Discover Scherpenheuvel-Zichem: nature, culture and an abbey experience

Scherpenheuvel-Zichem offers travellers several distinct themes to explore: sacred architecture and medieval fortifications sit alongside literary history, abbey crafts and a landscape of grassland, wet woodland and water. Depending on whether you enjoy comparing architectural styles, learning about Ernest Claes and his work, discovering old traditions or walking in nature, a different theme can provide the thread running through your trip.

A domed church and a medieval fortified tower

The Basilica of Our Lady (Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw) is the oldest domed church in the Low Countries; it was consecrated in 1627. The Maagdentoren provides a different architectural accent: this round keep dates from the 14th century and stands out from other keeps in Flanders and Wallonia for its size and architectural qualities. The medieval fortified tower is a protected monument. For architecture enthusiasts, this creates a clear contrast between sacred domed architecture and medieval fortifications.

A cycling route also leads to one of these buildings: the Route langs pelgrimswegen takes cyclists to Zichem, where they can climb the Maagdentoren. This makes the tower a destination that can be combined with a bike ride, while the basilica offers a different way to explore architectural history.

Ernest Claes and life around 1900

The Huize Ernest Claes visitor centre and museum opened in 1967 in the farmhouse where the writer was born in 1885. Visitors can learn about his life and work; the interior offers an impression of life around 1900. The dates point to different historical reference points: 1885 is the writer’s year of birth, 1967 is the year the museum was established, and the interiors focus on life around 1900. This brings together biographical history and a portrayal of everyday life in an earlier era.

Abbey crafts and flavours

At the Belevingscentrum Het Moment, the Norbertines are reviving the abbey’s traditional crafts. The centre includes an on-site brewery, a bakery, a cheese maturing room and an abbey shop. Visitors can taste three abbey beers brewed exclusively there—straight from the brew kettle. The brewery, bakery and cheese maturing room give the theme of craftsmanship a tangible form; the tasting adds a culinary dimension. Those interested in traditions will find not only a connection to history, but also the experience of tasting fresh abbey beer straight from the kettle.

Walks in the Demer landscape

Demerbroeken is an extensive nature area in the broad valley of the Demer between Testelt, Zichem, Averbode and Diest. You can walk through open grasslands and wet woodlands, and along quiet stretches of water. These different landscape features shape the nature experience: open spaces, damp woodland and water offer varied impressions as you explore. Another connection to the landscape can be found at Abdij van Averbode, which has been an oasis of tranquillity amid the greenery of Averbode Bos en Heide since 1134.

Tailor your stay to your interests

When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on: walks in nature, architecture and history, literature, or abbey crafts and flavours. The options also differ in the kind of experience they offer. In Demerbroeken, the focus is on walking through a varied landscape; the Route langs pelgrimswegen combines a bike ride with a climb up the Maagdentoren. The museum, basilica and Belevingscentrum Het Moment offer their own cultural and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Averbode, Jodoigne, Bierbeek, Orp-Jauche, Linden, Wemmel, Lubbeek, Werchter.

For the broader travel overview: Brabant.