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Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Ernest Claes House

Highlight • Historical Site

Ernest Claes House

Recommended by 20 hikers

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    1. Observation tower – Demerbroeken Nature Reserve loop from Testelt

    9.16km

    02:20

    30m

    30m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    February 5, 2024

    Zichem is a popular destination for many walkers, as most people know, and of course there is also a walk in the footsteps of De Witte, the Zichemse bengel and at the same time the most famous book by Ernest Claes. Claes, who once worked in the former printing house of Averbode, was born in Zichem in 1885 in a Kempen farm, which is still there and can therefore be visited here. I was a bit surprised that the house had not yet been designated as a highlight for pedestrians because it is a special place. It is located on a busier road, but it is not that far from Diest station. And especially if you stand at the small parking lot with access to the Demerbroeken, it is really not far. Moreover, you can view some older mansions in those few minutes. Huize Ernest Claes has been a museum since the year I was born and at the location - where you can picnic in the garden - you will also find the visitor center of Natuurpunt for the Demerbroeken. And when you look at the chapel in the front garden, remember that that tree was planted by Claes' father. Check the opening hours if you want to go inside. And otherwise it is also special to play your "bokes" here at the back of the garden :) schepenheuvel-zichem.be/zien-en-doen/trekplaces/huize-ernest-claes

    Translated by Google •

      May 13, 2024

      Huize Ernest Claes, located in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, is the former home of the Flemish writer Ernest Claes. The house, where Claes was born in 1885, has been used as a museum since 1967. Inside you will find a living room, cellar and back house, where you can discover life in the countryside during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You will also learn more about the work of the writer who taught the Flemish people to read. The annexed part of the house offers an overview of his publications. Outside the museum you can enjoy the Demerbroeken, an adjacent nature reserve from which Claes often drew inspiration for his books.

      Translated by Google •

        February 23, 2025

        "Nest" for the neighbors, which made the white one a well-known figure...

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 60 m

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          Sunday 9 November

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          Location: Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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          Demerbroeken Nature Reserve

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