Koningshoeven Abbey, Berkel Enschot

History

Once inside, the first sight is beautiful. In front of the entrance is a heart-shaped pond and fountain with a weeping willow hanging over the water. The abbey owes its name to the farm that King William II built in 1834, as a country retreat. The first Trappist monks came from France in 1881, and began expanding the abbey. In 1884, the monks began brewing beer because they were unable to support themselves on the crops, raised on their small farm. Their traditional Trappist beer, La Trappe, is now known worldwide. It is the oldest (of two) Dutch Trappist beers. The other Trappist brewery started in 2013 in the nearby Maria Toevlucht Abbey in the town of Zundert. The monks from Koningshoeven Abbey also founded Koningsoord Abbey in Berkel Enschot, though the Benedictine nunnery moved in 2009 to a new abbey building in Oosterbeek.

Food & beverage

Traditionally, guests live and eat separately from the monks in all Trappist abbeys.

Grounds & Gardens

Outside, it is beautiful and green, in contrast to the long and dark corridors of the large abbey. The monks walk these halls, on their way to the seven daily prayer services.

Other facilities

Visitors for a day can explore the cloister garden or have a meal at a cafeteria located near the brewery. According to a monk, "On the patio it can be very busy especially in the summer. However, the cafeteria is separate from the abbey so that peace and quietness for monks and retreat guests inside the abbey is not disturbed.” Furthermore, there is a shop on the site where you can buy various products, such as books, candles, sculptures, and of course the local Trappist beer.