Lekdreef Averbode

Walkers, cyclists, locals, tourists, along the avenue by the abbey gate there's a cheerful procession of people coming to buy ice cream from one of the ice cream carts. “As a child, we often came here to lick a cone. The ice cream carts are known for their large scoops,” winks Jochen.

The fact that there is a lot of licking going on here is not a recent phenomenon: ice cream has been sold at this location since 1928. Averbode was already a well-known pilgrimage site and the last stop on the way to Scherpenheuvel. “Until a few years ago, you could still drive your car in the Lekdreef, as it’s commonly called here. Back then, you often had to eat your ice cream in a cloud of dust, but now it has thankfully been made car-free.”

Those who still have energy left can take their ice cream in hand and ascend via a monumental staircase to the neo-Gothic Coronation Chapel on top of the Kijkuit hill.

GVA - Gazet van Antwerpen