Are you planning on visiting Chateau de Walzin but no idea where to start? I’ve got you covered!
Chateau de Walzin, also known as Walzin Castle, is one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium and also one of the most famous ones! Over the past year we were forced to explore within our own country and this castle quickly became one of the most photographed spots in Belgium.
But finding this hidden castle isn’t as easy as it seems. So far I’ve visited it twice but the first time it took me a really long time to find it. Especially since Google Maps thought it was a good idea to have me park on the other side of the river, not even within reach of Chateau de Walzin.
Within this travel guide I’ll tell you exactly where to leave your car when visiting Walzin Castle, where to take the best photographs and everything else that you can see or do in the area!
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Chateau de Walzin – A Complete Travel Guide
Chateau de Walzin is a true hidden gem to behold and often called the Belgian Neuschwanstein! It truly knows how to capture the imagination, perched on top of high cliffs and surrounded by nothing but nature.
It is located in the province of Namur and is only 20 minutes driving from the city of Dinant.
It was built in the 13th century and is one of the largest castles in Belgium. It served as a surveillance post and defence for the city of Dinant. Cause the only way to access the city of Dinant from the South was through the gates of this stunning fortress.
Unfortunately the castle suffered severe damage throughout the years by the French revolutionary armies.
The castle is now private property and was first own by Alfred Brugmann de Walzin in 1850. There have been several restorations and the last one by Baron Fréderic Brugman dates from 1930. His daughter, Baroness Albert de Radzitzky from Ostrowick, became the owner of the castle and its estate in1945.
The castle was bought by Count Alexis de Limburg Stirum , a family that dates back to the 9th century, direct descendants of Henry IV, Duke of Limburg, and William de la Marck , the “Boar of the Ardennes”.
Fun Fact – Victor Hugo was so inspired by Walzin Castle that he made a drawing of it in 1863.
When to visit Chateau de Walzin
I honestly don’t think there’s something as a bad time to visit Chateau de Walzin. Every season has its own charm and so far I have visited it during both Summer and Fall season.
Here’s what I’ve learned. During Fall you can see the castle surrounded by mist in the early morning and you can see the leaves changing colour. Walzin Castle is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium for Fall photography.
During Summer the surrounding nature will be more lush and besides hiking you’ll also be able to rent a kayak an go down the river Lesse.
A few years ago this place was rather unknown and you would only encounter a couple of hikers on your journey. These days however it’s one of the most famous Instagram hot spots in Belgium (I guess that happens when you can only travel inside your own country).
However it’s still a rather quiet place since you can’t actually visit the castle.
How to reach Chateau de Walzin
This was by far the most difficult part when I first tried finding this beautiful castle! And that’s because I had no clue where the castle was or how to drive there.
On that day I first visited the also famous Chateau de Vêves and decided to drive to Chateau de Walzin from there. I simply added it to Google Maps and off I went… or so I thought. I ended up in a forest on the other side of the river Lesse with the castle nowhere in sight. Luckily I encountered two locals who were kind enough to give me proper directions.
BY CAR – To find a proper parking space you want to park you car at the end of Rue du Barrage.
BY BUS – The easiest way to reach Walzin Castle by bus is to come from Dinant. Take bus 67/1 from Dinant Place Albert and get off at Furfooz Rue du Camps Romain. From Furfooz it’s a 3km hike to reach the castle.
Where to take photos at Chateau de Walzin
Photography Viewpoint Number 1
The first viewpoint can be easily reached if you park your car at the parking lot next to the river Lesse when driving down Rue du Barrage.
After that you follow the small road next to the water, cross the bridge and you’ll see the castle appear on your left.
To get on the meadow you do have to go underneath some barbed wire. But the only reason that it’s there is so the cows won’t escape. So just make sure you don’t disturb them and watch out for the poop ;).
When I went back to Walzin castle during Fall the barbed wire was taken down on some places but always remain careful.
Photography Viewpoint Number 2
The second viewpoint is a little trickier cause you have to go onto a private road so if you do this it’s at your very own risk.
You’ll find it after driving up the hill next to the castle and it’s the first road on the right that you’ll encounter.
It will involve some crawling through the bushes, passing by a ruin and climbing over a fence but you’ll be greeted by one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Belgium!
Do not attempt to go here if you’re scared of heights or if you are not sure footed. Cause if you fall, you don’t just break a leg, you fall, you die.
Photography Viewpoint Number 3
Canoeing down the Lesse is one of the best Summer activities that you can do in Belgium. It’s very easy to do and children from up to 5 can participate. The river Lesse is only 60m deep on average so there’s never any real difficulty. You can rent your kayak at Dinant Evasion from April 2021!
Photography Viewpoint Number 4
Drone photography is allowed around Chateau de Walzin so if you have one make sure to bring enough batteries with you!
I haven’t been able to fly my drone here yet but when I buy a new one I know it’s one of those places that I want to fly it!
Photography Viewpoint Number 5
You have a unique view over Chateau de Walzin right after crossing the pedestrian bridge across the Lesse.
Things to do at Chateau de Walzin
Unfortunately you can’t visit the castle itself but like I said before there are plenty of viewpoints to admire it from. And besides that there are also a lot of fun things to do in the area. This way you can turn your visit to the castle into a fun day trip!
GO HIKING – Hiking around Chateau de Walzin is one of the most romantic things to do in Belgium. The hike will lead you alongside beautiful cliffs and another beautiful castle named Chateau de Vêves. Before attempting this hike make sure it didn’t rain a lot the weeks before. I wanted to do this hike but the river Lesse stood so high that it had completely flooded parts of the trail.
GO KAYAKING – It’s one of the most popular activities during Summer and canoes can be rented out from the start of April until the end of October.
GO BIKING – If you’re an experienced mountain biker you might want to try out this mountain bike trail!
Things to do in the area
VISIT CHATEAU DE VÊVES – A beautiful castle that will make you feel like you’re standing in front of Hogwarts.
VISIT FURFOOZ – One of the most beautiful places in Wallonia and only a short hike away from Chateau de Walzin. Discover a stunning 4km loop trail through the cliffs.
VISIT DINANT – Discover the birthplace of the saxophone and marvel at the beauty of the citadel of Dinant!
VISIT CHATEAU DE FREYR – Another beautiful castle that’s only a few kilometers away from Chateau de Walzin.
HIKE TO THE AIGUILLES DE CHALEUX – Amassive rockformation that will grant you some of the most impressive views!
Where to stay near Chateau de Walzin
Hotels
| La Belle Étable – Located in the lovely village of Falmignoul, near Dinant, in an old farm from the eighteenth century, ranked amongst the most beautiful farms of Wallonia. L’arche De Noé – Offering a barbecue and views of the river, L’arche De Noé is a former castle annex located in Dinant in the Namur Province Region |
Castles
Domaine de Ronchinne – A stunning castle also formerly known as Chateau de la Poste, is a beautiful castle hotel in Belgium that dates back to 1884.
Le Château de Namur – Located less than 150 meters from the citadel of Namur and is surrounded by a magnificent park.
Unique Places to stay near Chateau de Walzin
Aqualodge Hôtel Insolite – The 6 lodges are perched on the lake and some even have a floor window, creating an incredible experience!
Le Cocon – A stunning treehouse in the heart of lush greenery and located in an attractive region between Namur and Dinant.
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