Belgium, a small European country, is known for many things, including wellness hotels, waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer—in fact, it’s home to 6 out of the 11 Trappist breweries in the world. But that’s not all there is about this place. It also features historical sites, forested hills of untamed beauty, palaces, cathedrals, monasteries, and glamping spots. And talking about monasteries, this country has lots of them, which form a significant aspect of its beer culture. Lots of these abbeys have monks or nuns that focus their daily lives on work, meditation, and prayers. Many of them operate or manage breweries, cheese plants, and other ventures for the benefit of the movement and the community. So whether you are looking for a serene place for some intimate time or you wish to savor a variety of craft beers, below are amazing monasteries to visit In Belgium.
1. Villers Abbey
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This monastery, set in Villers-la-Ville, Belgium, epitomizes nine centuries of monastic history. Established in 1146 by Gauthier de Marbais, it thrived under Saint Bernard, evolving architecturally over the eras. Despite facing invasions and the ravages of the French Revolution, its ruins remain captivating. Once a Cistercian powerhouse, today it stands as a testament to resilience, drawing history enthusiasts and romantics alike. This timeless site offers not just historical insights but also a plethora of contemporary activities.
Villers Abbey
Address: Rue de l'Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville, Belgium
Website: Villers Abbey
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
2. Tongerlo Abbey
Tongerlo Abbey, nestled in Belgium offers a captivating glimpse into the pages of history. Established in 1130 by the Prémontré canons it seamlessly combines architecture with a sense of spirituality. As you stroll beneath the Gothic gatehouse you’ll be mesmerized by the design of the abbot’s residence crafted by Willem Ignatius Kerrickx. Every intricate detail of the Bisschopshuis will enthrall you.
As you stand within the neo-Gothic Abbey Church beholding da Vinci’s replica masterpiece “The Last Supper ” you’ll be deeply touched by the essence that permeates this sacred place.
Tongerlo Abbey
Address: Abdijstraat 40, 2260 Westerlo, Belgium
Website: Tongerlo Abbey
3. Orval Abbey, Florenville
This historical Trappist monastery in Belgium, set near the French border in Wallonia, was first completed in 1132 through the community’s donations from its iron-mining treasures. Throughout history, Orval Abbey has been destroyed by wars and fires. But the most devastating calamity that left the site ruined for over a century happened during the French Revolution in 1793. Then it was stunningly updated by Henri Vaes, and religious routines were fully restored in 1927. Nowadays, this place, surrounded by a lush forest, is home to tradition and tranquility. It is also famous for its Trappist beer factory, museum bakery, and cheese factory.
Orval Abbey
Address: Orval 1, 6823 Florenville, Belgium
Website: Orval Abbey
Opening hours: 10:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
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4. Abbey of Trappists Westmalle
This 19th-century abbey, also called Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Heart of Westmalle, was established in 1794 by Trappist monks who live by the code of work and prayer. You can join the daily prayer sessions in the morning, afternoon, and evening or even spend some days meditating and connecting to God. This Trappist brewery in Belgium runs a cheese factory and brews quality Trappist beers, including tripel, dubbel, and extra, which you can purchase at the gate. The monks cover their living expenses, and earnings from the ventures are channeled toward the cause of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, at home and abroad.
Abbey of Trappists Westmalle
Address: Antwerpsesteenweg 496/N12, 2390 Malle, Belgium
Website: Abbey of Trappists Westmalle
Belgium Tour Guide
Miriam Meda
I inspire and help you on your trips to Belgium with my project, Curiositas Mundus. My goal is to avoid you any surprises once you land in this beautiful and small country. Traveling with kids? No problem. Are you a high school teacher preparing for your next study trip? No worries. Families? Friends? Solo travel? VIP? Companies? Universities? Lost souls? Restless minds? Physical challenges or difficulties? All of you are welcome! My specialty is the preparation of tours all over the country. I can guide you through the Belgian streets, museums, bars, chocolate paradises and other places of interest. I want my services to be cultural, responsible, and engaged with the local people. I already have ideas to improve that relationship tourists-inhabitants and to work also with local non-profit associations and businesses :-) In a more personal way, but also related to this nice job of guiding strangers from all over the world, I am a crazy learner of history (especially European history), art, literature, comics (long life to Marvel), languages (you can contact me in English, French, Spanish or Dutch; now I am trying to learn Japanese), philosophy, sociology, politics, videogames and so on! Above all, I have tons of curiosity about everything that surronds me.
5. Scourmont Abbey
This monastery, offering unique monastery stays in Belgium has its origin in 1850, when some monks settled in Scourmont, some 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Chimay, and started a movement. They established a cheese plant, a brewery that now produces the popular Trappiste de Chimay beer, and a farm. Entry into the brewery is not allowed, but you can have a quiet time in the church premises, walk around the serene and beautiful forest, or even explore the interactive exhibitions dedicated to the production of cheeses and beers. To spend more time around, you can book a stay in the accommodation on-site.
Scourmont Abbey
Address: Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont, 6464 Chimay, Belgium
Website: Scourmont Abbey
6. Abdij van Grimbergen
Abdij van Grimbergen was established in the 12th century by Saint Norbert, and it’s known to be the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the country. Throughout history, this site was demolished by natural and man-made disasters, including the French Revolution, when everything was burned down. The abbey has been reestablished many times from ruins throughout its existence, except the brewery. Today, you can have an intimate time in the beautifully decorated St. Servaas Basilica and also check out the beer museum and other beautiful structures. The Grimbergen dubbel and tripel beers are now produced in Alken Brewery, away from this serene site.
Abdij van Grimbergen
Address: Kerkplein 1, 1850 Grimbergen, Belgium
Website: Abdij van Grimbergen
Tip from tour guide
If you're a beer lover, then you must make a pilgrimage to the brewery of the Abdij van Grimbergen. This historic brewery, nestled within the walls of the ancient monastery, produces some of the most delicious beers you'll ever have the pleasure of tasting. The monks here have been perfecting their brewing techniques for centuries, and their dedication to quality is evident in every sip.
The range of beers available at the brewery is truly impressive. Whether you prefer a light and crisp lager or a full-bodied and malty dubbel, you'll find it here. One of their standout offerings is the Grimbergen Blonde, a golden ale with notes of citrus and spice. It's a perfect beer for sipping on a sunny day and pairs beautifully with a variety of foods.
So, if you find yourself in Belgium, make sure to add the Grimbergen brewery to your itinerary. With its delicious beers, fascinating history, and warm hospitality, it's an experience you won't want to miss.
7. Maredsous Abbey, Anhée
Maredsous Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in 1897, and it’s set amid the beauty-endowed Molignée Valley. Considered one of the most magnificent and serene places in the country, it offers tours to explore its cheese dairy museum, the ceramics workshops, the beautiful garden, the neo-Gothic architectural buildings, and much more. This abbey provides you with a calm atmosphere to meditate and have a leisurely stroll. If you get hungry, you can drop by the Saint-Joseph cafeteria for some delightful treats. There is even a free playground for your kids and a souvenir shop here.
Maredsous Abbey
Address: Rue de Maredsous 11, 5537 Denée, Belgium
Website: Maredsous Abbey
8. Park Abbey, Leuven
This abbey is not all about sightseeing and meditation. It has a world of attractions and activities to do for a whole day—or maybe even a week. The site, set in the southeastern region of Leuven, was founded in the early 12th century and used to be a Norbertine abbey. No other structure was erected after 1730, and most of the buildings here were built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Aside from relishing the relaxed and quiet atmosphere, you can hike, cycle, or take a stroll amid nature on the many paths. You can also enjoy a picnic around the ponds. If you love music, then hit this place every Wednesday evening for some live performances on the Peace carillon.
Park Abbey
Address: Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Website: Park Abbey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Klaarland Priory, Bocholt
Unlike the other abbeys in Belgium that are mostly run by monks, Klaarland Priory is managed by 16 nuns. This Trappist community governs the lives of its residents based on three principles—manual work, reading, and prayer. The church, which started in 1970, is set in a beautiful landscape among woodlands and meadows, close to the Dutch border in East Belgium, perfect for enjoying the scenery and meditation. The nuns have established several small businesses over the years to support the movement, including making greeting cards, massage oils, and candles. Nowadays, they focus on making flavorful jams with sugar, fruit, and more but with no additives. There is also a small women-only guesthouse here.
Klaarland Priory
Address: Vosheuvelstraat 39, 3950 Bocholt, Belgium
Website: Klaarland Priory
10. Chevetogne Monastery
This beautiful monastery set in the rural Ardennes Forest was established in the early 20th century to bridge the divisions between different church denominations. Although this monastery focuses on Orthodox and Roman Catholic teachings, it creates an open atmosphere for everyone to pray and meditate. You can choose to pray either in the well-lighted Latin church with beautiful icons on the wall or the smaller, older Byzantine church, which features stunning frescoes and resonant Gregorian singing. Also on-site is the abbey’s guesthouse. Note that the hilly landscape here is perfect for hiking
Chevetogne Monastery
Address: Rue Monastère 65, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
Website: Chevetogne Monastery
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu & Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Wed, Fri & Sun)
11. Abbey Notre-Dame du Val-Dieu, Aubel
This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1216, and it is set in the beautiful heart of the Herve countryside in East Belgium. Aside from the peaceful atmosphere, this monastery also provides guided tours from Monday to Saturday, wherein you can get enlightened about its history and the brewery. Its location on Valley of God, which was once called Valley of the Devil, allows you to explore beautiful villages, farms, meadows, hedges, and more. Furthermore, you can dine at the on-site Le Casse-Croûte while here.
Abbey Notre-Dame du Val-Dieu
Address: Val Dieu 227, 4880 Aubel, Belgium
Website: Abbey Notre-Dame du Val-Dieu
Opening hours: 7:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
12. Keizersberg Abbey
This Benedictine monastery is one of the most popular in the university town of Leuven. It is perched on Mont César and features a surrounding wall, making it look like a medieval fortress. Within, you will find a large sanctuary and public gardens, with awe-inspiring vistas of the city. Note that a section of the place is used as students’ accommodation. Indeed this delightful site is perfect for enjoying quiet time, meditating, and marveling at the beautiful surroundings.
Keizersberg Abbey
Address: Mechelsestraat 202, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Website: Keizersberg Abbey
Tap into the lives of Belgium's monks and nuns
Your journey around the Belgian hotels and abbeys in this country is bound to be fascinating—from the abundance of natural scenery to peaceful places dedicated to prayer and meditation, not to mention the impressive history of each. So go ahead and tap into the lives of monks and nuns in any of these fantastic monasteries to visit in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions about monasteries to visit in Belgium
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