Top 20 Castles around Keerbergen

The region around Keerbergen features a variety of historical estates, including neo-Gothic moated castles like Zellaer Castle, Renaissance castles such as Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, and medieval residential towers like Ter Heyden Keep. Within Keerbergen itself, you can visit 't Kasteel, which is a former country house now home to a local history museum and a municipal park.

Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Zellaer Castle, Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, and Ter Heyden Keep are all categorized as family-friendly. Additionally, 't Kasteel in Keerbergen offers a brasserie with a playroom and a summer playground, making it a great option for families with children.

Many castles are set within beautiful natural surroundings. Zellaer Castle, for example, boasts an extensive park with forests, ponds, and walking paths. Het Steen or the Rubens Castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, surrounded by old moats and close to the Zenne river. Ter Heyden Keep is uniquely situated in the middle of an artificial lake.

Yes, 't Kasteel in Keerbergen is open to the public. Originally a country house, it now houses the local history circle 'De Botermolen' museum. The surrounding gardens have been developed into a municipal park, and there's a brasserie on the premises. It offers a blend of history, nature, and amenities, including child-friendly facilities.

Yes, Schiplaken Castle, while a historical site, is not open to the public. The domain is privately owned.

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as 'The Dijle – Dijle Bridge loop' or 'Meanders of the Dijle – Beaver Dam loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like 'Betekom Old Mill – Demer Towpath loop' and general cycling routes like 'Damiaan Bridge over the Dijle – Wittegoud Bridge loop'. You can explore more routes in the running, gravel biking, and cycling guides for Keerbergen.

Het Steen or the Rubens Castle originated as an 11th-century motte castle and later became a beautiful Renaissance castle. It played a key role in the defense of Brabant. Its most famous resident was the painter Pieter Paul Rubens, who purchased it in 1635 and spent his last summers there, painting and hosting artist friends.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical architecture and natural beauty. They enjoy the picturesque settings, such as Ter Heyden Keep in its artificial lake, and the extensive parks with walking paths at places like Zellaer Castle. The rich history, from medieval origins to Renaissance transformations, also captivates many.

Yes, 't Kasteel in Keerbergen has a brasserie on its premises, offering a culinary experience in an elegant setting. For other castles, you might find cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns and villages, which are often just a short drive or walk away.

For more information on castles and gardens beyond the city walls in Flemish Brabant, you can visit the official tourism website: visitflanders.com.

Zellaer Castle is a neo-Gothic moated castle built around 1885, though its history dates back to the 13th century. Its outer facade features a robust appearance with a drawbridge, donjon, battlements, and loopholes. The 18.5-hectare castle park contains many historical elements, including a moat structure, pond, and avenues, with some monumental trees over 200 years old.

The domain of Ter Heiden Tower (also known as Ter Heyden Keep) was expanded in 1870 to brew beer. The Smedts family, who acquired ownership in 1909, carried out brewing activities there until 1938, with the beautiful brick chimney remaining as a silent witness.