Maredsous
About this Place
Maredsous sits in the Molignée Valley in Wallonia and is home to one of Belgium’s best-known Benedictine abbeys. Founded in 1872, the Abbey remains an active monastic community and is closely associated with the Maredsous beers and cheeses that carry its name.
The Abbey’s neo-Gothic buildings sit within the surrounding woodland and farmland. Although the beers carrying the Maredsous name are now brewed elsewhere under licence, the Abbey remains central to the identity of the brand and the visitor experience.
For visitors interested in Belgian beer, religious heritage or simply exploring this part of Wallonia, Maredsous offers a combination of history, landscape and hospitality.
Visitor notes
Maredsous is an impressive setting, but it also feels surprisingly relaxed. The Abbey buildings have a sense of scale, while the surrounding countryside keeps the atmosphere calm and open.
If time allows, it is worth looking beyond the Abbey itself. Walking routes maintained around the site provide a way to experience the landscape that surrounds this part of Wallonia. Nearby Maredret Abbey can also be reached on foot for those wanting to extend their visit.
A visit naturally lends itself to a pause afterwards. The cafés and shops around the Abbey offer simple food and drink options, including the familiar combination of Maredsous bread, cheese and beer. While the site is clearly popular with visitors, it still feels like somewhere where it is possible to slow down and spend a few hours rather than simply pass through.
I visited Maredsous in spring 2026, and it is easy to understand why the Abbey attracts so many visitors. The setting is genuinely picturesque, with the Abbey buildings sitting comfortably within the surrounding landscape.
The visitor facilities are clearly well established. The cafés, terraces and shops are welcoming and well stocked, making it a place where visitors can comfortably spend time rather than simply arrive, look around and leave.
For beer glass collectors, Maredsous is an easy place to add to the collection. The official beer glass is readily available, and the Abbey shop even offers personalised porcelain mugs — a reminder that the visitor experience here extends well beyond simply tasting a beer.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome throughout most of the visitor site, including the cafés, terraces and shop, although they are not permitted on the guided tour of the Abbey, which passes through the church and monastic buildings.