The Abbey of Herkenrode in Hasselt was founded in the 12th century. Herkenrode was a very prosperous abbey, reaching a pinnacle of prestige and influence in the 16th century. In the 17 century the abbey was discontinued and sold. The buildings and surrounding landscape have been bought and restored by the Flemisch government. The Herkenrode domain has become now a lovely landscape, ideal for bikers and walkers.