The best running trails in Hertberg

Moated farmstead with a central earthen courtyard, a residential barn to the north, later a pigsty and cart shed to the east, and a barn to the south, located in the immaculately preserved landscape on the Grote Nete river, in the immediate vicinity of the Merode castle and accessible via an oak avenue from the Varendonksesteenweg. "Qua(et)beke" or "Quackebeke" was historically part of the possessions of the Utrecht chapter and was leased, along with other goods and rights in Westerlo and Herselt, to the lords of Wesemael. Around 1270, the Kaaibeekhoeve farmstead and its surroundings were split off and granted as a fief to Gerard van Wesemael, who would call himself Lord of Kwabeek (or Kaaibeek). Thus, for more than a hundred years, a separate lordship with its own lords emerged, whose genealogy differs from that of Westerlo. Only in 1391 were the rights of the Kaaibeekhoeve bought up by the then lord of Westerlo, Jan I van Wesemael, causing it to be rejoined with the lordship of Westerlo. In 1488, Kaaibeek came into the possession of the de Merode family, owners to this day. In 1626, Kaaibeek became a barony. The farmstead was "luxuriously" rebuilt in 1686, as evidenced by the use of sandstone and the volume of the residential house. INVENTORY OF IMMOVABLE HERITAGE: Kaaibeekhoeve, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/39770

This bridge over the big hot stream connects Westerlo village with the Kaaibeek road.

Good to walk wide path between Bergom and Westerlo.

Beautiful walking area along the winding Grote Nete River that winds its way through the valley. Magnificent.

Over the years, the castle was modernized and updated. This included the tower, whose heavy line of the fortified wall was broken by irregular window and door arrangements. The castle still houses remarkable works of art. The neo-Gothic armory houses a cast-iron stove from 1539 and two marble Renaissance mantelpieces. The castle also contains important paintings, tapestries, gold leather wallpaper, and furniture in a variety of styles. (Municipality of Westerlo)

When the tram was pulled across the Grote Nete, the water level rose, overflowing into the canals behind it. This made it possible to irrigate agricultural land. The water in the castle pond could also be refreshed and replenished this way. The lock or weir system is still largely intact. It was classified as an industrial archaeological monument in 1999. In 2025, the tram underwent a thorough renovation and was restored to its full glory. Would you like to see how it works? Demonstrations are held on Heritage Day and Open Monument Day. (Westerlo Tourism)

A beautiful bridge over the Grote Nete river, not far from Merode Castle. You must cross the bridge to continue along the Grote Nete.

The statue of the Archangel Gabriel was pulled from its pedestal and destroyed by vandals during the night of December 31, 2015, and January 1, 2016. The terracotta statue, sculpted by August Verrebout, was erected in 1887 by Countess Nathalie De Croy, wife of Henri de Merode, together with her sister-in-law, Countess Jeanne de Merode, in gratitude for the birth of their first son, Charles de Merode. Restorer Bart Keutgens from Zoerle-Parwijs reassembled the statue from the fragments, which were then stripped of its paint. During this restoration, the maker's signature was revealed. The statue and its pedestal were then placed in the Merode Chapel of St. Lambertus Church; in the chapel on Het Riet, the statue will be replaced by a replica. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)