The 26 Most Beautiful & Unique Castles in Belgium

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Are you looking for the most beautiful castles in Belgium?

Castles that will make you feel like you stepped right inside of a fairytale?

Then look no further!

Over the past months I made it my mission to find the most beautiful castles in Belgium and I have to say some of them are even more impressive than those in Germany!

Any idea how many castles we even have in Belgium?

From fortified buildings to grand aristocratic mansions, Belgium has over 3000 castles in total! You can find them from the top of Flanders all the way to the bottom of Wallonia.

Let’s say you pretty much can’t turn a corner in Belgium without bumping into a castle. Almost every small town in Belgium has a castle and I found the most beautiful ones that you can now discover yourself!

Did you know that Belgium holds the world record for the most amount of castles per square meter? The provinces of Namur and Liege actually have the highest density of castles spread throughout their rolling landscape.

In Wallonia they are usually made from stones found in the Ardennes region and they were build to fortify the towns and rivers. The castles in Flanders are usually a lot younger, made of brick and they elude the feeling of aristocratic homes.

Unfortunately you can’t visit all 3000 castles in Belgium but at least 400 of them are open to the public! They now serve as a museum, hotel, bed & breakfast and you’ll even find some castle restaurants! Since visiting 400 castles is pretty nuts I did some extensive research and found the most beautiful ones for you!

This post will be updated on a regular basis, always including more information and more castles in Belgium

If you’re into photography you’ll definitely love these hidden gems in Belgium!

The Most Beautiful Castles in Belgium That You Should Visit

Beautiful Castles in Antwerp

Castle of Zellaer

The Castle of Zellaer can be found in Bonheiden, a small town close to Mechelen. Its history goes back to the 13th century and over the years a lot of different families lived here.

The Castle of Zellaer didn’t always look like this. In the very beginning it used to be a water castle and due to the succession of different residents a lot of renovation and reconstruction took place. The current castle was built in 1885 in the neo Gothic style and is open to visitors.

Every first Sunday of the month at 2pm you can join a tour of the castle grounds and step into the footsteps of it’s former residents. If you want to take part you have to send an email to gidsen@kasteelzellaer.be. Participation for this event is €4.

Opening hours – 10am to 5pm (closed on Monday)

Entrance – You don’t have to pay to enter the park and while you’re at it go for a little stroll. It’s absolutely beautiful here and during Spring and Summer it is lined with beautiful flowers.

Cleydael Castle

Cleydael Castle is a beautiful moated castle in the province of Aartselaar and parts of it date back to the 14th century. Until the 18th century it was owned by the lords of Cleydael but these days it is private property and you can find it next to a huge golf course.

It’s not possible to actually visit the castle itself but it is possible to admire it from the outside and to take some photos!

There is a small parking lot across the street and you have to drive into a little dirt road to reach it.

Borrekens Castle

The Borrekens Castle is also known as the castle of Vorselaar and has to be one of the most picturesque castles in the province of Antwerp in Belgium!

This Belgian castle is located in a beautiful park which is free to enter at any time. It is privately owned and completely surrounded by a moat and every single time I visited the main gates were closed. As far as I know it is not possible to visit the castle itself.

The best place to admire it and to take photos is when you walk around towards the back of it and here you’ll find a beautiful opening in the hedges.

Castle Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde – One of the most beautiful castles in Belgium

I have probably already said it before, but I will say it again, this has to be one of my absolute favourite castles in entire Belgium!

Somehow when I picture a castle in my mind this is what I see :D. So when I started my research back in February this fairytale castle in Bornem immediately caught my eye.

Unfortunately I didn’t count on the fact that it’s private property and I was greeted by a big sign that said ‘No entrance allowed – Active security cameras’. While I sometimes might do some crazy stuff to get a photo I would never enter private property without permission. So I went back home, tail between my legs. But this castle never really left my mind.

So when I started writing this blog post I knew I had to find a way to take beautiful photos here. And well with the help of my good friend Google Maps I was able to find an amazing viewpoint from where you can admire the castle in all it’s glory.

It’s also super easy to reach, just drive to the Binnendijkstraat and park your car alongside the road once you see the castle appearing from behind the trees. Keep Google Maps at hand at set it on satellite mode, this way you can easily spot where the piers are. Some of them are private property and closed off but we found two of them that were open and free to enter. All you have to do now is watch out for the bird poop!

The current resident is John de Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde, 14th Earl of Bornem and every year he does open up the castle grounds for a couple of days! So for those of you who also want to admire the inside of this castle, yes it is possible!

Castle Marnix de Saint-Aldegonde can be visited without an appointment on the 15th of August, the last 2 Sundays of August and the first 2 Sundays of September from 2.30pm to 4pm.

You can also make an appointment to visit the castle from the 15th of April until the 1st of November. Groups have to be of minimum 10, maximum 25 people.

Of course because of Covid-19 it is currently not possible to visit the castle inside since the Count who is residing here is already in his 80’s.

Castle Ter Elst, an abandoned castle in Belgium

Castle Ter Elst is located in Duffel, only 20 minutes driving from Antwerp. These days there’s nothing left but the castle ruins and the only inhabitants you’ll find here are the sheep that reside between the castle walls.

The bridge to the castle is closed off so you can walk around it and admire it from here but you can’t go in between the castle ruins.

Castle Ter Elst is one of the oldest buildings in the province of Antwerp and while it got severely damaged during the first World War it’s still a beautiful castle to visit!

Beautiful Castles in the Province of Brabant

In this section I will include the most beautiful castles that you can visit in the provinces of Flemish Brabant, Walloon Brabant and the Brussels-Capital Region in Belgium.

Solvay Castle near Brussels

Solvay Castle or also known as Château de la Hulpe is located in the municipality of La Hulpe close to Brussels. The castle was completed in 1840 for the Marquis Maximilien de Béthune and stands on top of a hill in a beautiful park. In 1893 Ernest Solvay bought the property as his summer residence and passed the domain on to his sons.

In 1963 the Solvay Castle was listed as a protected building and was later on gifted to the Belgian state. As from 1972 this beautiful castle is now open to the public and is one of the most beautiful castles around Brussels.

Opening hours – 8am to 9pm (6pm during the Winter)

Due to new police regulations the park remains open for visiting on the weekdays but is closed on the weekend. Access to the terraces of the Château, the houses/gardens and closed-off meadows is forbidden.

Entrance – The park is free to enter

The Castle of Meldert

I could not write this list without including this beautiful gothic castle in Meldert. Why not, I hear you thinking. Well this is where I went to high school! Yes, you heard that right, I went to high school in an actual castle. Pretty much something that only happens in a Harry Potter book or apparently in Belgium.

To be completely honest, it was super weird to be back here. I felt like I was transported back in time and was 14 years old again. Standing in the same exact spot, falling in love for the very first time.

Sint-Jans College in Meldert is one of the best examples of neo gothic architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful park. The castle as we know it today was built in 1845. In 1957 the entire estate was bought by the ‘Aalmoezeniers van de Arbeid‘, who tried to minimize the class struggle by increasing the self-esteem of the working class. In addition to educational activities, they often engaged in social work or youth work.

In 2017 the castle of Meldert was completely renovated which cost a mind blowing €2.600.000.

Horst Castle

Horst Castle is located in Holsbeek and wonderfully unique in Belgium, it’s authentic and hasn’t been renovated or rebuilt. It’s like time stood still here since 1658. Here you won’t find great works of art hanging from the overly decorated walls.

Horst Castle has actually been empty and unlived in ever since 1658!

The moated castle is nestled in the green Wingebeek valley, between the Hageland hills.

And did you know that Horst Castle is actually the home base of the Red Knight (De Rode Ridder), a fictive comic book character created by Willy Vandersteen.

The castle is currently undergoing renovation and for now the inside can’t be visited. It is however possible to go for a walk in the park surrounding the castle and have a beautiful view over the castle.

There’s a big parking lot right in front of the castle but do make sure to wear proper shoes, especially during Fall and Winter the grounds surrounding the castle can become really muddy!

Gaasbeek Castle

This is another beautiful castle in Belgium that is currently undergoing restoration and the castle itself will remain closed until 2023.

Gaasbeek Castle was built in around 1240, during the middle ages. The Duke of Brabant created the “Land van Gaasbeek” (the country of Gaasbeek) in order to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the nearby counties of Flanders and Hainaut.

Gaasbeek Castle is surrounded by a huge park which is free to enter and definitely worth a visit! There is also a Museum Garden which will reopen on May 2021.

The park is open every day from 8am until 8pm (only 5pm until the end of March).

Across the street there is a spacious parking lot to leave your car.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is a 12th century castle located in Dilbeek and only 7km from the centre of Brussels.

Every year Floralia Brussels organises a flower exhibition in the park of the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden. In 2021 this will be from April 3 until May 2 from 10am – 6pm.

This is also the only time when you can actually visit the castle grounds. The bridge in front of the castle however is always accessible.

Why not combine your visit to this castle with a day in Brussels?

Beautiful Castles in the Province of Namur

The Castle of Vêves – A magical castle in Belgium

This beautiful castle in Belgium looks like it came straight out of a Harry Potter movie and can be found in the village of Celles.

Ever since the 7th century this site has been occupied by many castles and the current one dates from 1410. Over the past centuries it has always been inhabited by the same family.

You can choose to visit this castle on your own or go on a guided tour.

Opening hours – From April to October it’s open every weekend and on holidays and during July and August it’s open for visiting every day. For a group tour you have to make a reservation from before but it is open all year round. On occasion the castle may be closed due to festivities held here.

Entrance – €8 (€50 if you want a private guide)

Carondelet Castle

You can find the Carondelet Castle in the small town of Crupet, north of Dinant in the province of Namur! It dates back to the 11th and 12th century and is one of the best preserved tower house castles outside of the UK and Ireland.

Currently it is not possible to visit the castle since it’s undergoing construction but it’s still possible to walk around the small town and admire it from the outside!

Walzin Castle – The hidden castle in Belgium

The Walzin Castle has to be my favourite Belgian castle! It is located near Dinant and overlooks the Lesse. Construction of the castle began in the 13th Century and it was completely rebuilt after the French army burned it down in 1554.

The castle itself is private domain and it’s not possible to visit it. However, this should not hold you back from taking a day trip to this area! Cause did you know that the Castle of Vêves is only 15 minutes driving away?

One of the most popular Summer activities in the area is to go down the Lesse with a kayak. This way you will float past the Walzin castle and you can make a quick stop here!

Another option is to go hiking from the Castle of Vêves to the Walzin Castle and while you’re at it visit the nature park of Furfooz on the way!

Faulx-les-Tombes Castle

The Faulx-les-Tombes Castle is one of the most beautiful and romantic castles in Belgium and is only 9km from Namur.

It was originally built in the 10th century as a strong fortress proudly rising to the sky. But today, little remains of this fortress structure. Over the next centuries ownership of the castle went from one family to the other and between 1867 and 1872 the castle was reconstructed by the same architect responsible for many landmarks in Brussels such as Petit Sablon, the Belgian Parliament and the National Bank.

In 1961 a fire destroyed the castle but it was fully restored and in 1972 ownership belonged to the municipality of Etterbeek, who used the castle for school trips and tourism. Not long after that it was transformed into a hotel but this business went bankrupt and ever since 1988 it is private property.

The Faulx-les-Tombes Castle is not open for visiting but it is very close to the main road and can be admired from there.

Leignon Castle

The Liegnon Castle was built in the 19th century and can be found close to Ciney. It was built according to the analogy of our calendar and has 365 windows (365 days), 4 towers (4 seasons), 52 rooms (52 weeks) and 12 staircases (12 months). It is mostly known under it’s nickname of “Le Château des milles fenêtres”: The Castle with a thousand windows.

These days the Leignon Castle is owned by Albert Karaziwan, the CEO of Semlex. The farm and riding school on the contrary were gifted to the AEP by the NMBS (the National Railway Company of Belgium). During the Summer months riding camps are held here for kids.

Leignon castle can not be visited but there are two viewpoints definitely worth checking out! The first can be found while driving to Barcenale, the second when you’re driving from Leignon in the direction of Durbuy.

Beautiful Castles in the Province of Liège

Manoir de Lébioles

Manoir de Lébioles is a castle -like manor house and a luxury hotel located in Creppe near Spa.

It is known as “small Versailles of the Ardennes” and a weekend get away here sounds exactly like what the doctor ordered. Lovers of haute cuisine will enjoy the gastronomic restaurant, “Le Manoir de Lébioles”, in which the Chef and his team create inspirational authentic and regional meals for you. The gourmet restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is available for hotel and external guests.

Besides a breathtaking location and amazing restaurant this hotel also offers a spa where you can completely relax and unwind. You can check there rates here.

Beautiful Castles in the Province of East Flanders

Wissekerke Castle

A few years ago my best friend posted a photo of this beautiful castle in Belgium and until this day I still remembered that shot! It goes without saying that I had to visit this little gem myself! You can find the Wissekerke Castle in Bazel in the province East Flanders. The current castle was built in the 15th century and has one of the oldest iron suspension bridges in Europe.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and you enter it through a magnificent gatehouse that will make you feel like you’re in the Middle Ages. Do I hear anyone say ‘hello knight in shining armour?’

Opening hours – The park itself is public domain and is always open. If you want to visit the castle itself here is what you need to know!

• April – September: Tue – Wed – Thu : 1pm to 5pm, Fri: 1pm – 4.30pm, Sun: 2pm to 6pm
• October – March: Tue – Wed – Thu : 1pm to 5pm
• Every last Sunday of the month there is a free tour of the castle from 2.30pm to 4pm

Entrance – €5 (visiting the park is free)

Poeke Castle, a pink castle in Belgium

What if I told you that there is a beautiful pink castle in Belgium? I don’t know about you but just the thought of it made me very excited to see it for myself! You can find the Poeke Castle near Aalter, a municipality in the province of East Flanders. If you’re coming from Ghent it takes around 20 minutes by car to reach it.

Poeke Castle is surrounded by a moat and can be reached by crossing a stone bridge both at the front and the back.

In 1977 the castle became the property of the municipality of Aalter and it’s surrounding park was declared a protected landscape in 1978.

Opening hours – The park surrounding the castle is always free to visit. The castle itself can only be visited with a guide. If you wish to do so you have to make a reservation from before. The price for a guide is €25.

Ooidonk Castle

You can find this majestic castle in Deinze, only a few minutes driving from Ghent. This medieval fortres was rebuilt in 1595 and is a unique example of the Hispanic-Flemish architectural style that emerged during the Renaissance. Nowadays Ooidonk Castle is home to the 6th Count and Countess t’Kint de Roodenbeke and their 3 children.

It is possible to visit the castle from April 1st until september 15 on Sundays and holidays from 2pm until 5.30pm. Due to the Coronavirus however the park remains closed for now. You can find details about future opening times here.

But even when it’s closed you can still admire this beautiful castle from a little side road! It’s actually the perfect spot to take some beautiful photos!

In 2021 Ooidonk Castle will open it’s doors again to Beauville, an electronic festival held on the castle grounds!

Gravensteen Castle – The Castle of the Counts

I lived in Ghent for over 6 year and had the privilege of admiring this medieval belgian castle every time I went into the city center. You’ll find the Gravensteen Castle behind the beautiful Graslei in the middle of the historic heart of Ghent. Unfortunately this fairytale castle also has a dark side and a troubling past which was often related to political and social history of Ghent. Gravensteen Castle actually used to be a house of torture and injustice.

The current castle was built in 1180 and throughout the centuries served many purposes such as a court, a prison, a home for royalty and even as a cotton factory. Gravensteen Castle was restored in 1885 and now serves as a Museum.

On November 16th 1949, the students in Ghent occupied the castle to protest against the rising cost of beer and every year, the ‘Battle of the Gravensteen castle’ is commemorated.

During the last years some changes have been made to the museum. There is no longer an actual Torture Museum and all of the torture equipment has been put behind iron bars in the dungeon of the castle. There are no longer explanations written next to the torture devices either and the guillotine has been removed.

Opening hours – 10am to 6pm

Entrance – €12

Due to new Covid-19 regulations you now have to buy your tickets online before your visit.

Laarne Castle

Laarne Castle is only a short drive away from the city of Ghent and it was built over 700 years ago. Over the centuries the castle transformed and was often used as a Summer getaway for the noblemen of the area.

The courtyard surrounding the castle is free to visit but the castle itself will remain closed until May 2021.

Afterwards the official opening hours will be from 1 June to 18 October: every Sunday afternoon from 1pm to 5pm and the admission fee is €9 for adults.

After visiting and seeing so many castles in Belgium I have to say that this is one of my favourites! I can only imagine what it must look like inside, even today, I think, you’ll find yourself immersed in no less than 700 years of history!

Lovendegem Castle

This beautiful castle is located close to Ghent in the small town of Lovendegem and is considered a protected monument.

It dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt to it’s present glory in 1885.

The castle is privately owned and not open for visitors. When you arrive you’ll a small chain which prohibits you from entering the domain. You do however get a beautiful view over the castle from the street.

Castle of Beervelde

The castle of Beervelde truly is one of those hidden gems in Belgium and is fittingly located in the Toverstraat, which basically means Magic Street.

The estate stretches over an area of 25 hectares (62 acres) and has belonged to the same family since 1783. It is maintained throughout the year in function of the internationally renowned Garden Days which take place mid-May and mid-October and is also very popular with young couples with wedding plans, looking for a fairy tale setting. It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do during Spring in Belgium!

There is a parking lot in front of the entrance to the park but new regulations require you to leave your name before entering the park.

Beautiful Castles in the Province of West Flanders

Castle Ten Berghe

This beautiful castle is located right above Bruges and is privately owned.

The castle is not open to visitors but you can book a room here or even rent out the entire castle. It’s a truly unique experience and there are actually several cool castle hotels in Belgium!

The castle is available for events, workshops, weddings, etc.

Wijnendale Castle

Wijnendale Castle is a historic residence in Torhout and once was a beautiful moated medieval castle.

The castle is open for visitors from April until the end of October, click here for the specific dates!

The area lends itself to some beautiful nature hikes and for the little ones there is even a fairytale quest to participate in at the castle!

Entrance to the castle is €5 and there is a big parking lot available right next to it!

Rumbeke Castle

Rumbeke Castle is one of the oldest Renaissance castles in Belgium and dates from the 16th century. It’s where the first Count of Flanders lived and the actual birthplace of Flanders.

the former coach house is now transformed into a restaurant and bistro. So why not pay this castle a visit and sip on a delicious cocktail while the kids are playing in the nearby playground!

Tours inside the castle are available but you do need to make a reservation.

The park surrounding the castle is free to enter and offers stunning views!

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