Vleteren

Vleteren is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It is situated in the Westhoek region, close to the French border. The municipality was formed in 1977 through the fusion of the former municipalities of Westvleteren, Oostvleteren, and Woesten.

Westvleteren is perhaps most famous for the Abbey of Saint Sixtus, a Trappist monastery. This abbey is renowned for producing Westvleteren beer, which is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts worldwide. The abbey itself is a place of quiet contemplation and adheres to the strict rules of the Trappist order.

Oostvleteren, another part of the municipality, has a more agricultural character. Woesten was a smaller village that was largely destroyed during World War I but has since been rebuilt. The area bears many traces of the Great War, with several war cemeteries and memorials located nearby, reflecting the significant role the region played during the conflict.

The landscape of Vleteren is typical of West Flanders, characterized by flat farmlands and a network of rural roads. The Yser River flows through the area, contributing to the distinctive scenery. Vleteren remains a relatively quiet rural community, offering a glimpse into traditional Flemish life and a significant historical context due to its wartime past.