Alchemy has been a blend of early science and philosophy for ages. While people long ago yearned for a way to turn common metals like lead into precious ones like gold, the more practical among them mastered the art of transforming simple ingredients like grapes or barley into fine beverages like wine and beer.
It might seem like magic that Trappist monasteries in Belgium are famous for their beer or that the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon invented champagne. Maybe it just required time, patience, and clean water, which many monasteries had in abundance.
Belgium offers numerous excellent Trappist and abbey beers. During our month-long stay in southern Belgium, we visited several abbeys and sampled their beers. Our beer adventure resulted in a detailed map, useful information, and an open invitation for you to create your own Belgian beer journey. If you’re in Brussels, don’t miss our guide to Beer in Brussels.
Here’s our selection of must-visit Trappist or Abbey beer locations, where you can experience the genuine brewing traditions and even get a taste:
Trappist beers:
Chimay
Chimay might be the name you know, but the beer comes from Scourmont Abbey. Founded in 1850 by monks from Westvleteren Abbey, it took many years of hard work before they could brew their own beer by 1862. Despite setbacks like the destruction of their brewery during World War II, the monks rebuilt it. Today, all Chimay Trappist beers stem from a yeast developed by Father Theodore in 1948. Although the abbey itself is open to visitors, the brewery is off-limits. However, you can sample and buy Chimay beer and cheese at the nearby Espace Chimay, along with local food.
Orval
The history of Abbaye d’Orval is one of endurance and rebuilding. It began with Italian monks in 1070, followed by Cistercian monks in 1132. Despite being ravaged by fire and war multiple times, the abbey was rebuilt each time, the last major reconstruction starting in 1926. Orval was the first Trappist beer widely sold in Belgium from 1932. While the ruins and an interactive museum are open to the public, the monastery and brewery are not. You can still buy Orval beer and cheese at their shop.
Rochefort
Founded in 1230 for Cistercian nuns, l’Abbaye Saint-Remy de Rochefort transitioned to a monks’ order in 1464. Triumphing over war and destruction, a brewery was established around 1595. After facing closure during the French Revolution, the abbey was revived by Trappist monks from Achel in 1887. Although the brewery, rebuilt after a 2010 fire, is off-limits, the abbey church and a small hotel are open to visitors.
Abbey beers:
Abbaye de Brogne
Established in 919 by Gerard Brogne, the Abbey of Saint-Gérard Brogne began as a modest site and grew into a pilgrimage destination. After its destruction in 1525, the Abbey was rebuilt in 1743. Since 1974, the site has been owned by the town of Mettet. A new microbrewery, Abbaye de Brogne, started in 2013. Currently, the brew is hard to find locally, and the brewery is not open to the public.
Floreffe
Founded in 1121 by Norbertines, the Abbey of Floreffe saw significant prosperity. Although it was besieged several times and abandoned during the French Revolution, it was restored in 1960 and now produces abbey beers by Lefebvre Brewery. You can explore the abbey for free or pay for guided tours in the summer. The old mill-brewery has been turned into a restaurant, where you can taste and buy their beer.
Leffe
Established in 1152 by Norbertines, the Abbey of Leffe faced destruction and rebuilding several times due to natural disasters and wars. Beer production resumed in 1952 through a partnership with Lootvoet Brewery. Today, Leffe beers are brewed by Stella Artois but follow the original recipe. The abbey is still active, and visitors can tour it on weekends. For a beer experience, visit Maison Leffe across the river, where 7€ grants you museum access, a beer sample, and a gift.
Maredsous
Built in 1872, Maredsous Abbey is home to around 30 monks who follow Saint Benedict’s rules. Though beer brewing moved to Duvel Brewery in 1963, the abbey still offers a rich visit experience with guided tours, a restaurant, and a cafeteria where you can enjoy the beer and cheese made on-site.
Val-Dieu
Celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2016, the Abbaye du Val-Dieu has survived numerous challenging periods. Today, the beautiful location attracts many visitors. In 1997, a new brewery was established on the site, continuing the brewing tradition. The abbey offers guided tours, including a brewery tour, and has a shop selling tickets, beer, cheese, and cider.
For more in-depth information, check out reputable sources like Belgian Beers on Wikipedia, Belgium Beer Tourism, and Visit Belgium’s Beer website. If you’re planning a trip, consider our guides to hiking, biking, and visiting castles in Belgium for a well-rounded experience.
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