Discover Westerlo: Nature, Culture and Regional Experiences

Westerlo combines impressive landscapes with a vibrant local history and special visitor experiences. Between the avenues of Beeltjens, Tongerlo Abbey, historic buildings and regional specialities, you can shape your trip in many different ways: with nature observation, cultural discoveries, a cycling tour or an outing with children.

Forests, Paths and Special Landscapes

Beeltjens stands out for its great variety of coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as its star-shaped pattern of avenues. Guided nature walks follow these avenues or the narrow paths of Kwarekken. Along the way, you will learn about the fauna and flora found there. Rothoek-Kwarekken is a recognised nature reserve in the valley of the Grote Nete and extends as far as the de Merode castle estate.

A prominent landmark in Beeltjens is Asberg. At 24 metres high, the sand dune is considered the highest point in Westerlo. During excavation work in 1860, urns containing ashes from cremations were unearthed there. This landscape therefore brings together nature and a far-reaching glimpse into the past.

Westerlo also offers specific starting points for exploring on your own. The Kempen cycling node network uses numbered green-and-white signs and allows you to plan an unlimited number of your own cycling tours. The Toerisme Westerlo tourist office is located near hiking node 130 and cycling node 84. For children, Kamp C offers the Mierenpad, an educational discovery trail about sustainable forest management.

Castle, Abbey and Local History

One of the defining buildings is Jeanne de Merode Castle, built between 1909 and 1911 and regarded as an example of neo-Gothic architecture. The park surrounding the castle is a municipal public park. It was laid out around 1910 with an orchard and kitchen garden beside the neo-Gothic castle. The castle is open during the opening hours of the municipal administrative services and during regularly held exhibitions. Groups can book a guided tour through Toerisme Westerlo.

The origins of Tongerlo Abbey date back to around 1130. At that time, Giselbertus van Castelre donated land to the Premonstratensians for the foundation of an abbey. The abbey's landscape has historical, socio-cultural and natural-scientific value. You can enter the inner courtyard free of charge every day. Guided tours take place from 1 April to 30 October on the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.

Further traces of history can be found at Beddermolen and on the Grote Markt. The oldest documented mention of Beddermolen dates from 1535; since 22 August 2011, it has once again been listed as a protected monument. It is open on the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 to 5 p.m. The Grote Markt has the shape of an elongated triangle, indicating a settlement of Frankish origin.

Museum Visit and Regional Specialities

At the Streekmuseum Zuiderkempen, you can see what a school and a general store looked like in the past. The museum also presents historic trades, old agricultural tools and folk objects. It welcomes visitors on Sundays from April to September, from 2 to 5 p.m. The shop at the Toerisme Westerlo tourist information office offers regional products such as handmade sweets, honey, locally brewed beer, wine, homemade liqueur, jam, coffee and juices.

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore make your preferred itinerary the focus: Are you planning many days in nature, cycling tours and walks, or would you like to take the scheduled visiting hours of the abbey, museum and mill into account? Westerlo offers a range of themes, so you do not have to limit yourself to just one type of holiday.

Discover More Destinations

If you are looking for more places for your travel planning, you can also discover Hoogstraten, Boechout, Bonheiden, Beerse, Turnhout, Grobbendonk, Vosselaar and Oud-Turnhout.

For the higher-level travel overview: Province of Antwerp.