The Venue
Keizersberg Leuven
Getting Here
The closest public parking is Parking Vaartkom (Engels Plein 32), a large covered facility with about 1,000 spaces, open 24/7 and equipped with a lift inside the garage itself.
Note: there are only a handful of reserved spaces on the abbey grounds itself, for people with disabilities.
🗺 Open Parking Vaartkom in Google MapsWalking from Parking Vaartkom (~10 min)
- Exit the parking on foot towards Engels Plein — you will see the Vaartkom canal basin and a cliff rising ahead of you.
- Look for the glass lift built into the hillside, just to the right of the staircase at the base of the Keizersberg rock face. Take the lift (or the steps if you prefer) to the top.
- At the top, follow the path around to the back (east) side of the abbey through the park — you will pass through a green garden area.
- The main entrance to the abbey buildings is on the back/east side; follow the signs for "Keizersberg" once you are in the park.
The nearest bus stop is Leuven Lüdenscheid, about a 3-minute walk from the abbey entrance. Many lines from Leuven station stop there, including:
Bus 2 · 3 · 10 · 20 · 21 · 70 · R81 · R90
The journey from Leuven station is about 5–10 minutes depending on the line. Check delijn.be for live timetables.
🗺 Open venue in Google MapsKeizersberg is about a 30-minute walk from Leuven train station, or a short cycle. Just be aware — the abbey sits on top of a steep hill, so expect a climb at the end!
The most scenic walking route follows the Dijle river and then ascends through the Keizersberg park. If arriving by bike, secure it at the racks near the abbey entrance on Mechelsestraat before heading in.
🗺 Walking directions from stationWelcome to Keizersberg
Keizersberg (literally Emperor's Mountain) is a former abbey of the Benedictine monks rich with history. The abbey is not in use anymore and has been owned by the city of Leuven since 2010. Even though this has a history as a catholic building, it is faith-agnostic.
When looking for different spaces to host ALE 2026, Keizersberg Leuven immediately stood out for us. What better place to reflect and recharge, totally in line with our 2026 Recharge theme! We hope you will also fall in love with the location as we did, whether it's by walking down the corridors or in the inner or outer gardens. For those who love a nature walk, the abbey is in the middle of a small park.
Since we will be inside a very old structure, the inside of the building stays fresh even during the hottest days.