Top 18 Castles around Olen

The region around Olen, particularly in Westerlo and Vorselaar, boasts several remarkable castles. Among them are De Merode Castle, a historic water castle still inhabited by the Princes de Merode, Jeanne de Merode Castle, a striking neo-Gothic building now serving as Westerlo's town hall, and Borrekens Castle, a well-preserved medieval water castle in Vorselaar.

Yes, several castles near Olen offer family-friendly experiences. De Merode Castle occasionally hosts special cultural events like 'Kerstmagie'. Jeanne de Merode Castle, which is Westerlo's town hall, organizes interactive 'experiential visits' with dress-up costumes for elementary school children, making history engaging and fun.

Kasteel de Merode is a private residence and not freely accessible for general visits. However, the family occasionally opens the estate for special cultural events, such as 'Kerstmagie' and grand musical spectacles. Guided tours for groups can also be arranged by reservation, offering a unique opportunity to explore its rich history and art collections. You can find more information about the castle's history at castles.nl.

Kasteel Jeanne de Merode, also known as Westerlo Town Hall, is a striking example of Brabant neo-Gothic architecture built between 1909 and 1911. Its unique aspect is that it now functions as the municipal administrative services building, making it accessible to the public during opening hours and for various exhibitions. The surrounding park maintains its original design with a picturesque pond and fountain.

Borrekens Castle in Vorselaar is a private residence of the Borrekens family and is not generally open for interior visits. However, it occasionally opens its doors for special events and heritage days, providing rare opportunities to explore its historic halls. Even when not open, visitors can still walk through the surrounding forest along the moat to admire its enchanting exterior and picturesque setting.

The castles near Olen showcase a fascinating blend of architectural styles. You'll find medieval foundations, such as the donjon of Kasteel de Merode dating back to around 1300, and the largely intact medieval floor plan of Borrekens Castle from around 1270. There are also prominent examples of neo-Gothic transformations, notably Kasteel Jeanne de Merode built in the early 20th century, and Borrekens Castle's 19th-century redesign.

The area around Olen offers various outdoor activities that can be combined with castle visits. You can enjoy hiking on routes like the 'Kleine Nete Detour' or 'Forest Singletrack' (see the Hiking around Olen guide). Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'The pot of Olen – Olen Church loop' (find more in the Cycling around Olen guide). For more adventurous riders, there are gravel biking options like 'De Merode Castle, Westerlo – Entrance Abbey Tongerlo loop' (explore the Gravel biking around Olen guide).

Yes, you can find pleasant walking routes around the castles. For instance, visitors can walk through the surrounding forest along the moat of Borrekens Castle to admire its exterior. The 60-hectare park of De Merode Castle is also a beautiful area for walks. For more structured routes, check out the Hiking around Olen guide for trails in the broader region.

The castles near Olen can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the castle exteriors and surrounding parks, with lush greenery. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, especially if you catch a special event like 'Kerstmagie' at De Merode Castle. Always check specific opening times for interiors or events.

While specific cafes directly adjacent to every castle are not guaranteed, the municipalities of Westerlo and Vorselaar, where these castles are located, offer various local establishments. You can find cafes and pubs in the town centers to enjoy refreshments before or after your castle explorations.

Visitors appreciate the rich history and picturesque settings of the castles. Many are captivated by the well-preserved architecture, from the medieval foundations of Borrekens Castle to the elegant neo-Gothic style of Jeanne de Merode Castle. The fact that De Merode Castle is still inhabited by a princely family adds a unique charm, and the surrounding parks and natural areas are also highly valued for their beauty.

Parking availability varies by castle. For Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall), public parking is generally available during administrative hours. For private castles like De Merode Castle and Borrekens Castle, parking might be limited to designated areas or specific event parking when they are open to the public. It's advisable to check local municipality websites for the most current parking information.