Attractions and Places To See around Herselt - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Herselt, a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp, blend cultural heritage with natural beauty. The region features historical landmarks, expansive natural areas, and significant cultural sites. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from forests and heathlands to historical abbeys and castles. Herselt offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling, across its varied terrain.
Best attractions and places to see around Herselt
- The most popular attractions is Horst Castle, a castle that is an idyllic moated castle 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 Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, a natural area. Visitors can expect extensive forests alternating with fens, marshes, and heathland, marking the transition between the Kempen and Hageland regions.
- Visitors also love Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, a bridge offering a scenic view. This spot provides a connection with nature, crossing beautiful fens just off the cycle path.
- Herselt is known for its historical landmarks, natural reserves, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including religious buildings, cycle ways, and viewpoints.
- The attractions around Herselt are appreciated by the komoot community. Over 80 highlights have received more than 1500 upvotes and more than 1000 photos from visitors.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Averbode Abbey
Highlight โข Religious Site
On the grounds, you will also find an experience center dedicated to traditional crafts. The old farm buildings now house a monastery cafรฉ 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
Highlight โข Cycleway
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Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond
Highlight โข Bridge
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Horst Castle
Highlight โข Castle
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Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds
Highlight โข Natural
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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 landmarks can I visit around Herselt?
Herselt is home to significant historical sites. You can explore Horst Castle, an idyllic moated castle from the 13th century, known for its picturesque setting and as the fictional home of the Red Knight. Another prominent site is Averbode Abbey, a Norbertine Abbey with a rich history spanning ten centuries, where visitors can attend communal prayers and explore an experience center for traditional crafts.
What natural areas are there to explore near Herselt?
The region offers diverse natural landscapes. A must-see is Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, which features extensive forests, fens, marshes, and heathland, ideal for walks. You can also find tranquil green spaces like Bosgebied Helschot, Bosgebied Raambroek, and Natuurgebied Asbroek within Herselt, perfect for enjoying local flora and fauna.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Herselt?
Yes, many attractions around Herselt are suitable for families. Horst Castle and Averbode Abbey offer engaging experiences for all ages. Natural spots like Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds and the scenic Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond provide opportunities for outdoor family adventures.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Herselt is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore trails like 'Along parsonages and chapels from Blauberg' or 'Rode Vis Pond โ Hertberg Ponds loop'. Cyclists can enjoy the Demer Towpath or longer gravel biking routes such as 'Tongerlo Abbey loop'. Find more detailed routes in the hiking guide, running guide, and gravel biking guide for Herselt.
Are there specific hiking trails around Herselt?
Yes, Herselt offers a variety of hiking trails. Popular options include the 'Rode Vis Pond โ Hertberg Picnic Area loop from Herselt' (9.6 km) and the 'Historic Forest Bank โ Hertberg Trail loop' (19.5 km). Many trails traverse the diverse landscapes of Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Herselt guide.
Can I bring my dog to the trails and natural areas?
Dogs are generally welcome in many natural areas around Herselt, including Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, but they must always be kept on a leash. While dogs are allowed on the grounds of Horst Castle, they are not permitted inside the castle itself.
What is the best time to visit Herselt's natural attractions?
Herselt's natural attractions, such as Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, are freely accessible year-round. However, for comfortable exploration during rainy weather or in winter, it is advisable to wear sturdy shoes or boots due to potentially muddy paths.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the main attractions?
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Averbode Abbey features a monastery cafรฉ with its own brewery and a bakery. Near Horst Castle, the Brasserie Wagenhuis provides a convenient stop for food and drinks.
Is Horst Castle accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The grounds around Horst Castle are generally considered wheelchair accessible. However, access to the interior of the castle itself can be difficult for wheelchair users and buggies due to its historic structure.
Where can I find parking when visiting attractions or trails?
Parking is available at or near several key attractions. For instance, Horst Castle has parking facilities. When visiting natural areas like Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, look for designated parking areas at trailheads or visitor centers.
What unique natural features can I discover in Herselt?
Beyond the expansive forests and heathlands, Herselt offers unique natural spots like the Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond. This scenic bridge crosses beautiful fens, providing a tranquil connection with nature just off the cycle path, and is a highlight for many visitors.
Can I stay overnight at Averbode Abbey?
Yes, Averbode Abbey offers guest rooms for overnight stays. For information and registration, you can contact gastenkwartier@abdijaverbode.be. This provides a unique opportunity to experience the abbey's spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
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