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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
Belgium
Flanders
Flemish Brabant
Leuven
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Tongerlo Abbey – De Merode Castle, Westerlo loop from Zichem

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
Belgium
Flanders
Flemish Brabant
Leuven
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Tongerlo Abbey – De Merode Castle, Westerlo loop from Zichem

Moderate

4.5

(21)

159

riders

Tongerlo Abbey – De Merode Castle, Westerlo loop from Zichem

02:48

47.6km

110m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

3.87 km

Averbode Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

The Abbey of Averbode was founded in 1135 on the initiative of Arnold II, Count of Loon.

Translated by Google •

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2

21.0 km

Saint Dymphna Chapel Zammel

Highlight • Religious Site

According to legend, Dimpna and Gerebernus would have lived in a hut in Zammel for several months. A chapel was built near this hut in the mid-17th century. This was soon too small, given the large number of pilgrims. The construction of a larger chapel was therefore started in 1692 and thoroughly rebuilt and restored in 1780. In the chapel is an altar with a statue of Saint Dimpna dating from 1711. The old well next to the chapel was visited by pilgrims in the Middle Ages because of the healing water that it would contain. The linden tree for the chapel door is said to have been planted around 1670.

Source: Geel with his hamlets by A. Nevelsteen

Translated by Google •

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3

24.4 km

Bedder Mill

Highlight • Monument

The Beddermolen used to belong to the abbey of Tongerlo and is only a stone's throw away. The mill domain, which originated in the 15th century, is a good example of the typical Kempen mill sites of the past, of which unfortunately not many remain.
In 2010, Kempens Landschap vzw bought the bedder mill. Since the restoration in 2017, the mill is ready to grind again. In December 2014, the site around the mill became the property of the municipality of Westerlo and was given on a long lease to Kempens Landschap vzw, which restored the mill house, barn and outbuildings.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

26.0 km

Tongerlo Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

One of the 3 abbeys of the Norbertines in the region: Tongerlo, Averbode and Postel.

Translated by Google •

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5

27.6 km

Jeanne de Merode Castle

Highlight • Castle

The castle was built between 1909 and 1911 and is a beautiful example of Brabant neo-Gothic. It belonged to the Countess Jeanne de Merode. After her death (1944) it was used for a while as a rest home for priests. Since 1972 it has served as the town hall. The name de Merode appears in the history books of Westerlo as early as the end of the 15th century. Then Westerlo even came into the hands of the noble family through marriage. It remained that way until the French Revolution. Then Westerlo was 'lent' to the Duchy of Brabant. In front of the town hall there is a beautiful fountain with three bathing women, a work of art by Rik Poot.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

29.2 km

De Merode Castle, Westerlo

Highlight • Castle

The name De Merode has been linked to the history of the municipality of Westerlo for more than five centuries.
The Kasteel de Merode is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes de Merode. The current resident of the castle is the young Simon de Merode. There are annual castle parties and events that attract a huge crowd.
Westerlo is not called "The pearl of the Kempen" for nothing.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

37.5 km

It's great to be able to cycle here (especially when the weather is good). The nature around you, relaxing views and just taking some time to enjoy.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

43.8 km

Averbode Abbey

Highlight • Religious Site

The Norbertine Abbey is a living embodiment of spirituality and (church) culture. Around 30 brothers live here, their day structured by three communal prayer times: morning prayer, the Eucharist (at midday), and evening prayer. If you wish, you are welcome to participate. Even if you are not religious, the chants and prayers may offer you a moment of peace and reflection.

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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

47.6 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

17.6 km

14.9 km

11.4 km

3.37 km

202 m

113 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

27.9 km

13.5 km

2.67 km

2.47 km

988 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Wednesday 15 July

31°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

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