Herne: Hiking Trails, Monasteries and Landscapes in the Pajottenland

Herne combines varied hiking trails with monastic landscapes, protected buildings and the green character of the Pajottenland. Those looking for a holiday apartment as a base can choose between active days in the countryside, historical discoveries and special experiences on a farm.

Hiking trails for different day plans

One specific option is the 5.8-kilometre “Ontdek de Kloostertuin” hiking route. It starts at the Dominicanessenklooster in Herne, making it possible to combine the walk with a look at the building’s current use: the Dominicanessenklooster is currently used as a community centre hosting celebrations, meetings, workshops and lectures.

A second option is the “Wandelen in Pajottegem aan de Mark, langs velden, bossen en bruisende beken” hike. This route is approximately 8 kilometres long and includes several explanatory stops. Those wishing to compare different route lengths will find, alongside the 5.8-kilometre route, a longer trail with additional information along the way. The Aerebeekwandeling leads through the Aerebeek Valley in Herne and conveys an impression of the Pajottenland’s green landscape.

There is a specific reference point for travelling to the start of the Aerebeekwandeling: the “Herne Markevallei” bus stop is 64 metres from the start and is served by bus route 711. This is particularly helpful if you wish to plan your day around this hike.

Landscape and cultural heritage along the way

The Mark Valley between Herne and Galmaarden is a broad floodplain or alluvial valley with grassland bordered by wooded areas. Three watermills stand along the Mark. At the Boesmolen, an old sandstone foundation is visible in the side wall on the waterside. Details like these give a walk through the landscape an additional historical dimension, without requiring nature and architectural heritage to be viewed separately.

An important cultural and historical site is the Kartuizerklooster Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Kapelle. The monastery was founded in 1314 and is the oldest Carthusian foundation in Belgium. The complex is situated in a rural setting with fields, pastureland and the Arebeek. It includes a gatehouse dating from 1716 with a small guest quarter, a passageway and a statue niche containing Saint Bruno. Remains of the monastery wall have also been preserved. The parish church of Sint-Pieter, also known as the parish church of Sint-Petrus and Sint-Paulus, is a protected monument.

The landscape cubes of Herne are also part of the village’s appearance. They blend into their surroundings and offer characteristic views of the hilly Pajottenland in every season. This creates another perspective on the area: alongside marked hiking experiences, individual elements in the landscape also play a role.

Discovering agriculture

Op 't Hof has an educational area on a farm. Visitors can learn about life on a farm and experience it in a practical way. School and group visits are possible by arrangement. At Op 't Hof, you can also sample Black Angus farm meat from its own cattle. For families who want to discover nature not only along the trail but also through agriculture and regional food, this is a separate addition to the hiking and cultural offerings.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When choosing accommodation in Herne, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your stay. If you are planning several hikes, the route lengths and their respective starting points may determine how you organise your days. For travellers interested in culture, the Kartuizerklooster, the Dominicanessenklooster, the protected parish church and the watermills are likely to be the main attractions. Those travelling with children or in a group can also check whether a visit to Op 't Hof by arrangement fits into their travel plans. This means that the search for a holiday apartment is based not only on the location but also on how you want to experience Herne.

For additional travel ideas, you can also discover Haasrode, Glabbeek, Haacht, Boutersem, Zemst, Chaumont-Gistoux, Londerzeel and Tielt-Winge.

For the overarching travel overview: Brabant.