Herentals Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to Herentals, a charming town in Antwerp, Belgium, with useful information on must-see attractions, outdoor activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture, getting there and around, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Herentals

Nestled in Antwerp province, in the Flemish region of Belgium, Herentals is a quaint town that boasts picturesque streets, historic buildings, and a charming atmosphere. This town is particularly ideal for travelers who are looking to have a peaceful and relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Herentals

Herentals offers a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers, such as:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • (1) Herentals Begijnhof Museum, a 16th-century compound of buildings and communal gardens originally built for lay religious women known as Beguines.
  • (2) Herentals Castle, a beautiful structure from the 14th century, which served as a residence for the aristocracy throughout the years, now it is a wedding venue and tourist site.
  • (3) St. Waldetrudis Church, a fascinating religious monument that boasts several wonderful 15th-century stained-glass windows, it was also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Natural Attractions of Herentals: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • (1) De Averegten, a stunning natural park filled with a variety trees, bushes, and flowers. Visitors can take lovely walks along winding trails, stop to enjoy a picnic, grills, or go on a horseback ride.
  • (2) Albien trail, a spectacular route through the beautiful and peaceful forest. You can walk or cycle along rivers, fields of flowers and ancient orchards, stunning waterfalls, a must-visit place for nature enthusiasts.
  • (3) The Mill Museum, where visitors can learn about the town’s millers and enjoy beautiful views of Herentals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Herentals

Herentals offers an abundance of beautiful routes, perfect for hiking and biking, such as:

  • (1) The Herentals-Mol route, a picturesque 25 km route that begins in the town and in several areas takes you through the beautiful Het Goor natural area to Mol, a small town in Antwerp, then back to Herentals.
  • (2) The Kempense Lake route, an incredibly scenic 30 km route that takes you through the stunning “Land of Thousand Lakes” region, where you can admire the natural beauty of the area and enjoy refreshing stops while passing beautiful villages, herbs gardens, and friendly locals.

Best Things to Do in Herentals: Activities and Tours

  • (1) Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Begijnhof, where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the architecture of the buildings.
  • (2) Go to the nearby city of Antwerp, which is just a 30-minute drive or train ride away.
  • (3) Take part in the many sports activities that Herentals offers, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, golf and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Herentals

Herentals is a must-visit destination on any Belgian itinerary, and to make your visit memorable, refer to this itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrival and exploring the town center
2 Visit to the Herentals Begijnhof Museum and St. Waldetrudis Church
3 Hiking or biking the Herentals-Mol route
4 Visit to Herentals Castle and Mill Museum
5 Exploration of De Averegten’s natural park
6 Take a day trip to Antwerp
7 Relax and enjoy Herentals’s splendid culture and atmosphere

Food and Drink Scene of Herentals

The food and drink scene of Herentals is a must-visit for travelers. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • (1) Stoemp, which is mashed potatoes with either cooked vegetables or meat.
  • (2) Flemish beef stew, which is a flavorful dish that is typically made with beer, beef, and carrots.
  • (3) Waterzooi, which is a creamy soup that is typically made with chicken or fish.

Local Beverages

  • (1) Belgian beer, which is famous for its quality and variety.
  • (2) Belgian chocolate, renowned the world over for its exquisite taste and texture.
  • (3) Jenever (Gin-like liquor), a local liquor that is distilled from grains, and served in tall narrow glasses.

Where to Stay in Herentals: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Herentals has numerous options for your stay, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel or a quaint guesthouse, Herentals has a vast range of options to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. Here are some of the top-recommended options:

  • (1) Lodge De Waterkant, a cozy and comfortable bed and breakfast situated in the heart of Herentals, surrounded by stunning views from the river Herentalse Nete.
  • (2) Corbie Hotel Herentals, an elegant and luxurious hotel located right in the town’s center with fantastic views of the Tower of the Holy Spirit.
  • (3) Bed and Breakfast De Gulle Beemden, offering a peaceful time, the perfect accommodation for nature lovers who want to relax and unwind in a typical Flemish setting.

What to Buy in Herentals: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When you visit Herentals, you can bring home with you some of the fantastic souvenirs the town offers, such as:

  • (1) Chocolates from local Belgian Chocolate Shop, which is one of the best places to find high-quality chocolates in Herentals.
  • (2) Beer from one of the region’s famous breweries, is a must-try souvenir to take back home.
  • (3) Horse-related souvenirs and crafts as Herentals is known for horse riding and is celebrating it in the area with horse rides to the center and the small shops selling related souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Herentals

Herentals has a rich history and a distinctive culture, and the locals are proud to share it with visitors. Here are some of the unique customs and traditions of Herentals:

  • (1) Herentals Horse Week, a yearly festival in August, where the locals celebrate their love of horses with horse racing, riding, and parade.
  • (2) Annual Carnival, a festival that takes place before Lent each year, where locals dress up in costumes and enjoy music, parades, and entertainment.
  • (3) Sunday markets in the center of the town where locals gather to get fresh vegetables, fruits, flower arrangements, and local products.

Best Time to Visit Herentals

The best time to visit Herentals is from May to September when the weather is warm, and the town is bustling with life. This time is perfect for outdoor activities, exploring local festivals and markets, and relaxing in natural parks.

Do’s and Don’ts of Herentals

Do:

  • (1) Explore the unique history and culture of the town by visiting museums and traditional festivals.
  • (2) Try the local cuisine and beverages, such as Belgian beer and chocolate.
  • (3) Enjoy hiking and cycling to some of the many beautiful trails throughout the town.

Don’t:

  • (1) Don’t forget to be respectful of the local customs and culture.
  • (2) Don’t litter or damage the historical monuments or natural parks.
  • (3) Don’t forget to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending traditional festivals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Herentals

Herentals is a very safe town, with little to no reports of crime, although tourists should still take precautions, such as keeping their valuables secure and being cautious with strangers.

Health in Herentals

Herentals has many medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. Tourists are encouraged to get travel insurance before visiting the town and have all necessary vaccines before traveling.

Getting to Herentals: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Herentals

The closest airport to Herentals is Antwerp International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Other airports in the region are Brussels and Charleroi.

Bus Stations Near Herentals

Herentals is well connected to the Belgian transportation network via train and bus. The nearest bus station is Herentals train station, offering easy access for every traveler.

Other Options

Travelers can also get to Herentals via taxi, private car, or bike. Bike rental shops are also available in and around the town.

How to Get Around in Herentals

Herentals is a small town, and it is easy to get around on foot. Bicycles and rentals are available at many shops to enjoy the wonderful surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Herentals: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Herentals is a perfect starting point for exploring other nearby destinations, such as:

  • (1) Antwerp, a must-visit city with rich cultural heritage, served by good transportation system.
  • (2) Turnhout, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant charm, a nearby tucked-away Gem.
  • (3) Mechelen, a city with a rich historical background, beautiful museums, and a lively cultural scene.

Conclusion

Herentals is a town filled with charming streets, rich culture, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, outdoor activities, or relaxation, Herentals has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help you make the most of your trip and enjoy the unforgettable experience of visiting this charming Belgian town.