De Halve Maan brewery travel guide

Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is a storied brewery with roots that trace back to 1856, making it one of Bruges' most enduring institutions. The brewery was originally founded by Henri Maes, who started a small-scale operation that has grown significantly over the decades.

Through six generations of the Maes family, De Halve Maan has continued to evolve, yet it has retained its authentic and traditional brewing methods. The brewery gained widespread acclaim for its signature beer, Brugse Zot, a blond ale that quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In 2016, De Halve Maan made headlines by constructing a unique three-kilometer-long beer pipeline, the first of its kind, which transports beer from the brewery in the city center to a bottling plant outside Bruges.

This innovative solution has not only streamlined production but also demonstrated the brewery's commitment to sustainability. Today, De Halve Maan stands as a testament to Belgian brewing heritage, offering guided tours that provide an immersive experience into its rich history and brewing techniques.

Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan in Bruges is renowned for its extraordinary beer pipeline, an engineering marvel that stretches over three kilometers underground, directly linking the brewery to its bottling plant. This unique infrastructure alleviates the traffic congestion and environmental footprint traditionally associated with beer transport. The brewery also stands out for its panoramic rooftop terrace, offering breathtaking views of Bruges' historic skyline, making it a perfect spot to enjoy their signature beers. Moreover, De Halve Maan distinguishes itself with its state-of-the-art brewing technology, which harmoniously coexists with age-old brewing traditions. Visitors can observe this fascinating blend of modern and traditional practices during guided tours. Additionally, the brewery features an onsite museum that delves deeply into the rich history of brewing in Bruges, enriched with artifacts and interactive exhibits. This fusion of innovation, tradition, and historical insight makes Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan a must-visit for both beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is home to the world's first beer pipeline, stretching an impressive 3 kilometers from the brewery to a bottling plant outside Bruges. This innovative pipeline can transport up to 6,000 liters of beer per hour, significantly reducing truck traffic in the city's historic center. Additionally, the brewery's signature beer, 'Brugse Zot,' translates to 'Bruges Fool' and is inspired by a local legend involving Emperor Maximilian of Austria. Notably, Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is a sixth-generation family-run brewery, with brewing traditions dating back to 1856. Visitors can also explore a fascinating beer museum on-site, which includes a vast collection of brewing artifacts and historical documents.

Located in the dynamic Bruges, the popular De Halve Maan brewery is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Brugge or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Belgium.

Brugge is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Brugge offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Brugge and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Belfry of Bruges, Minnewater Park, Church of Our Lady, Choco-Story, Chocolate Museum, and Sint-Salvatorskathedraal.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Brugge has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Brugge, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Belgium!

The best time to explore Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to November. During these periods, Bruges experiences mild and pleasant weather, making it ideal for walking around the historic city and enjoying the brewery tours. The crowds are also relatively thinner compared to the bustling summer months, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience at the brewery.

Visiting during these shoulder seasons allows travelers to enjoy the brewery's unique charm without the peak tourist rush. Additionally, the fall season coincides with the Belgian Beer Weekend in early September, which is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Belgium's rich beer culture. Winter, though colder, is also a magical time to visit, especially around the Christmas markets, which add a festive atmosphere to the experience.

To maximize your visit, consider booking your brewery tour in advance, especially if you plan to visit on weekends or during local holidays. Early morning tours tend to be less crowded, providing a more personalized experience. By planning your trip during these favorable times, you can fully appreciate the heritage and craftsmanship of Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan.

De Halve Maan brewery is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Brugge, Belgium. If you're flying in, Lille Airport is approximately 44.6 miles (71.7 km) away from Brugge. From there, you can easily reach De Halve Maan brewery by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Brugge, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach De Halve Maan brewery, which is located 0.4 miles (0.7 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to De Halve Maan brewery, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Walplein 26, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at De Halve Maan brewery!

With a rental car, discovering the popular De Halve Maan brewery and Belgium's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 2 reputable rental car companies near Lille Airport and the city of Brugge, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Belgium cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Brugge and beyond.

Conveniently explore De Halve Maan brewery and plenty more captivating attractions in Brugge by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to De Halve Maan brewery and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Brugge has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting De Halve Maan brewery below.

Aside from De Halve Maan brewery, Brugge is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Brugge, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Belfry of Bruges, Minnewater Park, and Church of Our Lady.

Belfry of Bruges is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in Brugge, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Belfry of Bruges is Markt 7, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.

Another appreciated attraction in Brugge is Minnewater Park. Like Belfry of Bruges, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 9,900 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is Minnewater 1/15, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.

Church of Our Lady is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Brugge. This church and top attraction in Brugge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,200 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Brugge below.