Sint-Sixtusabdij Westvleteren

We stopped into the nearby Cafe that sells their beer for lunch and to get some beers to take home. It is quite literally the best beer in the world. Anyone who tells you this is not exaggerating in the slightest. The Abbey itself is closed to visitors most of the time, but you can join them for afternoon prayers on certain days.

The only place where you can legally buy the famous Trappist beer, it is an austere building visitable only by people who are looking to pray with the monks, as it should be. For everyone else, you can pick up the beer you ordered online and then go drink a cold one at In De Vrede just nearby.

Neo Roman style abbey with beautiful woodwork and mosaics. Peaceful.

Although the coveted 'Westy 12' can be bought in the cafe across the road, arranging purchase of it by the crate from the Abbey is well worth it if you have the persistence. Truly among the best beers in the world!

My girlfriend has never seen me happier than collecting two crates of beer.

Modern abbey. At the prayer-times (best to arrive 10 min in advance) you can ring the bell and join the monks for prayer in their church. If you want to buy beer you have to reserve it via their webshop (very limited times) a week or so in advance.

Theres not much to say. Food it's ok. Beer Goooood! Even though this beer is good for my taste I like St. Bernard more.

In addition to being the World’s Greatest beer, according to beer aficionados everywhere, including my Bavarian husband who brews his own and is an expert in his own right, the kindness, care, integrity of product and humanity exemplified by the “Westies” is nothing short of true dedication to extraordinary craftsmanship and importantly, human kindness. Thank you David and to all your Brothers at the Abbey. You have made many family celebrations so very memorable . Westie 12 has now become a very special part of family traditions among multiple generations. With appreciation and gratitude, we thank you, one and all.