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must-visit in MechelenFood & Dining

Brouwerij Het Anker

📍 Guido Gezellestraat 49, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
Brouwerij Het Anker
1 photos
4.6/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Belgium, Mechelen
Category
Food & Dining
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
Guido Gezellestraat 49, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
Coordinates
51.0257, 4.4776

Introduction

Brouwerij Het Anker is Mechelen's oldest brewery, founded in 1471 by the Beguinage community and run by the Van Breedam family since 1872 — one of Belgium's oldest family breweries. Its flagship Gouden Carolus range honours Emperor Charles V, who grew up in Mechelen: a rich, malty golden ale with vanilla, Christmas and barrel-aged editions. The brewery also distils a single malt whisky from the same malt on one of Belgium's few whisky stills. Tours end with two glasses of the good stuff, and the on-site Het Anker tavern serves classic Flemish stews and beer-cooked dishes — a double heaven for beer lovers and history buffs.

✨ Highlights

1
Gouden Carolus
The golden ale named for Charles V — a Belgian classic.
2
Since 1471
Five and a half centuries of family brewing, richly displayed on site.
3
Whisky Stills
A single malt distilled from the same malt — a Belgian rarity.
4
The Tavern
Beer stew and Flemish classics beside the brewhouse.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：1-2 hours including tour and tasting.
→Booking：Reserve online; weekend slots fill fast.
→Tastings：Two beers included; whisky tasting is an add-on.
→Nearby：Combine with St Rumbold's Tower and the town hall.
→Opening Hours：Tour times usually start at 14:00 (advance booking required)
→Transportation：15 minutes on foot from Mechelen station.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultGuided tour from about 15 EUR

💡 Tips

• Try Classic and Christmas side by side for contrast.
• The tavern fills on weekends — book a table.
• The tour climbs stairs past hot kit — bring water in summer.
• The whisky is limited; grab a bottle if you like it.
• Quiet Mechelen suits a relaxed half-day.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Brouwerij Het Anker?

Tour times usually start at 14:00 (advance booking required)

How much is the admission for Brouwerij Het Anker?

Adult: Guided tour from about 15 EUR

Any practical tips for visiting Brouwerij Het Anker?

Try Classic and Christmas side by side for contrast. The tavern fills on weekends — book a table.

How long should I spend at Brouwerij Het Anker?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.

Times, prices and availability may change; see the brewery's official website.