Orval Abbey
Orval Abbey, located in the south of Luxembourg province near Villers-devant-Orval, is one of Belgium's most iconic religious sites. Founded in 1132, the abbey is famous for its Trappist beer, cheese and the picturesque ruins of the medieval abbey church. The estate combines the serene atmosphere of a working Cistercian abbey with an open visitor area that traces the history of the order and the brewing tradition.
Accessibility at Orval Abbey is partial. The visitor areas and museum hall are largely accessible, but the historic ruins are situated on uneven terrain with cobblestones and grass paths, making wheelchair navigation challenging. Adapted toilets are available at the reception building. The entrance to the visitor section has some thresholds that can be managed with assistance. It is advisable to bring a companion if you wish to visit the ruins.
The abbey is accessible via the N88 and lies approximately two and a half hours' drive from Brussels. A spacious car park with PMR spaces is available. A visit to Orval is a special experience that brings together architecture, history, nature and gastronomy. After your visit, you can taste the famous Orval beer and abbey cheese at the on-site shop.
Good to know
- Reservation
- No reservation is needed for an individual visit to the visitor centre, museum and ruins; the working abbey and brewery are not open to the public.
- Busy and quiet times
- Summer weekends and public holidays are busiest, especially around mealtimes at the abbey inn; weekday mornings in the shoulder season are quieter.
- Things to note
- The ruins lie on semi-paved ground with gravel paths and grass, so a sturdy pushing companion is helpful; some passages between the ruined halls are narrow or have a slight threshold.
- Visit tip
- Start in the visitor centre and museum, and finish with a tasting of Orval beer and abbey cheese in the shop, which is fully accessible.
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