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Our Challenge
We are Jens and Lander. Two guys in our early twenties who are on a mission to visit all 581 municipalities in Belgium. Our starting day is the first of November 2023.
Environment and Community
For the third municipality we went to Herentals. Herentals is one of the 134 cities in Belgium. The city goes under the postal code 2200 as well as the sub-municipalities Noorderwijk and Morkhoven. The municipality is located in the province of Antwerpen and is therefore a part of the 'Kempen'. With 28,575 inhabitants, Herentals is 92nd in the ranking of most inhabitants per municipality in Belgium. These residents are given the nicknames "Klokkenververs" and "Peestekers". This last name comes from a legend. A gatekeeper ,who could no longer find the key of the citygate when an enemy army attacked, had no better option than lock the city cate with a large carrot. Which is called a 'pee' in the Kempen dialect.
History and Must sees
Herentals it's origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The Le Paige Castle is a great example of an 18th-century architecture. Nowadays it's an open-air church where several worship services are held every year. The Sint-Waltrudus Chuch, which is located in the heart of the city, was built in Gothic style and dates from the 14th century. The tower has a height of 33 meters. Herentals also has, with the Beguinage, a UNESCO Wold Heritage area. It was founded in 1266, but during the Eighty Years' War it was demolished. Luckily the Beguinage was rebuilt in 1590. Since then only a few builidings are restored.
In the local museum 'De Zellebergen' you can gain a deeper understanding of the local history and evolution of this city. Finally, there is also a viewpoint. The Toeristentoren, made of wood, is located deep in the forests of Herentals. From the top of the tower you can see hundreds of kilometers away. The tower has 112 steps and is 24 meters high.
Several rivers run in and around the municipality. The 'aa' forms the border with Poederlee in the north and the 'wimp' does this in the south with Wiekevorst. The Kleine Nete flows in Herentals itself, where you can go kayaking in the summer months. Finally, the Albert Canal, which later flows into the Schelde, also runs through Herentals.
Exploring Suburbs
Herentals stretches across the sub-municipalities of Noorderwijk and Morkhoven. In both places you can find a lot of greenery, perfect for walking and cycling. In Noorderwijk you can find a huge golf court called Witbos, which is integrated in our video below. We have uploaded a separate video for Morkhoven on our social media channels, because it's an annual tradition to transform the church into a light show during the winter period. An entire walk is dedicated to this theme. Such walks occur more often within the municipality as these are also regularly organized in Noorderwijk and Herentals.
Discovering Herentals
Recommendations:
Beguinage walk "3km"
Explore the historic Beguinage with its charming streets and green surroundings. Uncover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you stroll through peaceful pathways.
Netepark route "5km"
Enjoy the beauty of Herentals with this route around Netepark. Along the Nete, this walk offers a blend of greenery and water, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Herentals city walk "4km"
Discover the city center of Herentals and visit historical landmarks such as the Sint-Waltrudus Church and the Grote Markt. This walk combines culture with the vibrancy of city life.
Toeristentoren walk "2-5km"
Start your walk from a random, central location in Herentals. Inquire at the local tourist office or check online maps for directions to the Toeristentoren.
These walks vary in distance and provide diverse experiences, whether you're interested in history, nature, or the lively atmosphere of the city. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy all the beauty Herentals has to offer!
Regional Products
Regional beers: Baskwadder, Bast
Belgian saffron
Conclusion
Herentals is a destination not to be missed. Let yourself be enchanted by history, discover the suburbs, admire the eyecatchers, and experience the warm hospitality of this exceptional municipality. Herentals is more than just a spot on the map; the mix of old buildings and beautiful nature provides a good balance.
Interesting content?
Don't forget to check out our other discoveries.
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