The Halve Maan Brewery

The De Halve Maan brewery, the brewing tradition of Bruges

Impossible to associate Belgium with beer without mentioning a brewery like this one. The De Halve Maan brewery is the oldest brewery still active in the centre of Bruges. The Bruges audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this institution, a living witness of the brewing tradition of the city.

A family brewery since 1856

In 1856, Henri Maes launched his brewing activities on the Walplein, in the heart of Bruges, giving birth to the De Halve Maan brewery, in Dutch Brouwerij De Halve Maan. Still family-run and still active, it is the oldest brewery in the city centre still in operation. It perpetuates a centuries-old know-how and testifies to the essential place of beer in Belgian culture.

What to see

Here you discover the facilities of the brewery, its family history and the beer-making process, during guided tours. From its heights, the view over the roofs of Bruges is superb. It is a convivial and must-see stop to understand the Belgian brewing tradition, in the heart of the old town.

Practical information

The De Halve Maan brewery lies on the Walplein, in the heart of the old town of Bruges, reachable on foot. It is a working brewery that offers guided tours; the hours, prices and arrangements vary with the season and the crowds. It is best to enquire in advance, notably for the tours, which are often popular.

Since when has the De Halve Maan brewery existed?

Since 1856, when Henri Maes launched his brewing activities on the Walplein; it is the oldest brewery still active in the centre of Bruges.

Can you visit the De Halve Maan brewery?

Yes, the brewery offers guided tours of its facilities; hours, prices and arrangements vary with the season, to be checked before coming.