Discover the most remarkable castles in Belgium. From medieval castles and fortresses to picturesque country houses and unique strongholds; Belgium is the go-to country for castle visits. The Ardennes alone boast a high density of castles per square kilometer. In Flanders and Wallonia, you will find the most magnificent structures, often accompanied by museums or breweries. Which castles in Belgium should you see at least once? Here’s a list of the seven most remarkable castles.
Discover the Most Beautiful Castles in Belgium
When embarking on a castle tour in Belgium, the choices are plenty. From castles that are still open to the public to more dilapidated historical buildings that are certainly worth a visit, you’ll find beautiful castles particularly around the larger cities across the country.
1. Gravensteen in Ghent
Ghent is not only the city of beautiful buildings with gable roofs, beer, and Flemish fries; it is also home to a stunning fortress: Gravensteen. This castle is located right in the city center and is definitely worth admiring both inside and out. The history of Gravensteen is tumultuous, and you will learn more about it as you wander through the castle. A visit to this fortress takes you back to the twelfth century, where you will discover everything about the chivalric culture of that time. Gravensteen offers an audio tour that guides you through the entire castle while humorously narrating its history.
In the Middle Ages, the Counts of Flanders constructed a wooden stronghold that gradually evolved into a donjon, a residential tower, surrounded by a stone wall. This structure was built to convey their power. Philip of Alsace constructed the castle in 1180. Later, in the eighteenth century, it became a cotton spinning mill and eventually fell into decay. In 1913, due to the World Exposition in Ghent, the building was restored to its current form.
→ Hotel tips: Pillows Hotel Ghent or Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere
→ What to do in Brussels? 15 tips for your weekend getaway!
2. Gaasbeek Castle near Brussels
Southwest of Brussels lies the Kasteel van Gaasbeek. In 1236, Godfried van Leuven commissioned the construction of a fortress here to protect Brabant from external invasions. Over the years, the castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, gradually transforming from a medieval fortress into a romantic castle.
Additionally, the castle features an impressive museum garden complete with various fruit trees, an ancient chapel, and a triumphal arch erected in honor of Napoleon. Nestled in the hills of Pajottenland, the castle is surrounded by a vast park spanning over fifty acres. The castle had various owners, including the Count of Egmond and later the Marchioness Arconati Visconti, who ensured that her extensive art collection received a beautiful space within the castle. The castle’s bedroom and ‘chambre rouge’ are still on display. The museum of the Flemish Community, featuring an extensive art collection including tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and furniture, currently resides within the castle. Regular collaborations with artists for exhibitions in the castle also take place.
The castle park was established in the seventeenth century, and a stroll through it transports you back in time with wide walking paths, ancient beech trees, and various plant species decorating the grounds.
→ Hotel tip for Brussels: Motel One Brussels or Hotel Indigo Brussels
3. The Château de Chimay
The town of Chimay is well-known for the Chimay beer brand, but it also hosts a magnificent castle worth admiring. The Château de Chimay has been inhabited by various families over the years, including Erlebold, the Chimay, the Croy, the Arenbergs, and is currently owned by Prince Philippe and Princess Françoise de Chimay. Due to its diverse inhabitants, the castle has undergone multiple transformations. Count Erlebold built the first castle in Chimay in the late ninth century. In the tenth century, the Chimays moved into the castle. After a series of power shifts, it eventually came into the possession of the Croy family. Centuries later, Chimay became a principality, and the castle passed to the Arenbergs, ultimately being owned by the Chimays.
The castle is open to the public, with many cultural activities hosted within its walls. During a visit, you can discover everything about the history of the château, and there is also a film to watch that provides more insights into Chimay.
→ Hotel tip near this castle: Villa Adélaïde
4. De Dool Castle
Kasteel De Dool in Helchteren traces its origins back to the thirteenth century. In the Middle Ages, it served as a summer residence and later as a refuge for the abbots of the Abbey of St. Truiden. The existing castle dates back to the sixteenth century. Like many castles, it has a tumultuous history filled with wars, German soldier occupancy, and periods of abandonment. In 1993, Mieke Desplenter purchased the castle and began renovations.
In 1994, the Ter Dolen Brewery opened in the outbuildings of the castle. All beers are brewed on-site, with a bottling facility for filling the beers. Brewery tours are also available, with tastings of popular local brews like Ter Dolen Blond, Donker, Tripel, Rouge, and Wit offered.
5. Old Biesen
Around the town of Bilzen, you will find numerous castles, including the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen. This is one of the largest publicly accessible castle domains in Belgium and certainly worth your visit. Besides the castle, the French Garden and the English Park are also beautiful spots to explore. Alden Biesen is best discovered through one of the guided tours offered at the castle, which reveal that the castle was one of the main headquarters of the Teutonic Knights eight hundred years ago.
The Water Castle remains one of the impressive buildings open for visitation. Built in the sixteenth century and transformed into a late Baroque castle throughout the eighteenth century, significant restorations took place following a fire in 1971, and now it is a venue for numerous exhibitions and events.
→ Hotel tips near this castle: Martin’s Rentmeesterij or Hotel Beila
6. Moldova Castle
The castle of Moldave has seen various owners over the centuries and was built in the Middle Ages. In the mid-seventeenth century, it was partially destroyed and later renovated into a classical country house. The charming French gardens add to the castle’s classical allure. Inside, the intricately decorated walls and ceilings are also worth a look. The castle is perched on a rock, surrounded by a large natural area perfect for walking.
7. Freÿr Castle
Situated between Givet and Dinant along the Meuse River, the castle of Freÿr is a true Renaissance castle, featuring beautiful eighteenth-century castle gardens. Over the years, it has been inhabited by several families and is now open to the public. An audio tour guides you through the castle, informing you about its rich history. The castle gardens are particularly impressive and offer a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll. Don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Meuse and the rocky cliffs.
