Westmalle Abbey
Westmalle Abbey is a Trappist abbey in the Antwerp Kempen region, famous for the world-renowned Trappist beers Westmalle Dubbel and Tripel. The abbey was founded in 1794 and is a genuine working community of Cistercians living in seclusion. The monastic grounds themselves are largely closed to the public, but there is a visitor centre with an accessible shop and café-restaurant on the other side of the road.
Accessibility in the public area is good. The Abdij van Westmalle café-restaurant across the street has a ramp, level terraces, and a large adapted toilet. Inside, the aisles are wide and there is ample manoeuvring space between the tables. The monastery and abbey buildings themselves are not accessible to visitors. The brewery can only be visited during rare guided tours and is then only partially accessible.
There is a large car park with disabled parking spaces next to the café. Walking paths run through the woods and avenues of the estate around the abbey; some main avenues are paved and suitable for a wheelchair walk. Westmalle combines a cultural and culinary visit with a relaxing nature experience on the green edge of Antwerp.
Good to know
- Reservation
- The abbey itself can only be visited by groups after a strict selection process. The Trappisten Westmalle cafe across the road is open to everyone and serves the abbey beer.
- Busy and quiet times
- Busiest during Trappist festivals and in fine weather at the cafe. Quietest on weekdays.
- Things to note
- The abbey itself is largely not wheelchair accessible due to cobblestones, thresholds, and the active monastic layout. The Trappisten Westmalle cafe, however, is largely step-free with an adapted toilet.
- Visit tip
- The Trappisten Westmalle cafe (across the road) is the wheelchair-friendly alternative: spacious room, step-free terrace, and the full Westmalle range. Disabled parking in front of the cafe.
Visited this place in a wheelchair? Share your experience
Similar locations
14th-century walled beguinage in Turnhout, UNESCO World Heritage site with quiet inner square. Partially accessible.
UNESCO World Heritage Groot Begijnhof in Lier, partially accessible for wheelchair users.
Beautifully restored beguinage in Hoogstraten, UNESCO World Heritage site with quiet Kempen charm. Partially accessible.