Top 20 Castles around Maldegem
Castles around Maldegem, a municipality in East Flanders, Belgium, offer insights into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. The area features a mix of historical fortified castles and stately homes, some of which are privately owned. These sites are often set within historical landscapes, including woodlands, parks, and along waterways like the Ede river. The region provides opportunities to explore historical architecture and significant cultural landmarks.
Best castles around Maldegem
- The most popular castles is Ryckevelde Castle, a…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Bulskampveld
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Ryckevelde Castle
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Oostkerke Castle
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Fort van Beieren
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The central square is surrounded by an earthen wall with four bastions, a …
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Elderschans Castle
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A very large forest with various amenities, including a tea room and restaurant. There's also a herb garden and a farm where you can buy ice cream.
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Fort van Beieren was built by the French in the 18th century during the War of the Spanish Succession and was originally called Fort Bayern. At that time, 1,748 soldiers were stationed there. Today, there's a lovely restaurant there, inviting you to take a break and offering tasty snacks at reasonable prices.
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After the Tillegembos (Bruges) and the Palingbeek (Ypres), the Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld became the third provincial domain of West Flanders. In 1970, 201 ha of forest, agricultural land, park, castle and associated farms were purchased and opened to the public after construction and development. The Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld was the largest public domain in West Flanders for a long time. In the 1980s, the castle garden was transformed into a didactic herb garden and the exhibition of agricultural materials in galleries around the herb garden was established. In 1990, one of the leased farms within the provincial domain became available. In order to increase the recreational opportunities, various afforestations were carried out there and new avenues were created. With an additional acquisition of 17 ha in 1992, the surface area was increased to 218 ha. About 10 years later, in 2003, 6 ha of St-Amandus were rented and integrated into the existing domain via an educational nature trail. Finally, in 2005, about 8 ha of forest were purchased and added to the public domain, bringing the total to 232 ha. (Province of West Flanders)
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Hotel and restaurant with nice outdoor dining area
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Cosy place for a stop during a bike ride: beautiful view from the terrace and smooth, friendly service.
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The population growth from the 12th century onwards resulted in many new farms in the region, including the 'Goed Ryckevelde', which was further expanded in the Middle Ages into a castle estate around the fortified farm, which, after many owners, came into the hands of Baron Gillès de Pélichy in 1909. , who built the castle as a summer residence for the family from Izegem. The final phase of construction was completed in 1929. After WWII the family left the castle, which was given a new purpose in 1956 thanks to the founders of the current College of Europe. The Capuchin Father Verleye saw the castle as the ideal base to promote European ideas through training and reflection days. Until 2002, the center received more than 150,000 young people from home and abroad as a training and conference center for multi-day stays. Since 2002 it only had a documentation function, and in 2014 the Europa House moved permanently to the city center of Bruges. The current owner saved the castle from decay, and after 5 years of hard work, Ryckevelde Castle is once again a place where people are welcome to 'refresh' their interior with respect for the green environment. Open daily from 11am to 10pm. (Brugse Ommeland) More info: https://www.kasteelryckevelde.be/nl/
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Around 1300, a fortified brick residential tower was built in Oostkerke. At the end of the 14th century there was a “Nederhof” and an “Opperhof”, both surrounded by moats. Baron van der Elst had a dilapidated castle renovated in 1938. The ramparts were re-excavated, the stone access bridge restored and the west wing converted into an elegant building in Renaissance style. The former foundations of the ring wall and keeps were also raised and serve as a decoration and walkway in the garden, laid out by the Dutch landscape architect Mien Ruys, which can sometimes be visited during the open garden days in June.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I expect to see around Maldegem?
The Maldegem region features a diverse range of historical structures, from medieval fortified castles to stately homes built in neo-Gothic and neoclassical styles. You'll find examples like the neo-Gothic Bulskampveld and Ryckevelde Castle, as well as the neoclassical Sint-Annakasteel.
Are there walking or hiking trails near the castles?
Yes, many castles are situated within larger domains or close to natural areas with walking trails. For example, the Bulskampveld provincial domain offers extensive walking opportunities. You can find various hiking routes in the region, including those in the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, by exploring the Hiking around Maldegem guide.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities in the Maldegem area?
Several castles and their surrounding domains are family-friendly. Bulskampveld, for instance, has a nature and environmental education center, a herb garden, and plenty of space for children to play. Ryckevelde Castle and Fort van Beieren also offer family-friendly environments with accessible parks and facilities.
When is the best time of year to visit the castles around Maldegem?
The castles and their surrounding parks are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the grounds and gardens, with vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, while winter can provide a unique, tranquil atmosphere, especially for castles like Kasteel Reesinghe with its historical woodland.
Can I visit castles with my dog?
Many outdoor areas and provincial domains around castles are dog-friendly, often with specific rules for leashing. For example, the domain around Fort van Beieren includes a dog off-leash meadow. Always check specific castle regulations before visiting, as some interiors or formal gardens may not permit dogs.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, you can find dining options near some of the castles. The Bulskampveld domain has a café, and Ryckevelde Castle also has a restaurant. Near Fort van Beieren, there's a brasserie offering French-Belgian cuisine. Maldegem town center also provides various options.
Is parking available at the castles?
Parking is generally available at the larger, publicly accessible domains. For instance, Bulskampveld and Ryckevelde Castle offer parking facilities. For privately owned castles, parking may be limited or not publicly accessible.
What is unique about Kasteel Reesinghe?
Kasteel Reesinghe is a protected neo-Gothic brick country house from 1858, built on the historical site of Maldegem's former lordship. Its domain includes a reforested woodland, a coach house, a neo-Gothic chapel, and an ice cellar that now serves as a bat sanctuary. It's also linked to the 14th-century 'Legend of Mijnheerken van Maldeghem and the 36 tinkers'.
What is Kasteel van Moerkerke known for?
Kasteel van Moerkerke, with origins dating back to a fortified dwelling around 1100, is primarily known today as an event venue. It features an idyllic 3-hectare castle domain with a picturesque park, winding paths, follies, and a pond with a 10-meter high fountain. Its historical layers and scenic setting make it a popular choice for celebrations and seminars. More information can be found on Visit Damme.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to visit?
While some castles like Oostkerke Castle are privately owned, their exteriors and surrounding areas can offer a quieter experience. Kasteel Reesinghe and Sint-Annakasteel, though protected monuments, are often less frequented than the larger provincial domains, providing a chance to appreciate their architecture and history in a more serene setting.
Are there guided tours available for castles near Maldegem?
Guided tours are not universally available for all castles, especially those that are privately owned. However, some larger domains or event venues like Kasteel van Moerkerke may offer tours as part of their event packages. For publicly accessible sites like Bulskampveld, information centers often provide details on the history and features of the domain.
How long should I plan for a castle visit in the Maldegem region?
The duration of your visit depends on the castle and its surrounding domain. For a quick appreciation of a castle's exterior and immediate grounds, 1-2 hours might suffice. For larger provincial domains like Bulskampveld, which include nature centers, gardens, and extensive walking trails, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring.
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