Tessenderlo area
Nature in Gerhagen, heritage in Averbode and Diest, cycling through De Merode and good food — the best outings right next to your private wellness.
7 days
Weather data: Open-Meteo · updated automatically
NatureQuiet woods, purple heath and hidden fens. Here you slow down without even trying.
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HeritageAn impressive abbey with a reflecting pond, surrounded by greenery.
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CyclingA green 35 km cycle route between two abbeys.
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TownA charming old town with a beguinage that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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DiningRefined seasonal cuisine in a warm, rural setting.
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Local produceTaste Averbode in the abbey café and take something delicious home.
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Averbode abbey panorama (JH-mediaworks, CC BY-SA 3.0), Begijnhof Diest – Kerkstraat (EmDee, CC BY-SA 4.0), Averbode Bos en Heide (CC BY-SA 4.0), Abdij Bier Averbode (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Obsidian Retreat lies in the green heart of the Kempen, between Gerhagen, Averbode and De Merode Landscape Park. Below, by theme, are the places we most like to recommend to our guests.
Woods, heath and quiet routes at your own pace.
Find peace among the woods of Gerhagen. This recognised quiet area invites you to walk, slow down and enjoy nature. Combine your walk with the lookout tower or a visit to the Bosmuseum.
Tip: Choose the waymarked Stiltepad of 3.5 or 6 kilometres.
Starting point: Poort Gerhagen/Bosmuseum, Zavelberg 10, Tessenderlo.
3.5 and 6 kilometres are the lengths of the walking routes themselves.
Woods, open heath and quiet fens alternate in Averbode Bos & Heide. A lovely place for a walk for two, with room to pause along the way.
Tip: Combine your walk with a visit to Averbode Abbey.
Explore the region through green landscapes and historic abbeys. The cycle route ‘A green paradise between two abbeys’ links Averbode and Tongerlo and also passes through Gerhagen.
Tip: Plan a 35-kilometre bike ride and take time for a cosy stop along the way.
35 kilometres is the length of the cycle route itself. The car park at the Bosmuseum in Gerhagen is an official starting point.
Heritage, historic streets and a different view of nature.
Discover the special atmosphere around Averbode Abbey. Admire the historic buildings and the reflecting pond, and combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding countryside.
Tip: In fine weather, pop into the well-known Lekdreef for an ice cream when the stalls are open.
Abdijstraat 1, Averbode.
Accessibility of the buildings and guided tours are listed in the official visitor information.
Stroll through the historic centre of Diest and discover the beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combine culture with a walk along the Demer and a relaxing break in town.
Tip: Make it a relaxed outing with the beguinage, the town centre and lunch.
Get to know the world of birds at the Bosmuseum Gerhagen. The permanent and changing exhibitions give you a different view of the nature you meet on your walk.
Tip: Combine a short museum visit with a walk in Gerhagen.
Zavelberg 10, Tessenderlo.
Opening hours vary by season.
From fine dining to local produce to take home.
For a special lunch or an extended dinner, head to De Lindehoeve. The kitchen works with seasonal produce and combines culinary refinement with a warm, rustic setting.
Tip: Book a table in advance and check the current menu.
Zavelberg 12, Tessenderlo.
The restaurant gives a specific driving route via Sparrenweg and Jagersweg; check directions on their website.
Fancy a cosy lunch or a familiar Belgian dish? At Bistro Simonne, on the Markt in Tessenderlo, you will find classics and seasonal specials in a relaxed bistro atmosphere.
Tip: Combine a visit to the centre with lunch or dinner.
Markt 9, Tessenderlo.
Discover the region through Het Moment’s abbey café and abbey shop. You will find abbey beer, cheese, bread and other products connected with Averbode.
Tip: Combine your abbey visit or walk with a break in the café and a visit to the shop.
Abdijstraat 1, Averbode.
Walk the Stiltepad in Gerhagen and combine it with a cosy break along the way.
Discover Averbode Abbey and then visit Het Moment.
Explore the beguinage, walk along the Demer and enjoy lunch in town.
Come for a weekend or a longer stay and see what is included in the house.
The sauna, hot tub and ice bath await your return.
Check availability