Attractions and Places To See around Meerhout - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Meerhout include a variety of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. This Belgian municipality in the province of Antwerp is characterized by its green and rural environment. Visitors can explore significant abbeys, historical watermills, and diverse natural areas like forests, fens, and heathlands. The region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly walking and cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Meerhout
- The most popular attractions is Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, a bridge that offers a connection with nature. This spot is located just off a cycle path and is part of the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, a natural area featuring extensive forests, fens, marshes, and heathland. Visitors can expect beautiful nature ideal for walks, with diverse landscapes that have been carefully restored.
- Visitors also love Averbode Abbey, a religious building that embodies spirituality and culture. This Norbertine Abbey offers communal prayer times and includes a monastery café with its own brewery, a bakery, and a monastery shop.
- Meerhout is known for its historical sites, natural features, and outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to expansive nature reserves.
- The attractions around Meerhout 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 natural features can I explore around Meerhout?
Meerhout is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the expansive Grote Netewoud, a significant natural highlight known for its green and rural environment. Another must-see is Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, offering extensive forests, fens, marshes, and heathland ideal for walks. Don't miss the unique Stuifduin Homberg, a drifting dune, or the serene Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond, which provides a connection with nature within the Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Meerhout?
Yes, Meerhout has a rich history. The prominent Sint-Trudokerk, with its beautiful baroque spire, stands in the town's center. You can also explore the historical Meerhoutse Watermolen, a significant part of the region's mill heritage. Further afield, the Averbode Abbey is a Norbertine Abbey embodying spirituality and culture, offering communal prayer times and a monastery café. The Heikantse Schans is another historical site, once a fortified position.
What kind of outdoor activities are popular in Meerhout?
Meerhout is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for walking and cycling. The region offers numerous opportunities to explore its green landscapes. You can find various routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The Grote Netewoud is an excellent area for both walking and cycling, with many beautiful spots to discover.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Meerhout?
Absolutely! For a fun day out, consider visiting Bobbejaanland, a popular amusement park located near Meerhout. Pakawi Park in Balen is another great option for families. For nature-based activities, the Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond and the surrounding Averbode Bos en Heide nature reserve offer pleasant walks suitable for families. The Provincial Recreation Domain Silver Lake in Mol also provides recreational opportunities.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Meerhout?
Meerhout is highly regarded for its walking opportunities. The Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds offer extensive trails through diverse landscapes of forests, fens, and heathland. The Grote Netewoud is another significant natural area perfect for exploring on foot. You can also discover paths like the Rolwagenpad for a pleasant stroll.
What is the best time to visit Meerhout for outdoor activities?
The region's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for cycling and walking. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter, though colder, can provide serene landscapes for those who enjoy crisp walks. For activities in Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, sturdy shoes or boots are recommended in rainy weather and winter, though paved avenues are accessible to wheelchair users.
Are there any unique natural spots or 'hidden gems' in the area?
Beyond the well-known areas, Meerhout holds some unique natural spots. The Stuifduin Homberg is a distinctive drifting dune offering a different kind of landscape. The various ponds like Reed Pond and The Laat Pond, especially within the Averbode Bos en Heide area, are often described as tranquil and full of life, providing peaceful moments amidst nature.
Can I find places for cycling around Meerhout?
Yes, Meerhout is a fantastic destination for cyclists. The municipality explicitly promotes various cycling opportunities. You can explore dedicated guides for general cycling, road cycling, and even gravel biking, offering routes of varying distances and difficulties through the scenic landscapes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Meerhout?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and abundant natural beauty. The tranquility and connection with nature offered by spots like the Footbridge over the Weefberg Pond and the extensive trails of Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds are highly valued. The spiritual and cultural experience at Averbode Abbey, with its unique offerings, also leaves a lasting impression.
Are there any specific routes for exploring abbeys or religious sites?
Yes, the Abdijenroute (Abbey Route) is a listed point of interest, suggesting a historical path connecting significant abbeys or related sites in or around Meerhout. In addition to the prominent Averbode Abbey, Meerhout features several other chapels, including the Kapel Engstraat - 'Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-met-de-druiventros', the Elisabethkapel, and the Kapel Sint-Jan Baptist, offering a glimpse into the region's religious heritage.
Are there any places to fish in Meerhout?
Yes, for those interested in fishing, the Gemeentelijke visvijver 't Gewad (Municipal fishing pond 't Gewad) offers recreational opportunities. It's a pleasant spot to enjoy the outdoors and engage in some angling.
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