Castles in Belgium – History, Legends & Fairytales
Belgium is blessed with hundreds of castles – from medieval fortresses to romantic châteaux, fairytale turrets, and hidden ruins. Each one tells a story of knights, nobles, and battles, but also of art, gardens, and legends.
Whether it’s the mighty Gravensteen in Ghent, the dramatic Château de Bouillon in the Ardennes, the intimate Château de La Hulpe, or the elegant Château de Vêves with its Disney-like towers, these castles reveal Belgium’s rich and varied past – and are waiting for you to explore.
Scroll down to explore some of the country’s most fascinating castles. Use the interactive map to see where they are located and plan your next castle visit.
Tip: Zoom in to uncover hidden gems like Beauvoorde, Loppem and Eben-Ezer.
An itinerary for a castle-themed day trip, or a leisurely multi-day tour.
Discover one must-see castle in each province, from medieval strongholds to elegant châteaux.
Renaissance interiors and one of Belgium’s most enchanting formal gardens.
Relive Napoleon’s last night of victory prior to Waterloo
Spine-tingling vampire legend hidden in the ruins.
Stately salons, an art collection, and vast formal gardens to explore
Medieval walls come alive with cutting-edge digital projections of turbulent history.
Usually closed, but opens once a year for family-fun events.
Elegant 18th-century château with silver museum and parkland.
Wonderfully authentic water castle, little changed since the 17th century.
Discover the Grand Commandery of the Teutonic Order and its international cultural centre.
Art collection, hedge maze, fascinating history, and lakeside views.
A romantic 19th-century vision, hidden away in quiet countryside.
One of Wallonia’s exceptional heritage sites. Beautifully maintained with attractive garden.
An outstanding place to visit, and hosts art exhibitions through the year.
Historic hunting lodge, inspiration for Flemish comic strips.
Quirky 20th-century monument topped with giant stone animals.
Explore dungeons, weapons collections, and panoramic views from the battlements.
I’m continually adding more castles to this section. Is there a Belgian castle you’d love me to explore and feature here? Drop me a line.
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