Attractions and Places To See around Laakdal - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Laakdal, a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp, offer a mix of rich heritage and natural beauty. Formed from the merger of towns like Veerle, Eindhout, and Vorst, Laakdal features historical landmarks and tranquil natural areas. Visitors can explore extensive forests, fens, and heathlands, alongside cultural sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Laakdal
- The most popular attractions is Averbode Abbey, a religious building that is a living embodiment of spirituality and culture. Around 30 brothers live here, and visitors can participate in prayer times or experience the peaceful atmosphere.
- Another must-see spot is Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, a bridge offering scenic views over the water. This spot is noted for its connection to nature and is part of the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve.
- Visitors also love Reed Pond, a lake known for its natural beauty and wildlife. It is described as an area full of life in every season, serving as a permanent home for herons.
- Laakdal is known for its historical landmarks, natural areas, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from abbeys to extensive forests and fens.
- The attractions around Laakdal are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1500 upvotes and over 1000 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Averbode Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
On the grounds, you will also find an experience center dedicated to traditional crafts. The old farm buildings now house a monastery café with its own brewery, a bakery, and a monastery shop.
By the way: You can also stay overnight in one of the guest rooms.
Information and registration: gastenkwartier@abdijaverbode.be.
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Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond
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Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds
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Reed Pond
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The Laat Pond
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Tips from the Community
One of my favorite places in the area.
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A bridge provides a connection between two banks. Usually a bridge is over water: a ditch, a canal, moat, river, lake, ravine, ...
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Be sure to bring your binoculars so you can better spot the water birds and watch their antics
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Beautiful and nice bridge over the fen, with a wonderful view...
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Nice spot just off the cycle path.
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There are extensive forests around Averbode Abbey, interspersed with fens, swamps, heaths and grasslands, now managed by Natuurpunt. Early hikers may see a great egret fishing in the reed pond here.
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In the church of Averbode Abbey, the Averbode altarpiece can recently be admired again in the context of "Flemish masters in their place". The reredos was purchased 40 years ago by the Antwerp Museum of Antiquities. It is, like any altarpiece, the work of several painters, carpenters and the like. The sculptor or at least coordinator was Jacob van Cothem from Antwerp, where the protected Gothic reredos was purchased. It is a special work of great value and has been displayed in a climate cabinet since the end of November, opposite that other work of art, the painting by Jan Erasmus Quellinus: "Saint Augustine gives his rule to Norbertus". The altarpiece was removed from Averbode for about 150 years and originally stood at the altar of the abbey's previous Gothic church. You see some photos above (details, the cabinet with the complete work and a description plate).
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The Gothic gatehouse of Averbode Abbey from the 14th century is built from iron sandstone, two stories high, with a steep gable roof between stepped gables with the original roof truss. The ground floor on the field side consists of a basket arch entrance gate and pedestrian gate between the heavy buttresses, the upper floor has elaborate niches with neo-Gothic statues, placed after a major restoration of 1909-1910, by J. Geerts between monastery frames in the center and a cross frame on the far left and right. On the inside, the first floor contains a small niche between four asymmetrically placed windows. On the second floor, the facade is openwork with two ball frames and a central round-arched window. Centrally located in the roof on the roof frame is a loading hatch with a lifting beam in a lifting box. https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/42758 There was also a restoration in 1988-1989.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Laakdal?
Laakdal offers a rich blend of history and culture. A prominent site is Averbode Abbey, a Norbertine Abbey with a history spanning ten centuries, where visitors can experience its peaceful atmosphere and explore an experience center dedicated to traditional crafts. Other notable landmarks include the Sint-Gertrudiskerk, Kasteel Meerlaer, and the unique Kleinste gemeentehuis (Smallest Town Hall). You can also visit the Klompenmuseum en Klompenbelevingspad near Visitor Center Den Eik to learn about traditional crafts.
Are there natural areas or viewpoints to enjoy around Laakdal?
Yes, Laakdal is rich in natural beauty. You can explore Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, an extensive area with forests, fens, marshes, and heathland, ideal for walks. Other cherished spots include Reed Pond, known for its natural beauty and wildlife, and The Laat Pond, a tranquil place for reflection. The Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond offers scenic views over the water within the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Laakdal's attractions?
The region around Laakdal is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and road cycling. For example, there are easy cycling loops like the "Averbode Abbey – Averbode Abbey loop" or moderate running trails such as the "Chouffe Trail Tunnel loop." You can discover more options for cycling, running, and road cycling around Laakdal.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Laakdal?
Absolutely! Many natural areas around Laakdal are suitable for families. The Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond and Reed Pond are noted as family-friendly spots for walks. Additionally, the region features a Speelbos (Play Forest) for children to enjoy. The experience center at Averbode Abbey, with its traditional crafts, can also be an engaging visit for families.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Laakdal?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere of Averbode Abbey and the idyllic scenery around the Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond. The Reed Pond is loved for being "full of life in every season," offering opportunities to observe herons and listen to the melodies of nature, providing a relaxing experience.
Can I find hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels in Laakdal?
While specific difficulty levels for all hiking trails aren't detailed, the Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds area offers extensive paths for walks. Some paved avenues in this area are accessible for wheelchair users, suggesting easier sections. For more challenging routes, you can explore the running trails guide, which includes moderate to difficult options like "The Laat Pond – Averbode Abbey loop."
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in Laakdal?
Beyond the well-known abbey and natural reserves, the Kleinste gemeentehuis (Smallest Town Hall) stands out as a unique architectural sight. The Klompenmuseum en Klompenbelevingspad offers a glimpse into traditional crafts, providing a distinct cultural experience. The various fens and ponds, such as The Laat Pond, are often described as cherished, somewhat hidden spots by locals and frequent visitors.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Laakdal's natural areas?
Laakdal's natural areas, particularly around the ponds and forests, are home to various wildlife. The Reed Pond is noted as a permanent home for herons, and you can often spot them in the fields and ponds of Averbode. The extensive forests and fens of Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds provide habitats for diverse bird species and small mammals.
Are dogs allowed on trails and in natural areas around Laakdal?
In the Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds area, dogs are welcome, but it is very important that they are always kept on a leash. Visitors are also reminded to stay on designated paths to protect the vulnerable natural environment.
What are the best options for cycling around Laakdal?
Laakdal offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can find a variety of routes, from easy to moderate, suitable for touring bicycles and road bikes. Popular options include the "Averbode Abbey – Averbode Abbey loop" for touring bicycles and the "Averbode Abbey – Maagdentoren Zichem loop" for road cycling. Explore more routes in the cycling guide and road cycling guide for Laakdal.
Is there a good time of year to visit Laakdal's attractions?
Laakdal's natural areas, such as Reed Pond and The Laat Pond, are described as being "full of life in every season," suggesting year-round appeal. However, for comfortable walks and outdoor activities, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. In rainy weather or winter, sturdy shoes or boots are recommended for forest paths.
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