The abbey was founded by Arnold II, Count of Loon, in the early 12th century.
Averbode belongs to the Premonstratensian order, also known as the Norbertines.
The monastery is located on a transition zone between the sandy soil of the Campine region and the loamy soils of the Hageland.
Averbode beer is brewed using a unique 'dry-hopping' technique that incorporates three different hop varieties.
The abbey grounds contain a unique 'labyrinth' garden path for meditation.
The 'Het Moment' visitor center is built into the historic abbey farm buildings.
The monastery has maintained an internal archive and library for centuries, preserving rare manuscripts.
Abbey Averbode is a Premonstratensian monastery founded in 1134, functioning as a center for spirituality, education, and commercial production of artisanal goods. The site is renowned for its signature Averbode beer, produced in collaboration with Brewery Huyghe, and its traditional abbey-made gingerbread and dairy products. Visitors can explore the abbey church, which features a prominent Baroque interior, and the surrounding extensive woodlands of the Averbode Bos & Heide nature reserve. The monastery grounds house a dedicated visitor center known as 'Het Moment,' which serves as a shop and tasting room for local products. The abbey complex architecture reflects a mix of building styles resulting from centuries of expansion and restoration. It remains an active religious community, with monks continuing to inhabit parts of the site. The abbey grounds are integrated into a larger network of walking and cycling trails through the Hageland region.
The view of the abbey facade reflected in the pond located near the main entrance gates.
Combine your visit to the abbey with a walk through the adjacent Averbode Bos & Heide nature reserve.
Try the abbey’s artisanal 'Lebkuchen' (gingerbread) which is specifically produced in the monastery bakery.
Visit the 'Het Moment' center to sample the three different styles of abbey beer on tap.
Do not wander into the private residential quarters of the monks which are clearly marked as restricted.
The abbey church and visitor center typically have shorter operational windows on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor within the abbey church and cloister areas.
