Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Belgium
Flanders
South Limburg
Hasselt

Nieuwerkerken

Attractions and Places To See around Nieuwerkerken - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Nieuwerkerken, a municipality in the Belgian province of Limburg, include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features. The region is characterized by its fruit-growing areas, offering picturesque landscapes with orchards, fields, and meadows. Nieuwerkerken provides access to various outdoor activities, including extensive hiking and cycling routes. This area is part of the Haspengouw region, known for its cultural landscape and natural beauty.

Best attractions and places to see around Nieuwerkerken

  • The most…

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Herkenrode Abbey Site

Highlight • Historical Site

This abbey is over 800 years old. The historic buildings have been restored, and today it's a place to visit and relax. The surrounding nature reserve houses a botanical garden …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Floating Chapel of Helshoven

Highlight • Monument

At the highest point of Helshoven, you can now enjoy a breathtaking view over the Haspengouw landscape. Artist Frits Jeuris has created a unique work of art from dozens of felled fruit trees from the area.

Showing Translation

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Schulensmeer

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful view of the size of the Schulens lake...

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Liège is 60 meters above sea level. Six locks bridge the difference in height with Antwerp. One of these locks is the Godsheide Lock, built after the construction of the …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Schulensmeer

Highlight • Lake

The lake is fed by water from the Demer. The Mangelbeek, the Zwarte Beek, the Herk, the Gete, the Velpe and the Begijnenbeek also flow in the same valley. The …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Nieuwerkerken.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Nieuwerkerken

Hiking around Nieuwerkerken

Running Trails around Nieuwerkerken

Cycling around Nieuwerkerken

Road Cycling Routes around Nieuwerkerken

Gravel biking around Nieuwerkerken

MTB Trails around Nieuwerkerken

Tips from the Community

VISITFLANDERS
May 26, 2026, Zwevende Kapel van Helshoven

At the highest point of Helshoven, you can now enjoy a breathtaking view over the Haspengouw landscape. Artist Frits Jeuris has created a unique work of art from dozens of felled fruit trees from the area. “Helsh(ea)ven”, a wooden work of art consisting of 90 standard cherry trees, each fifty years old, was hit by the cherry plague virus at the end of 2016, a contagious plant disease that causes small fruits on cherries. Now the felled trees are getting a second life. The work of art symbolizes the dynamic landscape of Haspengouw.

Translated by Google

2

0

Convenient for crossing. Very wide cycle path, no problem passing each other ;)

Translated by Google

0

0

The Schulensmeer is the largest inland lake in Flanders. Numerous benches invite you to take a break.

Translated by Google

5

0

You feel the peace here, especially when you're on the other side and can admire the horses and sheep nearby in the beautiful open countryside. I'll definitely come back here for a walk. Wonderful 😎

Translated by Google

1

0

Jeff S
August 15, 2025, Schulensmeer

Beautiful view of the size of the Schulens lake...

Translated by Google

7

0

Jeff S
August 15, 2025, Schulensmeer

Let your thoughts drift for a moment to the sight of the lake...

Translated by Google

10

0

In December 2021, De Langeman, a 200-meter-long, 6-meter-wide bicycle bridge, opened. The name De Langeman refers to the famous Hasselt giant, but also alludes to the physical characteristics of Hasselt's longest bridge.[3] The bridge is part of the F72 cycle highway, which changes banks there.

Translated by Google

6

0

Liège is 60 meters above sea level. Six locks bridge the difference in height with Antwerp. One of these locks is the Godsheide Lock, built after the construction of the Albert Canal between 1930 and 1938. The lock is 39.8 meters above sea level at its highest point and 29.7 meters at its lowest. Filling the 16-meter-deep lock requires 53,000 cubic meters of water, roughly equivalent to the volume of 17 Olympic swimming pools.

Translated by Google

5

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken and its surroundings offer several historical sites. The most popular is the Herkenrode Abbey Site, an over 800-year-old abbey with restored buildings and a botanical garden. You can also visit the historic Castle of Nieuwerkerken, dating back to 1648, and the unique Floating Chapel of Helshoven, an artwork made from cherrywood.

Are there any significant natural features or viewpoints in the area?

Yes, the region boasts several natural features and viewpoints. Schulensmeer is the largest inland lake in Flanders, offering beautiful views and benches for relaxation. The Floating Chapel of Helshoven is situated at 'De Galg', the highest point of Helshoven, providing breathtaking views of the Haspengouw landscape. The Bovy Estate also features a varied nature reserve with ponds, forests, and meadows.

What outdoor activities are available near Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken is excellent for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore numerous routes through orchards, fields, and nature reserves. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Nieuwerkerken, which include routes like the 'Unpaved Country Path – Vinnebeekstraat loop'. Road cyclists can find routes such as 'Schulensmeer – Houterenberg Climb loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Nieuwerkerken guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Nieuwerkerken?

Absolutely. The Herkenrode Abbey Site is considered family-friendly, offering a nature reserve and botanical garden to explore. The Bovy Estate – De Wijers is a 34-hectare hiking park with themed walks for families, ponds, and a playground. The Schulensmeer also provides a pleasant setting for family outings.

Can I go hiking around Nieuwerkerken?

Yes, Nieuwerkerken is a great starting point for hiking. The region offers numerous routes through picturesque landscapes, including hollow roads, orchards, and nature reserves. You can find various options in the Running Trails around Nieuwerkerken guide, which includes routes like the 'Kasteel van Nieuwerkerken loop' and the 'Nieuwenhoven Castle loop'.

What is the best time of year to visit Nieuwerkerken?

The fruit-growing region of Haspengouw, where Nieuwerkerken is located, is particularly beautiful during spring when the orchards are in blossom, offering picturesque landscapes. Autumn is also a great time for fruit picking and enjoying the harvest festivities. The natural parks and outdoor routes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover?

The Floating Chapel of Helshoven is a truly unique artwork and a hidden gem, made from dozens of felled cherry trees. The Bovy Estate – De Wijers, described as a 'pearl' in its simplicity, offers a miniature experience of the larger De Wijers area with its boardwalks over ponds and varied nature.

What is the significance of the fruit-growing region around Nieuwerkerken?

Nieuwerkerken is situated in the rich Haspengouw fruit-growing area, which defines much of its picturesque landscape. This region is known for its extensive orchards, fields, and meadows. Visitors can enjoy guided blossom walks in spring, fruit stories, apple juice tasting, and even pick their own apples during seasonal events, making it a vibrant agricultural and scenic area.

Where can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants near attractions?

The Bovy Estate – De Wijers features an atmospheric bistro and a sun-drenched terrace where you can enjoy refreshments. While specific cafes directly adjacent to every highlight are not listed, the municipality of Nieuwerkerken and nearby towns offer various dining options.

Is Nieuwerkerken suitable for dog-friendly walks?

While specific dog parks are not detailed, many of the natural areas and hiking trails around Nieuwerkerken are generally suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed. The expansive natural parks and fruit-growing landscapes offer plenty of space for outdoor strolls.

What is the 'De Wijers' area, and how can I experience it?

De Wijers is a unique natural landscape in Limburg, known for its more than 1000 ponds and rich cultural history. You can experience a miniature version of this area at the Bovy Estate – De Wijers, which is a 34-hectare park with ponds, forests, and meadows. It features boardwalks that guide you over and along the various ponds, allowing you to observe the diverse flora and fauna.

Most popular routes around Nieuwerkerken

Hiking around Nieuwerkerken

Most popular attractions around Nieuwerkerken

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

GenkAsOpglabbeekDiepenbeekZonhovenHalenTessenderloBeringenLummenZutendaalHerk-De-StadHeusden-ZolderSint-TruidenHamGingelomLeopoldsburgAlbert CanalVlaams Natuurreservaat De TeutNatuurgebied GerhagenNatuurreservaat De MatenVlaams Natuurreservaat MolenheideSchulensmeerRammelaarsVlaams Natuurreservaat Helderbeek-TerrilNatuurreservaat Vallei Van De Zwarte Beek - Beringen

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Herk-De-Stad

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy