Scourmont Abbey, Forges

History

In 1850, a group of monks from Saint Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren began to build a monastery on a parcel of land donated to them by the Prince of Chimay. Initially, the monks supported themselves by farming, and through hard work and good fortune, their community thrived. In 1862, the monks opened a brewery, and in 1871, the monastery was promoted to the status of an abbey. The monks of Scourmont have sponsored several monastic outposts around the world, including in present-day Republic of Congo and India.

Food & beverage

Work is central to the Trappist ethic. The monks brew beer and make cheese at the abbey, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, with amazing results. Chimay is one of the most recognized Trappist breweries in the world with far-reaching distribution to all its corners. The sale of beer and cheese is used to support the abbey and fund a charitable foundation to help people in need. 

Grounds & Gardens

The encompassing forest lands of Scourmont provide many great opportunities for hiking. 

Other facilities

In the Chimay shop, you can buy Chimay beers to take home and all sorts of Chimay ‘swag’. The visitor center, Chimay Experience, provides a highly recommended virtual tour of the history and technique behind the abbey’s beer and cheese production. All proceeds from the sales of Chimay products support the abbey’s mission-another great reason to savor the fruits of the monk’s labor.