Zichem

Once, the place Zichem, the birthplace of Ernest Claes, had town rights. The Zichem writer created well-known characters such as the Witten, Farmer Coene, Mother Cent, Pastor Munte, and other 'Lords of Zichem'. The Demerbeek and the Norbertines of Averbode are also discussed in detail in his books. During this walk, you will climb the Voortberg, a challenging task, and on the way back, you will visit the birthplace of Ernest Claes.
DEPARTURE POINT
You can reach the Church of Zichem by leaving the E314 at exit 23-Tielt-Winge and following Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. On the N2, continue in the same direction, and at the first roundabout in the center of Scherpenheuvel, take the left towards Zichem. After 2 km, take a slight right at the Zichem roundabout towards Zichem-Center behind the church.
PARKING
Market of Zichem.
TYPE OF ROAD
Earth and forest paths, asphalt mainly at the end.
ACCESSIBILITY
Possible for strollers and accompanied wheelchairs on the short route with a variant. After rainy weather, the route between Zichem and Testelt is impassable for wheelchairs and strollers.
INFORMATION
Tourism Scherpenheuvel-Zichem: Basilieklaan 16, 3271 Zichem, Tel. 013 77 20 81, Fax 013 78 25 54, toerisme.scherpenheuvel-zichem@belgacom.net.
FOOD & DRINK
-Some cafés at the market of Zichem such as Herren von Zichem and Oep de Met.
-Restaurant-Taverne Rutgerhof: Voort 86, 3272 Testelt, Tel. 013 77 86 95, www.rutgerhof.be, closed Mon.-Tue.
-Several dining options in Averbode on Westelse Baan. Quieter is the Hotel-Restaurant Sint-Norbertus: Prins de Merodelaan 1, 3271 Averbode, Tel. 013 77 10 67, closed Thu.-Fri.