This article first appeared in My Travelogue by Bhushavali
HALF-DAY TRIP FROM BRUSSELS BY BUS
Just like Chimay Beer and Leffe Beer, Grimbergen beer is also well known in
Belgium and it is also an Abbey beer that was initially brewed by monks in an
abbey! Grimbergen is perhaps the closest Abbey beer town to Brussels
(Cantillon Brewery within Brussels is not an Abbey beer). Reachable by DeLijn
bus from Brussels in about 30 mins, Grimbergen is an easy half-day trip from
Brussels though you can easily spend an entire day as well.
Also Read: Half-Day trips from Brussels - Things to do in Flemish Brabant
I visited Grimbergen on 2 different half-day trips from Brussels. Once just to
visit MOT and another to visit Prinsenbos, Castle, & Grimbergen Abbey.
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Sint Servatius Basilica, Grimbergen
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Liermolen
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Het MOT | Museum of Old Techniques Guldendal
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Prinsenkasteel | Grimbergen Castle
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Prinsenkasteel | Grimbergen Castle
TOP PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO IN GRIMBERGEN
PRINSENBOS & GRIMBERGEN CASTLE
As soon as I reached Grimbergen, my first stop was the Prisenbos. The word
Prinsenbos literally means 'Prince Forest'. There's a tiny castle in
the heart of this wooded area. This was built in the 1500s but on the
foundations of a 13th C Castle which was built by the lords of Grimbergen. It
is probably a wooden castle at that point in time. It was in the late 17th C
CE the King of Spain elevated the lordship of Grimbergen to a principality
which is why it is called so. The castle is almost gone except for its keep
(watchtower) in ruins (thanks to WW2) and I thought it cannot be entered! But
guess what, it can be entered and can be climbed as well and it houses a
permanent exhibition as well. The castle is currently managed by MOT (more
details below) and the ticket to the museum also includes entry to this
castle!
In the 17th C itself, the castle was surrounded by a moat & a garden.
Today, the moat serves as a pond and the garden is gone. But the forest all
around it exists and there are pathways where you can walk/bike and watch/hear
some songbirds.
Just outside the castle, various activities and workshops are organized by
MOT. I saw a traditional, handmade oven just outside the castle the day I
visited. Inside the castle, there are 3 floors (and 3 flights of stairs) that
talk all about the castle's history, architecture, etc.
Where is Prinsenbos (on Google Maps)? Prinsenbos
Where is Prinsenkasteel (on Google Maps)? Grimbergen Castle
How to reach Prinsenbos & Prinsenkasteel? The nearest bus stops are Grimbergen
Triohofstraat (on DeLijn Bus Routes 230, 231, 232) and Grimbergen Hoge
Steenweg (DeLijn Bus Route 821)
Prinsenbos tickets: Free
Prinsenbos timings: 24x7
Prinsenbos walking map: via
Natuur en bos
Prinsenkasteel tickets: Same as MOT Guldendal
below
Prinsenkasteel timings: Same as MOT Guldendal below
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MUSEUM OF OLD TECHNIQUES - MOT GRIMBERGEN IN PRINSENBOS, GULDENDAL,
LIERMOLEN & TOMMENMOLEN
The Museum of Old Techniques is one of the best museums in Belgium to visit
with kids. A major section of the museum is hands-on and kids get to try it
all out. The museum is actually in 3 separate buildings and the main
building is the one inside Prisenbos beside the castle and that's where we
went first.
This main building of MOT is called the Guldendal. When the castle
was functional, the Guldendal was the building that served as the horse
stables and storage rooms of the castle. As the name suggests Museum of Old
Techniques explains how things were done in the past - manual labor and basic
instruments. The first room is dedicated to laundry! From the historic times
of just a well & a clothesline to the manual washing machines with wooden
barrels & then steel barrels and then the era of semi-automatic washing
machines. The next room is dedicated to iron-smithery. Apart from the historic
tools on display, some of those tools were also on a work table, so that kids
to try their hand at them! The upper floor is dedicated to woodwork? There's a
tiny attic further up, complete with a work table, which is entirely dedicated
for kids to try out many things! If you visit the museum with young kids, you
could easily spend a few hours at the museum, as they try out all these!
My next stop was Liermolen which is located in a different building
about a km away. As the name suggests, Liermolen is a mill (the Dutch word
Molen means Mill) and here, it's a watermill built in 17-18th C CE. There's a
permanent exhibition inside from cultivating wheat all the way to grinding the
grains in traditional mills. incl. the historic tools used for harvesting,
threshing, winnowing, etc. There are functional models of both windmills &
watermills. Also, it explains how the grains & flour were transported in
sacks on horse carts. There's also the explanation of how bread was baked in
traditional manual, mud ovens! Outside, the wheel of the watermill is still
intact to see. There are also a few benches around here, to have a very
peaceful time hearing the flowing water!
The next stop was, of course, Tommenmolen. This is also a watermill
built in 16th C, but renovated in 19th C CE. There's a horse mill just outside
the barn. Today the barn houses a restaurant and it is absolutely awesome,
peaceful, and nice to sit outside and eat here when the weather is nice.
There's no other exhibition or anything in Tommenmolen.
Where is MOT Guldendal - Museum of Old Techniques Grimbergen (on Google Maps)? Het MOT
How to reach MOT Guldendal - Museum of Old Techniques Grimbergen? Same as Prinsenbos above
Where is MOT Liermolen (on Google Maps)? Liermolen
How to reach MOT Liermolen? 1.3km (15
mins walk) from Het MOT
Where is MOT Tommenmolen (on Google Maps)? Tommenmolen
How to reach MOT Tommenmolen? 500m (6
mins walk) from Liermolen
MOT (Museum of Old Techniques Grimbergen) tickets: €6 (for all 3 museums & castle combined)
MOT (Museum of Old Techniques Grimbergen) timings: 10:00AM to 05:00PM (Guldendal
is normally only during weekdays but also open on weekends from April to
September. Liermolen & Tommenmolen are open only from April to November.
They have a winter closure from Dec-Mar.)
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SAINT SERVATIUS BASILICA & GRIMBERGEN ABBEY
My last stop for the day was Saint Servatius Basilica. My first feeling as
soon as saw it was that it is humongous, I mean, it's way too large for a town
the size of Grimbergen! Grimbergen is not too big, it has about 25-30 streets
in the heart of the town and the abbey of its size is shocking, surprising and
reminded me of the size of Sint-Sulpitiuskerk in Diest!
The history of Grimbergen Abbey dates back to the 12th C CE, however, this
Basilica was built in the mid-17th C CE and was entirely built in a Baroque
style out of sandstone. The abbey belongs to the Norbertine order of monks and
has several relics of various monks and others.
Carillon at Saint Servatius Basilica: The tower is 58m
tall (for reference, Koekelberg Basilica is 89m). The original carillon of
Grimbergen Basilica was made in early 18th C CE; the current one was made in
1964 with 48 bells. However, it is currently not possible for
visitors/devotees to climb the carillon tower.
Paintings in Saint Servatius Basilica: The main altar was
made in 1701 by Frans Langhemans. In the center is the painting of the
Assumption of Mary and to the left and right of it are the sculptures of Peter
and Paul. There are 4 more paintings at the choir, all painted by Richard
van Orley that were commissioned by Abbot Augustinus van Eeckhout in early
18th C CE. The oldest painting in the church is of Saint Norbert.
Saint Norbert's Altar: To the right of the main altar is Saint
Norbert's altar. There are 3 paintings here and the sculpture of Saint Norbert
at the altar. On top of the sculpture is the oldest painting in Saint
Servatius Basilica, Grimbergen of the Virgin Mary giving a white cloth to
Saint Norbert. To the left and right are 2 large paintings, both of which are
copies of Rubens; one attributed to Jan Erasmus Quellin and another
to Gaspar de Crayer.
Saint Servatius Altar: In the right transept is the altar of Saint
Servatius. It's quite marvelous with the contrast in colors and textures with
wood, gilded wood, and marble! This was made by Hendrik-Frans Verbruggen
in the late 17th C CE. The sculpture of Saint Servatius is depicted as a
bishop, wearing a miter, holding a crosier (staff), and slaying a dragon!
Below are 4 medallions depicting 4 Church Fathers - Pope Gregory I, Saint
Ambrosius, Saint Aurelius Augustinus, and Saint Jerome.
Woodworks in Saint Servatius Basilica: One thing that really captured
my attention was the confession stands, all wooden sculptures, made
by Willem Kerrickx before 1718. Another impressive wooden work here is of
the Baroque-styled choir stalls. The carvings on it were quite detailed with
cherubs and other little heads, birds and animals, medallions, masks, and leaf
motives. Yet another stunning piece of woodwork here is the
pulpit Henry-Frans Verbruggen in 17th-18th C CE. Atop it is On top
is a statue of Saint Servatius, patron saint of the church.
Where is Saint Servatius Basilica? Sint-Servaasbasiliek
How to reach Saint Servatius Basilica? Sint-Servaasbasiliek is 800m (10 mins walk) from Het MOT (Museum of
Original Techniques). The nearest bus stops to the Basilica are Grimbergen
Dorp (on DeLijn Bus Routes 230, 231, 232) and Grimbergen Hoge Steenweg
(DeLijn Bus Route 821)
Saint Servatius Basilica Tickets: Free
Saint Servatius Basilica timings: 7:00AM to 7:00PM all days
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Saint Norbert's altar
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Pulpit and Saint Servatius Altar
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Confession stands
TASTE GRIMBERGEN BEER AT GRIMBERGEN MICROBREWERY
What's a trip to Grimbergen without tasting Grimbergen beer! Since the Abbey
itself is not open to the public (since is a functional religious institution
still), there's a separate place to learn all about Grimbergen beer.
Self-guided tour of Grimbergen Experience: The self-guided tour takes
you through the history, raw materials, and the process of making Grimbergen
Abbey beer and ends with 2 or 3 tastings! You're given a tag (with language
options, incl. English) which you tap on interactive displays. Apart from the
digital displays, there are also historical products and instruments used to
manufacture beer. Then the tour moves on to the currently used brewery through
the beer fermentation tanks. After a quick visit to the various types of beer
manufactured here, it's time for tasting!
Why is a Phoenix a symbol of Grimbergen beer? Grimbergen beer was first
brewed in 12th C CE when the abbey was founded. But the abbey was destroyed
time & again, thanks to fire, revolts, wars, & more. However, every
time, the beer's recipe survived. After the French Revolution, beer was not
brewed here for more than 200 years, but then, in 2021, it began again. Like a
phoenix rising from the ashes, Grimbergen beer is still surviving 10
centuries!!!
Where is Grimbergen Experience? Microbrouwerij Grimbergen
How to reach Grimbergen Experience? 2 mins walk from Grimbergen Abbey Saint Servatius Basilica. Just beside
MIRA Observatory.
Grimbergen Experience tickets: €12 onwards (€16 for 2 tastings; €18 for 3 tastings).
Grimbergen Experience timings: 12:00 noon to 7:00PM all days. Last entry at 06:00PM
MIRA OBSERVATORY
While the Brussels planetarium is a good place to see astronomy movies
on the 360° dome, there is no observatory here, meaning, there is no
telescope here with which you can watch the stars or astronomical
events. The Royal Observatory in Brussels (near Sint Job) is an
official, government institution and is not open to the public. The
nearest observatory from Brussels open to the public is Mira Observatory
in Grimbergen. While there are displays inside like a science
museum/planetarium with a local map of the night sky, all about the
planets & the weather, etc, the most interesting feature is the
telescopes mounted in the domes. It is possible to visit the observatory
both in the morning and at night. During the daytime visit, it is
possible to observe the sun, and probably the moon too, if it is out as
well. At night, it is possible to observe the Milkyway, stars, planets,
comets if any, & more. However, the nighttime openings happen only
twice a month. The nighttime openings are part of an activity called
AstroClub. During the nighttime openings, apart from the access to the
observatory, there's also a lecture or a multimedia show which could be
attended, however, that's in Flemish (Dutch).
Where is Mira Observatory? Volkssterrenwacht Mira
How to reach Mira Observatory? 2
mins walk from Grimbergen Abbey Saint Servatius Basilica
Mira Observatory tickets: €3 (for just the permanent exhibition); €6 (incl. Observatory). Cash only!
Mira Observatory timings: Wed
& Sun only 2PM to 6PM; Astroclub - every 2nd & last Friday 7PM
to 11PM (except during public holidays when it is closed).
Pic Credit: Neulich im Roxy Kino, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pic Credit: AlfvanBeem, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Het MOT | Museum of Old Techniques Guldendal
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Tommenmolen
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Tommenmolen
HOW TO REACH GRIMBERGEN
Grimbergen is an easy half-day trip from Brussels by bus! Located in the Flemish Brabant (Vlaams Brabant) region, to the north of Brussels, it is easy to take a DeLijn bus to Grimbergen. Either take a train to Vilvoorde and take the DeLijn Bus Route 533 or 821 (or) take a metro to Bockstael or tram to DeWand and take the DeLijn Bus Routes 230, 231, or 232. It takes 30 minutes from Bockstael Metro station and lesser from De Wand Tram stop to reach Grimbergen.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GRIMBERGEN?
The best thing about visiting Grimbergen from Brussels is that it hardly takes about 30 mins and you can visit Grimbergen multiple times without much planning. Grimbergen Castle, MOT museum at Guldendal, Grimbergen beer experience, and Grimbergen Abbey are open all year long, so it is good to go any day! However, I'd suggest April to September to visit Grimbergen, esp. if you're going with kids, for 3 reasons - 1. In Oct-Mar, MOT Guldendal is open only on weekdays; 2. In Dec-Mar, Liermolen and Tommenmolen of MOT are closed; 3. Prisenbos is dry and not picturesque in winter!
GRIMBERGEN ITINERARIES
Below are 5 versions of a Grimbergen itinerary. Why have I mentioned 'with
kids' in 3? Well, MOT Grimbergen is a very hands-on museum, so I've set aside
2 hours for MOT Grimbergen in all these versions, which is a minimum (1.5 hours
for the museum itself & 30 mins for the castle). If you're with kids, you
could spend more than 2 hours at MOT Guldendal and Liermolen if you have the
time! If you're without kids, you might spend just 45 mins there for both
museum & castle together, and then use the time to visit Grimbergen
Experience.
GRIMBERGEN HALF-DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS
Walking through the woods of Prinsenbos, castle, and MOT Guldendal
museum.
Maybe a quick visit to Liermolen if time permits.
GRIMBERGEN ONE-DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS - WAKE UP EARLY!
8:00AM - Walking through the woods of Prinsenbos
10:00AM - MOT Guldendal & Prisenbos Castle
12:00 noon - Saint Servatius Basilica
12:45PM - Tommenmolen (+ Lunch)
2:15PM - Liermolen
3:00PM - MIRA observatory permanent collection
4:00PM - Return
GRIMBERGEN ONE-DAY ITINERARY WITHOUT KIDS - WAKE UP EARLY!
Same as above but,
...
10:00AM - MOT Guldendal & Prisenbos Castle
11:00AM - Saint Servatius Basilica
12:00 noon - Grimbergen Experience
...
GRIMBERGEN ONE-DAY ITINERARY WITH KIDS - SLEEP LATE!
1:30 PM - Tommenmolen
2:15PM - Liermolen
3:00PM - MOT Guldendal & Prisenbos Castle
5:00PM - Walking through the woods of Prinsenbos
6:00PM - Saint Servatius Basilica
6:30PM - Dinner at one of the restaurants near the Basilica
8:00PM - MIRA observatory
10:00/11:00 PM - Return
GRIMBERGEN ONE-DAY ITINERARY WITHOUT KIDS - SLEEP LATE!
Same as above but,
...
2:15PM - Liermolen
3:00PM - Grimbergen Experience
4:00PM - MOT Guldendal & Prisenbos Castle
...
Grimbergen looks like such a gorgeous area to visit! There is so much natural beauty. And I'm always a fan of hands-on museums as it's a great way to get kids to remember what they're learning as they interact. And I didn't realize that abbey beer was a term, although it makes total sense. That would definitely make the side trip worth it for my husband. Ha!
ReplyDeleteHubby would definitely to a half day trip from Brussels to try Grimbergen beer. But I might wander the town and explore all the lovely sights. I can see why you think we could spend more than just a half day. Castles with moats always churn up romantic thoughts even though the moats were designed as protection. And while the Museum of Old Techniques may be targeted at kids, the engineer in me would be fascinated. Great to have some different suggestions for a tour day.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a beer connoisseur, but I like to try beer occasionally, especially on a warm summer day. Grimbergen beer seems exciting, primarily because of its history and the fact that it was brewed by monks in an abbey. I would love to take a day trip from Brussels to enjoy the taste of this beer and visit Castle and Grimbergen Abbey. I would like to see this tiny castle Prinsenbos in a wooded area. It's also great to know that Mira Observatory in Grimbergen is open to the public and that nighttime openings are also twice a month.
ReplyDeleteImagine walking into a castle in the middle of the woods---that's like living a fairytale. Would certainly like to try the beer made by monks. I would also love to see the models of the windmills and the watermills. The basilica has stunning interiors.
ReplyDeleteGrimbergen looks like an amazing place to visit as this place has so much to see and explore. Being a beer person, I would definately try Grimbergen beer and also would love to know more about it's history and how it brewed by the monks in abbey. Walking through the woods of Prinsenbos sounds exciting and I will surely try that experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such detailed guide for Grimberg. The Mot museums Guldendal, Liermolen and Tommenmolen is something I'm very excited to go to. As a kid, I've always had a keen interest in doing a hands-on workshop. Also, it would be great to learn about the traditional mills process works! and last but not the least, the beer tasting. I hope they allow takeaways as well haha!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Grimbergen was so close to Brussels. I love the castle in the woods with the overgrown plants climbing the ruins. I will definitely head here when I nect head back and to the Mira Observatory
ReplyDeleteI would love to be surprised by the sight of Prinsenkasteel while cycling in the forest. That would be such a magnificent find and I can imagine what a grand place this was in its day. The whole area of Grimbergen looks very picturesque and with still lots of nature to enjoy. Thanks for the introduction to this place.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to know that have a kid-friendly experience at MOT. I am usually hesitant to bring my kids to museums since they might just be bored but these hands on activities definitely makes it worth visiting. The tickets are all reasonable given its for all the 3 museums already.
ReplyDeleteThe Mira Observatory sounds equally interesting too. Will make sure to include that in our itinerary.