Abbey of Val-Dieu

The Cistercian monks settled in isolated places. Their goal was to withdraw from the world and choose an environment that was uninhabited, usually in a valley. The only way to survive was to cultivate the lands so that they developed into fertile areas. Initiated by Robert of Molesme, the Cistersians sought a return to the ideal of the Rule of Benedict. The valley of the Berwinne fulfilled this requirement. Located on the border of the Duchy of Limburg and the County of Dalhem, the creation of Val-Dieu marked the beginning of the development of the characteristic landscape of the Land of Herve. More on abbaye-du-val-dieu.be/nl/historie

Val-Dieu is an ancient Cistercian abbey in the Belgian province of Liège. The beautiful sanctuary is located in the land of Herve, not far from the Dutch and German borders. In Dutch the complex is called the Abbey of Godsdal. Val-Dieu was founded in the thirteenth century, more precisely in the year 1216. The complex used to be in the middle of forests and marshes and wolves prowled everywhere. “Ora et labora” (pray and work) was the motto of the clergy of Val-Dieu. From the original abbey, a gate, the sacristy, two chapels and a holy water font have been preserved. Today, beer bearing the abbey's name is also brewed in the complex. You can also eat there, get a guided tour and visit the abbey shop. There is a nature reserve near the abbey, managed by Natagora, and you can take many beautiful walks in the nearby rolling coulisse landscape of the region. Source (partly) and more info at historiek.net/de-abdij-van-val-dieu-biertempel-en-bezinningscentrum/51450

The Abbey of Val-Dieu is a haven of peace in the heart of the country of Herve. It is located in the middle of the Liège-Maastricht-Aachen triangle.Since the departure of the monks in 2001, the abbey has been revived by the Christian Community of Val-Dieu.Visits
The brewery and the monastery can be visited by appointment.
The abbey shop is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.The courtyard, park, basilica and marked walks are accessible daily from 8:30 am to sunset.In order to maintain the tranquility and cleanliness of the domain, please note that dogs are not allowed in the park and that the use of alcohol is prohibited within the abbey and the park.