Foom
Foom: A Brunch Haven in Mechelen
Brewery Het Anker
Discover 550 years of brewing mastery at Het Anker, where historic copper kettles craft world-famous Gouden Carolus amid Mechelen's charming beguinage.
One of Belgium's oldest breweries, founded in 1471, Het Anker in Mechelen produces world-renowned Gouden Carolus beers using historic copper kettles. Visitors enjoy guided tours through the working brewery and distillery, tastings, a brasserie with beer-infused dishes, and an on-site hotel in the picturesque Groot Begijnhof setting.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Brewery Het Anker
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Guido Gezellelaan 49, Mechelen, Arrondissement of Mechelen, 2800, BE
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Brewery Het Anker
Getting There
Walking
25-minute walk from Mechelen train station through scenic Groot Begijnhof; free, accessible daily.
Cycling
Bike parking on-site; follows Rivierenland routes, 5-10 minutes from city center, free.
Driving
Street parking nearby or Keerdok park-and-ride with short walk; €2-5/hour, 5 minutes from E19 highway.
Public Transport
Bus or train to Mechelen station, then 25-minute walk; €2-4 one-way, frequent services.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
Restrooms
Food Options
Drink Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Information BoardsLocal tips
✓
Book guided tours in advance online, especially for groups or peak weekends, as spots fill quickly in this working brewery.
✓
Arrive 10 minutes early for tours to account for parking; late arrivals cannot join.
✓
Pair brasserie meals with Gouden Carolus tastings for authentic flavors; try beer-infused stews.
Discover more about Brewery Het Anker
History and Heritage
Brewery Het Anker stands as a testament to Mechelen's brewing legacy, established in 1471 and now managed by the fifth generation of the Van Breedam-Leclef family. The site preserves authentic brewing traditions, with post-World War II copper kettles still in use for crafting award-winning Gouden Carolus Classic and Tripel beers. In the 1990s, Charles Leclef restored the historic buildings while modernizing facilities for refrigeration, fermentation, and lagering, blending heritage with innovation. The brewery also distills whisky, with production returning to the site in 2024 for enhanced visitor experiences.Guided Tours and Experiences
Guided tours, lasting about 1 hour 45 minutes, explore the brewery, whisky maturation warehouses, and rooftop views over Mechelen, ending with tastings of two Gouden Carolus beers and a small gift. Tours run on scheduled times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 15:00; additional slots on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Booking is essential due to limited spots; individuals welcome, groups from €13 per person, standard from €16. No unguided access as it's a working facility; dogs not permitted.Brasserie and Dining
The on-site brasserie offers a unique taste of Mechelen with dishes like Flemish beef stew and Mechelen Cuckoo prepared using Gouden Carolus beer. Open daily 10:00-23:00 (kitchen 12:00-21:00), it pairs meals with draught and bottled beers in tasting glasses. Vegetarians and vegans accommodated; full bar service available.Shop and Hotel
The brewery shop stocks beers, whiskies, and souvenirs, open longer hours: Monday 08:00-19:00, Tuesday-Saturday 08:00-21:00, Sunday 08:00-19:00. Guests can stay in the 3-star hotel with views of the brewery, check-in from 15:00, enjoying breakfast amid brewing activity.Location and Access
Nestled in Mechelen's Groot Begijnhof, the site features bike parking and is a 25-minute walk from the station. Public transport accessible; street parking nearby. Note: tours involve about 100 steps, not wheelchair-friendly, though brasserie and shop are ground-level accessible.A brief summary to Brewery Het Anker
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Plan around the quieter times
A quick look at seasonal patterns and peak visiting hours.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Aalst
Discover Aalst: A historic city in Flanders, Belgium, known for its medieval charm, vibrant carnival, and delicious local cuisine.
Tell me more about Aalst