Herkenrode Abbey

Near Hasselt, you find the Abbey of Herkenrode, an impressive domain with over 800 years of history. You can walk, cycle and discover the heritage here, visit the experience center, the herbal garden and the water mill. Enjoy the works of art, exhibited in open air or have a drink in De Paardenstallen. Activities for young and old are listed in the calendar (Dutch). You can also rent this unique place as a venue for events.

Herkenrode Abbey

Herita

Lucid

Impressive abbey with over 800 years of history

1217 AD: the young Abbey of Herkenrode is enlisted as the first women's abbey in the Order of Cistercians. Over the years it grows into a large and rich site that attracts many pilgrims with prestigious religious artifacts. In its golden period, the 16th century, the sisters purchase a whole range of religious works of art: stained-glass windows, paintings, majolica tiles etc.

Self-reliance is an important theme for them. Herkenrode is a sort of a mini town with its own water mill, brewery, bakery, tannery and work shops. In 1796 the story comes to an abrupt end: French revolutionaries chase the sisters out of their home. The abbey is dismantled and the site falls into a state of decay while being used for agriculture and industry. Nowadays the future of Herkenrode Abbey is guaranteed as an impressive place where tourism, cultural history, nature and spirituality merge together.

Contact us

Stefan Dewickere

The Experience Centre presents you the story of one of the first and especially the richest convents in the Netherlands in an authentic historic context via an audio guide (or with your own smartphone).

Guy Van Grinsven

It is a special experience to visit the abbey site of Herkenrode in a group. Discover our different formulas and put together an unforgettable outing! We look forward to welcoming you.

The first Cistercian convent for women has its roots in the middle ages and florishes in the 16th century. The story of this spiritual village comes to an abrupt end as a result of the French revolution. Read more about the fascinating history.

Gijs Van Vaerenbergh

Gijs Van Vaerenbergh will resurrect the lost historic heart of Herkenrode Abbey as a contemporary artwork. The duo will redesign the church, the nuns' quarters and the corridors as a full scale artistic, spatial installation in Corten steel.