Scherpenheuvel-Zichem offers a variety of starting points for a journey of discovery: from a domed church of special significance and a protected medieval fortified tower to grassland, wet woodland and quiet expanses of water. Literary history and abbey crafts are also part of the destination’s character. If you are looking for accommodation, it is worth first asking which of these aspects you want to shape your trip. Architectural history, Ernest Claes, a beer tasting or a walk through the Demerbroeken each offer a different focus.
The basilica and Maagdentoren: two historical perspectives
The Basilica of Our Lady is the oldest domed church in the Low Countries; it was consecrated in 1627. Its status and year of consecration offer two different historical points of reference: one places the church in a broader geographical context, while the other marks a specific date. At the Maagdentoren, a different type of building takes centre stage. The round donjon dates from the 14th century and is a protected monument. Its size and architectural qualities set it apart from other donjons in Flanders and Wallonia. This offers two distinct historical perspectives: the basilica is defined by its dome, status and year of consecration, while the Maagdentoren is notable for its medieval defensive architecture and distinguished architectural qualities.
There is also an activity that takes you to the Maagdentoren: the route langs pelgrimswegen brings cyclists to Zichem, where they can climb the tower. The route description thus combines cycling with a specific destination and the opportunity to climb the fortified tower.
Huize Ernest Claes: life and work
The visitor centre and museum Huize Ernest Claes was established in 1967 in the farmhouse where the writer was born in 1885. At Huize Ernest Claes, visitors can learn about his life and work; the interior also conveys a sense of life around 1900. The year 1885 and the glimpse of life around 1900 provide two points of reference in time. At the same time, the focus on his life and work puts the writer himself at the centre. This visit differs from exploring church architecture and defensive architecture: here, Ernest Claes and a historic interior come together.
Abbey crafts and beer at Het Moment
At the Het Moment experience centre, the Norbertines are reviving the abbey’s old craft traditions. Visitors can sample three abbey beers brewed exclusively there—fresh from the brewing kettle. The experience centre also includes a microbrewery, a bakery, a cheese-maturing cellar and an abbey shop. The beer tasting offers a clearly defined culinary focus, while the facilities mentioned also show the breadth of the abbey crafts on offer here. If you would like to include culinary discoveries alongside historic buildings, Het Moment offers a distinct way to explore this aspect.
Demerbroeken and Averbode Bos en Heide
Demerbroeken is an extensive nature area in the broad valley of the Demer between Testelt, Zichem, Averbode and Diest. When hiking, you can walk through open grasslands and wet woodland, or follow the edges of quiet expanses of water. Several landscape types shape the experience of nature here. The Abdij van Averbode offers a different connection with the landscape: since 1134, it has been a peaceful haven amid the greenery of Averbode Bos en Heide. The two themes offer different emphases: Demerbroeken is an extensive area in the Demer Valley with hiking opportunities, while at Averbode, the abbey and its green surroundings take centre stage.
When planning your trip, you can weigh these differences according to your interests: church and defensive architecture, literary history, abbey crafts or nature each lead to different discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Averbode, Tienen, Halle, Orp-Jauche, Tervuren, Keerbergen, Genappe, Sint-Genesius-Rode.
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
