Westvleteren: Abbey, Church and Routes

Westvleteren offers several points of interest to help you plan your trip: the history of Sint-Sixtusabdij, the architecture and art of Sint-Martinus Church, and a historic memorial site. Routes of different lengths, with different starting points and signposting, add practical options. If you are looking for a hotel in Westvleteren, these highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

History of Sint-Sixtusabdij

Sint-Sixtusabdij was founded in 1831 by Trappist fathers who came from a religious order of the same kind on Katsberg. Priorij van Westvleteren was elevated to abbey status in 1871. In between, the brewery at Sint-Sixtusabdij was founded in 1838. These dates mark different stages of development: the founding of the abbey, the founding of the brewery and the elevation of the priory. This distinction provides a more precise account of the history, since the brewery belongs to Sint-Sixtusabdij, but its founding took place on a separate date.

Church, Grotto and Memorial Site

Sint-Martinus Church is a late Gothic, three-aisled hall church with Romanesque origins. Inside are works of art dating from the late 16th to the 17th century. The church thus combines Romanesque origins with a late Gothic architectural form, while the artworks add a later historical dimension. For travellers interested in religious architecture, this offers two distinct perspectives: the building’s history and the art inside.

The “Grot Onze-Lieve-Vrouw” was built in 1921 from stones taken from the forests around Rochefort Abbey; it lies about 400 metres north of Sint-Sixtusabdij. Another historic point of reference is the Belgian military cemetery in Westvleteren: 1,208 people are buried there today. The grotto and the cemetery reflect different aspects of local history: the grotto is defined by its construction date, materials and location, while the number of people buried there is the main point of reference at the cemetery.

Sample Trappist beer

Trappist beer from Westvleteren is served at the “In de Vrede” visitor centre, where visitors can sample it. The tasting adds a concrete visitor experience to the brewery’s founding history: while 1838 marks the beginning of the brewery, the focus here is on sampling Westvleteren Trappist beer. For a stay with an interest in Trappist beer, history and a specific tasting opportunity come together.

Routes by length and theme

Two routes can be compared by length: the Molenroute through Oostvleteren and Westvleteren is 9.2 km long; the Mary Borden cycling route is 42.3 km long. The Molenroute is therefore considerably shorter. The different route lengths can help you with your planning. As route details may change, check the latest information before your trip.

The “Van Sint- Sixtus naar de lanceerbasis V1” route starts at Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren and is fully signposted with themed markers. There is ample parking at the abbey. The main points to note for this route are its starting point, themed guidance and parking.

Discover more destinations: Oostvleteren.

For the broader travel overview: Vleteren.