Zundert Trappist Brewery

The Netherlands

"Zundert Trappist beer requires a little time. We believe things should be allowed time..."

 Maria Toevlucht Trappist abbey in Zundert

The name of the abbey translates to “Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge” and harks back to a turbulent chapter in European history: the aftermath of the French Revolution. During this time, many monastic communities in France were under threat, prompting Trappist monks from the Order of Cistercians to seek sanctuary in the Netherlands.

Their first sanctuary took shape in Tilburg, where they established the Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven, now widely known among beer enthusiasts as the home of the La Trappe Trappist beers. In time, a second monastery was founded in Zundert. By 1938, this growing monastic community was elevated to the status of an abbey, officially becoming Abdij Maria Toevlucht. To support themselves, the monks were granted a plot of land which they initially used for intensive dairy farming. However, as sustainability became more important to the community, the abbey transitioned to ecological cattle farming.

Trappistenbrouwerij De Kievit

After years of running an ecological cattle farm, the monks of Abdij Maria Toevlucht found the work increasingly labor-intensive for their small community. In 2007, the farm was phased out, but it didn’t take long for a new idea to take root. Inspired by fellow Cistercian monasteries across Europe that support themselves by brewing beer, the monks decided to start their own Trappist brewery.

The name of their new venture pays tribute to the land's origins. The abbey was built on the grounds of a modest farm once known as 'De Kievit', named after the Northern Lapwing, a bird recognized by its distinctive wispy crest. This symbol of the plover now appears in the brewery’s logo. In 2011, Trappistenbrouwerij De Kievit was officially established, and by December 2013, the monks introduced their first beer: Zundert Trappist. With this launch, Zundert became the second Trappist beer in the Netherlands to earn the Authentic Trappist Product label.

Zundert beer, a monastic brew

When the monks of Abdij Maria Toevlucht launched their brewery, Trappistenbrouwerij De Kievit, they chose to start with a single beer, Zundert Trappist. With no prior brewing experience, the community focused on mastering one recipe. As with many Trappist breweries, the name of the beer reflects its origin: Zundert, the village where the abbey is located.

Five years later, in 2018, a second brew was introduced. The two beers are now known as Zundert 8 and Zundert 10, echoing the naming tradition seen in other Trappist beers, such as those from Rochefort. These rich, complex brews are not everyday beers, they are bold, contemplative, and high in alcohol, best enjoyed slowly and mindfully.

That mindful approach is no accident. In a monastery, life unfolds at a different pace. Brewing at Zundert reflects the same dedication to craft, reflection, and quality that defines the monastic lifestyle. Every bottle of Zundert beer invites you to pause, sip, and savor.

Visiting Zundert Trappist brewery: what you need to know

Planning a visit to Trappist brewery De Kievit in Zundert? You can't casually walk in for a tour, but the abbey organizes exclusive excursions to the brewery approximately once every two months. These guided visits offer a rare glimpse into the world of authentic Trappist brewing and must be booked in advance.

If you're looking to purchase the Zundert Trappist beers, head to the abbey’s monastery shop. Here you'll find Zundert 8, Zundert 10, and, since 2023, the lighter Zundert 4 Refterbier, a 4% ABV beer originally brewed for the monks' own consumption. Please note: drinking alcohol on monastery grounds is not permitted, in keeping with monastic values. Just across the road, you’ll find a local café where Zundert Trappist beers are served and enjoyed in the appropriate setting.

Beer lovers can easily turn their visit into a Trappist beer day trip. Less than 50 kilometers away is the La Trappe brewery at the Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot, near Tilburg. Unlike De Kievit, La Trappe has a full tasting room and offers daily guided tours, making it a perfect complement to your visit.

Updated: 05-06-2025