Herkenrode Abbey

Herkenrode Abbey is a thousand-year-old site where history, culture, nature, spirituality, and entrepreneurship are closely intertwined.

Capacity

Up to 600 pax

Location

Limburg

Nuns and businesswomen

Founded in the late 12th century by Cistercian nuns, Herkenrode Abbey was a place of prayer and devotion that soon grew into an important economic hub. Tenant farmers leased land from the nuns, and the abbey employed dozens of workers to cultivate its fields.

Time and again, the nuns proved themselves to be astute businesswomen. They acquired relics that attracted pilgrims from far and wide, as did a communion wafer said to have miraculously bled in the abbey church. In time, Herkenrode became the largest, wealthiest, and most imposing nuns’ abbey in the Low Countries.

The nuns valued their independence. When an abbot from another abbey urged them to follow stricter dress rules, he was politely told to mind his own business. Over the centuries, the nuns continued to expand the abbey and construct richly decorated buildings.

This flourishing period came to an end in 1796, when the French revolutionary government nationalised Belgium’s abbeys and auctioned them off. The site fell into disrepair, but in recent years an ambitious heritage conservation project has restored many buildings to their form.

Located near Hasselt

Herkenrode Abbey is not only a striking historic venue with a dedicated, professional team, uniquely located: surrounded by nature, but close to the city. The centre of Hasselt – Flanders’ “Capital of Taste” – is just 20 minutes away, offering excellent cafés, fine dining and local specialties such as cheese, beer, and sweets. Fashion lovers will enjoy shopping in the city’s many boutiques or visiting its renowned fashion museum.

Herkenrode Abbey is also one of the gateways to De Wijers, a unique nature park dotted with more than 1,000 ponds. Curious? We gladly arrange guided walks, and our on-site tours reveal the extraordinary treasures Herkenrode has gathered over the centuries. A recent addition is the artwork Clausura, a striking 52-metre-high 3D outline of the lost abbey church on its original site – a landmark worth visiting in its own right. We look forward to welcoming you to Herkenrode!

95% approval rating

Today, Herkenrode Abbey is home to a unique meeting, congress, and event centre. The magnificently restored tithe barn hosts up to 450 guests, and additional historic buildings on the estate offer a range of breakout rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities. Or perhaps you would prefer the low-tech option many guests love: a breakout session outdoors, in the peaceful surroundings of the abbey grounds.
Sustainability and inclusivity are central to our approach: all meeting rooms are wheelchair- accessible, and our catering features locally sourced produce – including our own Herkenrode specialty beer. Warm hospitality is equally important. Our team is dedicated to making your event a memorable success – no wonder we consistently get a 95% approval rating!