Westmalle (BE) - Bergkermis

When the ‘Berg’ calls in Westmalle, everyone in the village knows: it’s time for the Bergkermis again. Forget anonymous mega-parks or cookie-cutter, over-styled funfairs – this is all about pure, unadulterated Flemish joie de vivre, right on your doorstep. The Bergkermis isn’t just an event you visit; it’s Westmalle’s living room, letting its hair down for a few days. Where tranquillity usually reigns, the bass from the bumper cars now booms, and the streets transform into a dazzling sea of lights that makes even the old brick façades dance.

The whole thing has this wonderfully laid-back charm that makes you feel instantly welcome. You stroll along the cobblestones, skilfully dodging the screaming kids on their third spin on the carousel, and sooner or later you’re guaranteed to end up at one of the makeshift bars. The atmosphere is that perfect blend of nostalgic fairground charm, with its colourful fairy lights, and a modern neighbourhood party, where, within ten minutes at the latest, you strike up a conversation with someone you’ve only ever seen before. It’s loud, it’s colourful, but there’s always that typical ‘gezelligheid’ that you simply only find in Flanders.

And because we’re here in Westmalle, liquid refreshments naturally play a starring role. Anyone who thinks you can only get standard soft drinks here hasn’t reckoned with the local brewing tradition. A freshly tapped Trappist beer is de rigueur here – a stylish contrast, so to speak, to the adrenaline rush of the fairground rides. Whilst the youngsters struggle with the claw machines, the adults enjoy the evening sun and the view of the colourful hustle and bustle. It is precisely this mix of young and old, of action and relaxation, that makes the Bergkermis so appealing.

Culinary delights, of course, offer a full indulgence, where any diet plan immediately goes out the window. The scent of freshly fried smoutebollen, buried under a thick layer of icing sugar, wafts through every nook and cranny, paired with the hearty aroma of Belgian chips. People stand together, laugh, wipe their sticky fingers on a napkin and simply enjoy the moment. The Bergkermis is the annual promise that in Westmalle, they know exactly how to celebrate life – down-to-earth, warm-hearted and with a good dose of cheer.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train: Noorderkempen / Brecht station (distance 10 km)

- by bus: Zandstraat stop

By car:

- Venue: Gemeentehuis (Sint Jozeflei)

Parking:

- Bergplein Westmalle car park (Zandstraat)