Top 13 Castles around Tessenderlo

The region around Tessenderlo offers a diverse range of castles, from historical structures like the 600-year-old De Merode Castle to neoclassical designs such as Meylandt Castle. You'll also find unique estates like Wijnkasteel Haksberg, which combines historical charm with modern functionality as a wine estate.

Yes, Wijnkasteel Haksberg in Tessenderlo is a notable example. This 19th-century country house has been transformed into a significant wine domain, offering guided tours of its vineyards and wine tastings. It also serves as an event and accommodation venue. You can learn more about their offerings at Wijnkasteel Haksberg.

Meylandt Castle is very family-friendly, as its adjacent park is freely accessible to the public. The Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall) also has a beautiful front garden and park where visitors can relax.

De Merode Castle is still inhabited by the Princes de Merode. The interior can typically only be visited during annual castle parties and special events, usually held in July. The 60-hectare park, however, is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Kempen.

Yes, the Jeanne de Merode Castle in Westerlo, built between 1909 and 1911, has served as Westerlo's town hall since 1973. Similarly, Meylandt Castle currently houses the municipal academy of visual arts.

The castles around Tessenderlo have deep historical roots. For instance, De Merode Castle has been linked to Westerlo's history for over five centuries, with parts dating back to around 1300. Lobos Manor Farm, while a 19th-century mansion, stands on the site of a former moated castle destroyed in 1465, with remnants of its moat still visible.

Many castles are set within green, tranquil environments. For example, Lobos Manor Farm is located in a park with remarkable trees, and the Bossen van Hees can be reached via a bridge over the Zwarte Beek. Wijnkasteel Haksberg is situated amidst vineyards, offering opportunities for nature walks in the nearby Hageland region. For more extensive outdoor activities, you can explore the cycling routes around Tessenderlo or MTB trails in the wider area.

The region's castles can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring castle parks and vineyards, such as those at Wijnkasteel Haksberg. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter visits can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, especially for castles with accessible grounds.

Yes, at Lobos Manor Farm, you can see remnants of a moat from the original moated castle that stood there before its destruction in 1465. The current mansion is from the 19th century, but the historical context of the site is very much present.

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy and moderate options like the 'Cycle path along the mine spoil heap – Be-MINE Cycle Path loop'. For more adventurous rides, there are gravel biking and MTB trails available, such as the 'Rodeberg Trails' or 'Singletrack in Averode Forest' loops.

Wijnkasteel Haksberg offers nine stylishly decorated rooms for overnight stays and features an industrial kitchen and event hall, making it suitable for group stays and events. For other castles, nearby towns like Westerlo and Tessenderlo provide various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. Many enjoy the freely accessible parks, the unique experience of a wine castle, and the impressive architecture of buildings like the Jeanne de Merode Castle, which serves as Westerlo's town hall. The region's castles have garnered over 360 upvotes and more than 140 photos shared by the komoot community.