Belgium might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of castles, but the country boasts more than 3,000 of such buildings, all as stunning as the next. Discover the most awe-inspiring ones and the important role they played throughout history.
Wales may take the crown when it comes to having the most castles per square mile, but when it comes to the largest number by square kilometres, Belgium holds the record. The country is home to as many as 3,000 castles, built in a variety of styles.
These buildings are silent witnesses to the lifestyle of the nation's forefathers and the history of its regions, making them well worth visiting. Discover the most unmissable forts below, dotted all around Belgium, below.
Most historic
Castle of Bouillon
This impressive fortress perched on three rocks above the Semois river in the province of Luxembourg is considered the oldest in the country. The first fortifications here are believed to date back to the 8th century. However, the castle as it stands now dates back to the 11th century.
Credit: Château fort de Bouillon
Inside the castle, the maze of corridors and large vaulted halls hide one of the most interesting relics of feudalism in Belgium, while in the large courtyard, visitors can spot large falcons, eagles and owls. Make sure to take in the panoramic views of the Semois, Bouillon village and the valley it looks over when walking outside the building.
The castle is linked to Godfrey of Bouillon (ca 1060 - 1100), who became the first ruler of the Crusader state in Jerusalem.
Find more information here.
Beersel castle, Halle
Many castles that can be visited in Belgium now are reconstructions, but not Beersel Castle – located just 10km from Brussels. It presents itself as one of the few structures that still looks like it did during the 15th century. This means there are few other places where history buffs can get as close to life in the Middle Ages as here.
Credit: Toerisme Vlaanderen
The location of the moated castle, built around 1420, is not arbitrary; it was erected on a narrow plateau adjacent to the flood plain of the Senne both for economic, but especially military-strategic assets. This allowed the castle of Beersel to function as an important defensive post of Brussels in the late Middle Ages.
Find more information here.
Unexpected location
Gravesteen, Ghent
When visiting Ghent, it is almost impossible not to see the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), given the location of this large castle is right in the city centre. The building is holds special worth as is it the only remaining medieval castle in Flanders with an intact defence system.
Credit: City of Ghent
The medieval fortification has an eventful past due to the complex, and often turbulent political and social history of the city. Visitors can learn about this history, marvel at the knightly culture during the Middle Ages and explore a unique collection of torture equipment during a humourous audio tour of the castle.
Find more information here.
Unusual appearance
Wissekerke castle, Bazel
Wissekerke Castle, lying on the banks of the River Scheldt, is one of the first castles in Belgium that was built in the neo-Gothic style (marked by their taller structure). Its suspension bridge is worth taking a look at, as it is said to be one of the oldest surviving ones in Europe and the oldest cast-iron construction.
Credit: Toerisme Vlaanderen
The fairytale moated castle was redecorated with Empire elements (19th-century fashion) to reflect the luxurious living environment of the last resident family, features which are still predominant today in the grand salon, vestibule and Egyptian room, all notable eye-catchers. Three audio tours (tailored to different age groups) lead visitors through the castle and the history of Belgium, tensions between Catholics and Liberals, and more.
Find more information here.
Most impressive surroundings
Château de Freÿr, Dinant
This building has left such an impression on visitors that it is regularly referred to as a 'little Versailles'. The Renaissance castle on the right bank of the Meuse river near Dinant was built in the village of Freÿr in the 15th century. When walking through the chateau's perfectly preserved rooms, you can almost imagine how people lived during this time.
Credit: Château de Freÿr
While the inside of the building is beautiful, its setting and surroundings are also worth mentioning. Walking through its 18th-century castle gardens, visitors can spot fountains, 300-year-old orange trees and mazes, as well as the views over the Meuse and the steep cliffs, making it an unforgettable visit.
Find more information here. (This castle only reopens on 28 March)
Alden Biesen, Bilzen
The Landcommandery Alden Biesen is one of the largest publicly accessible castle sites in Belgium, making it more than just a historical monument. The 43-hectare park includes historic garden parks, symmetrical flowerbeds, an orangery, an English-inspired garden and unique orchards, making it an ideal walking spot.
Credit: Landcommandery Alden Biesen
However, the building itself is also remarkable, with a history dating back to the Crusades in the 13th century. Alden Biesen served as one of the most influential headquarters of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. The castle itself was home to the Grand Commander for centuries. The nighttime trail 'Bilzen Mysteries' during which visitors are guided through 800 years of history of the Teutonic Order.
Find more information here.
Renovated gems
Gaasbeek Castle, Halle
Last but not least is the Gaasbeek Castle, a medieval moated castle located to the southwest of Brussels. It was built in 1236 by Godfrey of Louvain to protect Brabant from outside invasions. In the years that followed, the castle was regularly destroyed and rebuilt, gradually transforming it from a dark medieval castle to a romantic one.
Credit: Visit Flanders
The building is now the Museum of the Flemish Community, boasting an extensive art collection including works by Pieter Bruegel. Make sure to take the time to stroll through the castle's surrounding gardens with several fruit trees, an old chapel and a triumphal arch erected in honour of Napoleon. For the past three years, it has been completely restored, and the grand re-opening is planned for 31 March 2024.
Find more information here.
