Best castles around Oreye are situated in a region known for its gently rolling Haspengouw landscape. This area offers a rich architectural heritage, providing opportunities to explore various historical sites. From well-preserved estates to partially moated castles, the region's historical significance is reflected in its diverse structures. The vicinity of Oreye presents a range of historical experiences for visitors.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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I was overwhelmed by the beautiful blossoms, also how many plantations on this hike, recommended!
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Rullingen Castle (also called Rolengen, Rolenghem, and Ruelingen) is located in the Herk valley in Rullingen, a hamlet of the Belgian town of Borgloon. The oldest known lord of Rullingen was Eggebertus van Rolengen, who witnessed the foundation of Averbode Abbey by his feudal lord, Arnold II van Loon. The medieval fortress was replaced, probably between 1623 and 1638, by a typical Maasland moated castle. It consisted of a U-shaped farmyard and an L-shaped manor house with a projecting square corner tower. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle was adapted to the then-current residential standards; a coach house was added. Between 1770 and 1850, an English garden was laid out to the south. In 1912, Knight Pangaert d'Opdorp purchased the castle. The farm behind the castle and a service wing were destroyed by fire in 1920. The building was then thoroughly renovated, a garden was created, and the moats were partially filled in. A new coach house was built using the demolition material. The Provincial Government of Limburg has owned the building since 1978. Until 2013, it was operated as a hotel and restaurant. In 2014, the Province of Limburg sold the castle to NV Livaco in Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe, one of the companies of the project developer Kolmont, owned by the Tans family in Hasselt. A real vineyard has been located on the Rullingen estate for several years now. In May 2005, one hectare of land was set aside for planting. The vineyard consists of 3,000 Pinot Gris vines, 2,000 Pinot Blanc, 600 Pinot Noir (Sankt Laurence), 200 Riesling, and 200 Kerner. The wine from Kasteel van Rullingen is organic. Unlike "regular" wine, which uses chemical agents, the grapes used in organic wine are grown without the use of any chemical products. Artificial fertilizers, highly toxic herbicides, and all chemical insecticides and fungicides are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN in this cultivation. Organic cultivation is therefore 100% environmentally friendly.
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beautiful big castle in Rullingen
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visible from the road with a bench and trash can to take a break
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Hex Castle is one of the most beautiful and best preserved estates in Belgium. The castle is attributed to the Liège architect Etienne Fayn and dates from around 1775. It was built as a hunting lodge for Prince-Bishop François-Charles de Velbrück. It is surrounded by period gardens, a vegetable garden with an original vegetable cellar and a landscape park by Louis Fuchs, known for its collection of old and wild roses and age-old exotics. The annual garden days/plant fair are an opportunity for many to meet friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere - and in the exceptional setting of these historic gardens - to discover special plants and to seek advice from growers and specialists. More: - https://www.visitsinttruiden.be/aanbod/tuinen-van-kasteel-van-hex/ - https://www.hex.be/ - https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/32081
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Rullingen Castle, located in Rullingen near Borgloon, Belgium, dates from the Middle Ages but was probably replaced by a water castle between 1623 and 1638. In the 18th and 19th centuries, adjustments were made in accordance with the housing standards of the time, and an English garden was created. After several owners, the castle became the property of the Province of Limburg in 1978. Until 2013 it functioned as a hotel-restaurant. In 2014, the castle was sold to a project developer.
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The castle of Heks is a Belgian castle, located in the village of Heks (part of Heers) in the province of Limburg. The palatial castle was built from 1770, probably by the Liège architect Etienne Fayen, for the Prince-Bishop of Liège Franciscus Karel de Velbrück. As a lover of nature, the Prince-Bishop chose this place in the slightly hilly Haspengouw to build his summer residence and pleasure garden. He had a Chinese garden, a rose garden and a vegetable garden laid out there. Later, the castle was embellished with one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland, inspired by the English garden architecture of Capability Brown. He died on his estate in 1784. The estate is owned by the d'Ursel family. The rose garden now (2004) has an exceptional assortment of rose varieties, the oldest of which were present in the original garden. The gardens and park are open to the public during the first weekend in June and the second weekend in September. The castle features in Harry Kümel's 1968 film Monsieur Hawarden.
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The region around Oreye offers several historically significant castles. Among them, Castle of Betho is known for its impressive, partially moated structure and 1478 marlstone tower. Widooie Castle is a beautifully preserved castle farm with deep historical roots, featuring a 1662 gate. Additionally, Heks Castle is renowned for its exceptional gardens, including a Chinese garden and a rose garden.
Yes, Heks Castle is considered family-friendly, primarily due to its extensive and beautiful gardens. While the castle itself is a private residence, its gardens and park are accessible to the public during specific events, offering a pleasant outing for families.
Beyond the castles, the region offers a rich architectural heritage. You can explore the vestiges of the original Château d'Oreye, where only the 13th-century gate tower remains, offering a glimpse into its feudal past. Other sites like Castle of Betho and Widooie Castle also stand as significant historical monuments, showcasing centuries of regional history and architectural evolution.
The castles around Oreye are set within the gently rolling Haspengouw landscape. Heks Castle is particularly famous for its exceptional gardens, which include a Chinese garden, a rose garden, and a vegetable garden, as well as a landscaped park inspired by 'Capability' Brown. This park also holds the status of a natural reserve.
The gardens and park of Heks Castle are typically open to the public twice a year for the Festival of Plants, usually on the second weekend of June and September. These times offer the best opportunity to experience the renowned rose garden and other horticultural displays.
Generally, internal access to the castles is limited. Heks Castle is a private residence, and its interior is not open to the public, though group tours of the gardens can be arranged by written request. The internal courtyard of Castle of Betho is also not accessible to visitors, but its striking architecture is visible from the surrounding grounds.
Yes, there are several cycling routes that pass by or near the castles. For example, the 'Heks Castle – Cherry orchards of Borgloon loop from Oreye' is a moderate touring bicycle route. You can find more options, including road cycling and mountain biking trails, in the Cycling around Oreye guide.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking on routes that often pass by historical sites. For specific routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Oreye, Cycling around Oreye, and MTB Trails around Oreye guides.
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the well-preserved nature of the estates. The architectural details of castles like Castle of Betho and the unique charm of Widooie Castle are often highlighted. The exceptional gardens of Heks Castle are also a major draw, particularly for nature and history enthusiasts.
Yes, the original Château d'Oreye, built in the early 13th century, was largely destroyed. Today, only the gate tower, which once featured a drawbridge, remains of this feudal castle. The existing buildings on the site were transformed into a farm, but these vestiges still offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.
Absolutely. While the internal courtyard of Castle of Betho is not accessible, its striking architecture is clearly visible and easily viewed from the surrounding grounds. The eastern and southern facades offer the best vantage points to appreciate its symmetrical layout and historical structure.
Heks Castle is particularly noted for its natural surroundings. It features one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland, inspired by 'Capability' Brown, and holds the status of a natural reserve. Its famous gardens, including a Chinese garden, a rose garden, and a vegetable garden, are a significant attraction.


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