Did you know Belgium has the biggest number of castles per km² in the world? Belgium has more than 3000 castles in total, but we made a selection of the most beautiful castles. Did we forgot one? Let us know in the comments!
1. Walzin castle
Walzin castle is a neo-gothic castle and one of the most famous castles in Belgium! The castle is located just outside of Dinant. By the way on our blog you can find a beautiful walk between Walzin castle and Vêves castle, number 2 in our list. Discover the hike here.
2. Vêves Castle
This castle comes straight out of a fairytale! The castle is located in Houyet, also nearby Dinant. It is actually possible to visit the castle between April and October and admission is 5euro for adults, 3 euro for children. Costumes for children is included in the entry price.
3. Borrekens Castle
This beautiful castle, also known as the castle of Vorselaar, dates from the 13th Century. Borrekens castle is a private castle, so it is not possible to visit from the inside.
4. Alden Biesen
The Grand Commandery, or Alden Biesen castle, is one of Northern Europe's oldest and largest castle domains. It was previously the headquarters of the German Order of the Teutonic Knights and has a history dating back over 800 years. You can experience the Alden Biesen in a unique way thanks to Bilzen Mysteries.
5. Castle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne
This beautiful and fortified castle dates back to the 15th century and can be found near Rochefort. Visiting the castle is possible & children can dress up as princesses and knights during the visit. There are also 3 museums in the chateau: Lords of Lavaux, Natural History Museum & Rural Life museum.
6. Freÿr Castle
Castle Freÿr, a 10min drive from Dinant, is notable for its lovely gardens and even more for it's lovely setting. Take a stroll through the lovely French garden. Castle Fryr's grounds are known for their beautiful fountains and orange trees, and they are designed in the classic Renaissance style. Visits of the castle are possible, but reservation is necessary.
7. Gravensteen Castle
Built of Tournai limestone in 1180 and abandoned after periods as a royal residence, a courthouse, and a jail, it was restored in 1885. The castle is open for visits and costs €12 per person. Inside you can also find a torture museum revealing terrifying devices that were actually used.
8. Beloeil castle
This magnificent chateau, built in the 14th century, is surrounded by a moat that is connected to a network of lakes and canals that swirl through one of Belgium's largest and most elegant French-style gardens. Even better, you can take a short train ride to appreciate them in the most relaxing manner possible.
9. Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde
Also known as the castle of Bornem, dates from the 11th Century and was intented to defend the incurions of the Normans. The castle, that is now actually a country house can only be visited during a group tour which can be booked between April and November.
10. Ooidonk Castle
Ooidonk is located near Ghent and is a beautiful example of a Flemish Renaissance castle. It was originally built in the 13th-14th Century. The castle is open on Sundays (Saturdays as well in July & August) and the entrance fee is €9 for adults and €3 for children. The French-style gardens are open all year round.