Westvleteren Abbey

Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren is world-famous for its Trappist beer, regularly ranked among the best in the world. The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1831 and still brews on a small scale in complete silence. The monastic grounds themselves are not open to visitors, but across from the abbey lies the In de Vrede visitor centre and café, where visitors can sample the abbey beer along with its cheeses and breads.

Accessibility at In de Vrede is excellent. The visitor centre was built modern with full attention to mobility: level entrances, wide passageways, spacious rooms with movable furniture, and an adapted toilet. The outdoor terrace is also step-free. The permanent exhibition about the life and work of the Trappist monks is set up on a single level and is fully wheelchair accessible.

There is a large car park with disabled parking spaces a short distance from the entrance. Westvleteren lies deep in the Westhoek, surrounded by rolling fields and woods. Around the abbey are several laid-out walking paths that are largely paved and suitable for wheelchair users. A visit is ideal to combine with the Yser Tower in Diksmuide or the Yperman Museum in Ypres.