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Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Ernest Claes House

Scherpenheuvel-Zichem

Ernest Claes House

Highlight • Historical Site

Ernest Claes House

Name: Ernest Claes House
Rating: 2

Recommended by 20 hikers

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

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Best Hikes to Ernest Claes House

4.6

(11)

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1. Observation tower – Demerbroeken Nature Reserve loop from Testelt

9.16km

02:20

30m

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

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Intermediate

4.1

(16)

hikers

2. Averbode Abbey – Market Square, Diest loop from Averbode

25.7km

06:37

130m

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

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Expert

4.4

(10)

hikers

3. Demerbroeken Nature Reserve – The Demerbroeken Nature Reserve loop from Averbode

11.5km

02:57

50m

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

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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

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Willem VS

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.

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Jeff S

February 23, 2025

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

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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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Bottesvijver / Voetweg 153

Ernest Claes House

1. Observation tower – Demerbroeken Nature Reserve loop from Testelt

2. Averbode Abbey – Market Square, Diest loop from Averbode

3. Demerbroeken Nature Reserve – The Demerbroeken Nature Reserve loop from Averbode

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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