Herkenrode Abbey — A former Cistercian abbey in Hasselt with an experience centre, medicinal garden and accessible cycling and walking routes.
Herkenrode Abbey
♿ Wheelchair accessible cultural site
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Herkenrode Abbey

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♿ Wheelchair accessible

Herkenrode Abbey is a former Cistercian convent situated on the southern bank of the River Demer in Kuringen, a sub-municipality of Hasselt. Founded around 1182 by Gerard, Count of Loon, the abbey enjoyed a rich history until its closure in 1796 under French rule. Today, the abbey site is a fascinating destination with an experience centre, a medicinal and inspiration garden, and beautiful historic buildings. The famous Herkenrode stained glass constitutes the most significant collection of Flemish stained glass in the world.

Wheelchair accessibility is excellent. The abbey site and the medicinal and inspiration gardens are largely accessible for wheelchair users via paved paths. Both the abbey buildings and the experience centre have been designed to be wheelchair-friendly. There are adapted sanitary facilities and sufficient accessible parking spaces. Three fully accessible cycling routes run along the abbey site.

For visitors with reduced mobility who wish to cycle, a wheelchair platform bike or duo bike can be hired for 30 euros per day. This makes it possible to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Demer Valley from the abbey. With its combination of religious heritage, nature and gardens, and exemplary accessibility, Herkenrode Abbey is a remarkable destination for everyone.

Good to know

Reservation
For the experience centre you can buy tickets on site or online; it is best to reserve a wheelchair-platform bike or duo bike in advance, as availability is limited (30 euro per day).
Busy and quiet times
The medicinal and inspiration gardens are at their finest in spring and summer, which is also the busiest period; a visit in the morning is quieter.
Things to note
The site is very accessible thanks to its paved paths; a few older parts of the buildings have a threshold or can only be partly viewed.
Visit tip
Hire the adapted bike and explore the Demer valley along one of the three fully accessible cycling routes that pass the abbey site.
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