There are dozens of Lourdes caves in our province, but it sometimes takes a bit of searching to find them. This route takes you past three hidden caves in the Kempen, and along the way, we will also treat you to some other surprising spots.

If you see an abbey, a Lourdes cave is often not far away. Such is the case in Tongerlo, where we start this journey. We came here by bicycle. If you live a bit further away, you can easily park at the entrance of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Abbey.

The Lourdes cave is located to the right of the abbey walls. From the parking lot, we bike slightly to the right in front of the abbey and then take the gravel path to the left. (HP1) When we visit the cave, Louis Verwimp (77) is sweeping leaves together. He has been a volunteer here for many years. “Once a week, I clean the benches and the ground; we wouldn’t want anyone to fall.”

Karel has just arrived by bike, accompanied by his dog Renzo. He says a little prayer for Mary. “I used to be an unbeliever until I passed through Lourdes on a cycling trip almost 30 years ago and decided to take a look at the cave out of curiosity. I still can’t explain it, but since then, I see the world differently.”

When Karel and his dog leave, we continue our journey as well. After passing the cave, we take the gravel path to the left and cycle along the abbey walls to Oevelse Dreef. Here, you will see a sign pointing towards junction 70.

For the next cave, it’s a bit of a ride until Westmeerbeek. At junction 94 (near fishing club De Poër), we don’t turn off towards junction 94 just yet but continue straight ahead (towards junction 7). In Stationsstraat, we turn right and then immediately left again (Plantsoenenstraat). Just when you think you might have ended up on the wrong street – that’s the feeling we had – you’ll find a hidden Lourdes cave right at the end. (HP2)

On our way to our last cave, we come across many beautiful sights, such as the church ruin at the St. Michael's Church in Westmeerbeek (between junction 94 and 92). This ruin is the remnant of a church made of iron sandstone that stood here in the 15th century. In the past, the ruin was overgrown with plants; in recent years, it has been restored so you can see the remains well today.

Once out of the center of Westmeerbeek, we find ourselves in the greenery. Nature reserve Goor-Asbroek feels almost cinematic, with its narrow cycling and walking paths amid marshy areas. These are said to be very popular with lizards, frogs, and salamanders, though we were unfortunate not to spot any.

Between junctions 88 and 84, our route leads us to the last Lourdes cave (HP 3). No one is in sight here, but there are nice decorations on the fence. Remnants of a recent celebration of ’t Grotteke, as this prayer place is colloquially known.

Before we return to Tongerlo, we stop at the border of Herselt and Westerlo, briefly exploring the area around Castle de Merode. As if it were planned, we run into ‘Het Trammeke’ connoisseur Paul Degrève. “I walk here almost every day. If I see people standing on the bridge, I’m happy to give them a word of explanation,” he smiles.

And thus, we learn that Het Trammeke is an old mobile dam on the Grote Nete. “It was built at the end of the 19th century to raise the water level so that the water from the Grote Nete would overflow and irrigate the surrounding farmland.”

Since 1999, the Trammeke has been an industrial archaeological monument. “Back then, it was just sad and overgrown,” Paul shows on an old photo. In 2025, it was restored to its full glory. “During Open Monument Day in September, we will hold demonstrations again.”

Thanks for the tip, Paul! Now back on the bike from the trammeke for the final stretch towards Tongerlo.