Grimbergen Abbey
Grimbergen Abbey is an active Premonstratensian abbey that has existed on the same site since 1128. The baroque Saint Servatius Basilica, the monastic buildings, and the adjoining brewery form an impressive ensemble just north of Brussels. The abbey is also famous for its renowned Grimbergen beers, the production of which recently returned to the grounds themselves with a modern monastic brewery.
Accessibility is partial. The basilica has several steps at the main entrance, but a side entrance with a ramp is available on request. The interior of the basilica is largely level on the ground floor and offers an impressive view of the baroque confessionals and altarpieces. The visitor centre and the brewery are modern buildings with full wheelchair accessibility, including an adapted toilet and lift.
The abbey grounds have a large car park with disabled parking spaces. A museum, garden, and hospitality venues surround the abbey, generally accessible via level paths. The princes' chapel and some historic rooms in the abbey itself remain limited in accessibility due to stairs. A visit can be combined with the nearby Prinsenbos and the Liermolen, which offer partly accessible walking paths.
Good to know
- Reservation
- The basilica is freely accessible during opening hours; for an abbey tour or a brewery visit, book in advance via the abbey website.
- Busy and quiet times
- Sunday mornings during services and the Saint Servatius fair in May are busiest; Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are usually very quiet.
- Things to note
- The main entrance to the basilica has several steps, so on arrival ask explicitly for the side entrance with a ramp; some historic rooms remain limited in access due to stairs.
- Visit tip
- Plan your visit to the basilica and the brewery as a loop, since the brewery section is fully step-free and ends with a tasting.