I know the title already implies that it is about Trappist or beer, but there is more to this location’s fame. The Achelse Kluis is well-known for its abbey and adjacent nature park. My wife and I traveled to discover both, so here we are with our Leica cameras to discover nature and experience the delights.
The 7,5-kilometer route began next to the monastery and brought us from small pads to big, open fields of grass. It was a spectacular view of heather that stretched for kilometers, and the fog hanging above added to the mystery.
some info about the nature park:
The Achelse Kluis is a nature reserve in Hamont-Achel, on the border between North Brabant (Netherlands) and Limburg (Belgium). It is protected as part of the European Natura 2000 network due to its exceptional natural qualities. The area is around 100 hectares in size and, when combined with the Dutch portion, makes a continuous expanse of more than 2500 hectares.
Since we continued our trek, it became evident that it had been a very cold morning, as the ice was still present in the mushrooms and grass fields, which couldn’t have gotten any sun yet. However, the temperature remained around 5. The images below demonstrate everything. La Trappe was the name of the walk. We walked around the Dutch-Belgian border as depicted by the 1843 landmarks.
Belgium has gotten a lot of rain in the last few weeks. Some heather patches were turned into marshes. The photographs show that several pads required the use of a boat to cross. However, this is also usual for the time of year. It adds additional excitement to the table.
We entered the abbey of Achel after completing our hike. It was named the Achelse Kluis, and it also featured some intrigue from World War I. The wire of death, which I’ve already mentioned in previous postings, was also visible here.
A small part of the wire of death was reinstalled to recreate the scene in 1914. Also, a guardhouse from these times has been preserved to transport you back in time. On the inside of the abbey’s wall, a lovely antique gate greeted you. The church and chapel could be accessed from the abbey’s backside.
Monks have cared for the abbey for many years. Although the last two monks have gone from Achel Abbey to Westmalle Abbey, brewing operations in the Achelse Kluis continue as usual. Achel Monastery is still a Trappist abbey, and the beers brewed there still have the registered brand name ‘Trappist.’ Only the hexagonal ATP label will be removed from the label beginning in 2021, to be replaced by Achel’s monastery coat of arms. The slightly altered label colors will make it easier to distinguish between Trappist Achel Blond 8 percent and Trappist Achel Bruin 8 percent.
When we entered the brewery, there was a very pleasant welcoming vibe. Our hike ended in style thanks to the combination of abbey cheese and beer.
We drank our Trappist right next to where it was made, which provided a unique atmosphere at the table.
I can only recommend this location since the nature and broad views are breathtaking. When you can halt your hiking expedition and discuss with your loved ones how the week went, having a good authentic beer with the story makes it all a beautiful experience.
Outside = free
Enjoy your surroundings and soak in all the beauty that surrounds you. We don’t have to travel far to have a nice time. It’s all right in front of us; we simply have to be able to recognize it and accept it.
Cheers,
