Averbode offers several points of interest to help you plan your stay: the history of the Abbey of Averbode, nature trails in Averbode Bos en Heide, and Averbode products at Het Moment. You can choose how to balance architecture and art, a walking trail with playful features, and food and tastings.

Abbey History and Art

Premonstratensians have been at the Abbey of Averbode since 1134. The Gothic gatehouse, dating from the 14th century, is the oldest part of the complex. By contrast, the abbey church in Averbode is a large Baroque building based on a design by Antwerp architect Jan Van den Eynde, dating from 1664 to 1674. The comparison illustrates two clearly distinct periods of construction: the gatehouse belongs to the oldest part, while the church represents a later, Baroque phase.

An individual work of art also has its own story: an altarpiece originally intended for the abbey church in Averbode returned to its original location after 150 years. Alongside a comparison of architectural styles, those interested in cultural history can also learn about the story of an artwork’s return.

Nature Trails and Specific Destinations

The de Weefberg play area has a two-kilometre walking trail with various playful Multimove elements. The trail is in the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve. Its length and the type of features provide a clear framework for the walk. Averbode Bos & Heide is also home to dragonflies, water beetles, sundews and viviparous lizards.

Another route option is “Langs vennen en bossen” (“Along fens and forests”): it passes through the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve to the Tandpijnkapelletje. This makes it possible to distinguish the walk at de Weefberg, with its specified length and playful features, from a route with a named destination. The animal and plant groups in Averbode Bos & Heide add another nature-related aspect to these trails.

Averbode Products at Het Moment

Het Moment in Averbode includes an abbey café with an on-site brewery, a bakery and an abbey shop. Most dishes at the abbey café are prepared with at least one Averbode product, including beer, cheese, bread, gingerbread or speculoos. The menu may change. This means that Averbode products are not just part of the tasting experience, but also feature in the abbey café’s cuisine.

A visit to Het Moment ends with a tasting of Averbode products. If you plan to take part in the tasting, check the latest booking details in advance. This lets you consider Averbode’s food and drink scene as a separate focus, alongside the abbey shop, bakery and abbey café.

Getting to the Abbey

The “Averbode Abdijstraat” bus stop is 74 metres from the Abbey of Averbode and is served by bus route 545. Check the latest timetable before travelling; routes and stops may change.

For the broader travel overview: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem.