Brouwerij Het Anker Mechelen
Brouwerij Het Anker, located in the historic Groot Begijnhof of Mechelen, is one of the oldest breweries in Belgium with roots going back to the 14th century. The brewery is famous for the abbey beer Gouden Carolus, named after Emperor Charles V who grew up in Mechelen. The visitor centre combines a modern tour with a rich heritage, including a visit to the brewery, the shop, the brasserie and the hotel that occupies the old brewery buildings.
Accessibility is generally good, with some historic limitations. The main entrance, reception, shop and brasserie are flat and accessible. The tour through the modern brewing area is largely wheelchair accessible, with a lift to the different levels. Some older sections of the building have thresholds or narrow passages; the guide adjusts the route as best as possible. An accessible toilet is available in the visitor centre and in the brasserie.
Parking is available in the brewery car park with accessible spaces, or in nearby city car parks. The Beguinage streets around the brewery are partly paved with cobblestones; help manoeuvring can be useful. A visit combines excellently with the UNESCO World Heritage Beguinage and Saint Rumbold's Cathedral within walking distance.
Good to know
- Reservation
- Book the tour online and mention that a wheelchair user is joining so the guide can adjust the route through the modern brewing area and arrange the lift.
- Busy and quiet times
- Weekends are busy at the brewery; weekday tours in the morning or afternoon are quieter and leave more time for the tasting in the brasserie.
- Things to note
- Reception, shop, brasserie and the modern brewing area with lift are accessible; some older parts of the building have thresholds or narrow passages.
- Visit tip
- Park in the brewery car park with accessible-parking spaces to avoid the cobbled Beguinage streets; combine with the UNESCO Beguinage and Saint Rumbold's Cathedral.
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