De Achelse Kluis Abbey

In 1686, Petrus van Eynatten from Eindhoven founded a community of hermits here, after which the convent flourished and expanded for more than a century, including the construction of a chapel. In 1871 the Kluis, initially a priory, was upgraded to an abbey and has since then been called the Saint Benedictus-Abbey. 95% of the convent buildings of the abbey today are located in Belgium. During both world wars, it was very convenient to have the border crossing within the walls of the abbey. The last friar left the abbey in 2020.

It is the starting point for a wonderful walking or cycling trip through the Leenderbos, the Groote Heide or the Beverbeekse Heide. From here, you can also easily reach the charming town of Hamont-Achel.