor activities throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage changes. Summer is ideal for longer days and enjoying the natural reserves. Even in winter, many trails are accessible, though sturdy shoes or boots are recommended for forest paths, especially in rainy weather.
What unique local products or experiences can I find in the region?
At Averbode Abbey, you can visit 'Het Moment,' an experience center and cafΓ© where you can enjoy local products like craft beer, artisanal cheese, and abbey bread, all produced by the Norbertine monks. The abbey also features an experience center dedicated to traditional crafts.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem?
Visitors frequently praise the blend of natural beauty and rich history. They particularly enjoy the peaceful reflection offered by sites like Averbode Abbey and the stunning scenery of Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds. The fine asphalt and quiet environment of the Demer Towpath are also highly recommended for cycling, and the idyllic setting of Horst Castle is a community favorite.
Are there specific hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels?
Yes, the region caters to various hiking abilities. For easier walks, many paths within Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds are suitable, though some forest paths can be challenging for strollers. For more moderate to difficult running or gravel biking experiences, you can explore routes like the 'Singletrack in Averode Forest' or the 'Demerbroeken Nature Reserve' loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem guide and Gravel biking around Scherpenheuvel-Zichem guide.
Can I bring my dog to the attractions and natural areas?
Dogs are generally welcome in many outdoor areas, but specific rules apply. For instance, dogs are allowed on the castle grounds of Horst Castle but not inside the castle itself. In Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, dogs are welcome but must always be kept on a leash. It's important to stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.
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