Saint Benedict's Abbey / De Achelse Kluis

History

The religious history of this area extends several centuries in the past. By 1656, a ‘border chapel,’ served both Dutch and Belgian Catholics during the tumultuous religious conflicts wracking the region and Continental Europe as a whole. With peace at hand, a community of hermits settled in Hamont-Achel, and laid the foundation for what would become the Achelse Kluis. Like for most Catholic institutions in the Netherlands, the French Revolutionary Wars suspended the abbey’s operations with the familiar throes of destruction, exile, and loss. A new leaf was turned at the abbey when, in 1846, Trappist monks from Westmalle founded St. Benedict's. The new monastic community grew rapidly. At one time, there were over 100 monks! New Trappist communities were established in the Dutch towns of Echt, Diepenveen (Sion Abbey, Trappist community has moved) and in the Belgian town of Rochefort. During the Second World War, the large community of monks were displaced by German forces, but were able to return before the end of the war. In the decades since the War, much has changed. After almost three decades of growth, the number of monks began to decline, and the abbey now relies on hired caretakers and volunteers. One volunteer, Eugène de Kluis, has been around since the 1950s, and has seen the decline with his own eyes: "My uncle was a monk here. The decline started already at the end of the sixties." In 2018, only two elderly Trappist monks remain in Saint Benedict's Abbey. Even though the community of monks has fallen off, the abbey remains busy and continues to fulfill its universal mission. 

Food & beverage

Just outside the abbey, there is a specialty food store with a wide assortment of Trappist and abbey beers from the region (and of course, all the Achel beers). At the cafe next door, visitors can get a bite to eat and lounge on the patio, often crowded on sunny days.

Grounds & Gardens

Throughout the vicinity of Achelse Kluis there are beautiful hiking and biking opportunities on well-marked paths, making it a popular destination. A large section of the abbey’s land is now a state-run nature and recreation area, managed by Staatsbosbeheer and the Flemish Regional government.

Other facilities

In addition, the abbey has a large bookstore with religious books, postcards, and many souvenir items.