Top 11 Castles around Zundert
Castles around Zundert offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. While Zundert itself no longer has standing castles, the surrounding area features several notable historical sites and castles. These structures are often set within diverse landscapes, ranging from extensive gardens to historical town centers. The region provides opportunities to explore historical landmarks and enjoy the natural terrain.
Best castles around Zundert
- The most popular castles is Bouvigne Castle, a castle that was first mentioned in the 15th century. While the castle building is not open for visits, its extensive surrounding gardens are a significant attraction.
- Another must-see spot is Spanjaardsgat, a historical site featuring two defense towers. These towers, built by Count Hendrik III, now serve as chapels and an information center.
- Visitors also love Breda Castle, a historical castle with a significant past. It now houses the military academy and can be visited to a limited extent through guided tours.
- Zundert is known for historical castles, former castles, and defense towers. The region offers a variety of historical structures to explore, from well-preserved estates to sites with rich historical narratives.
- The castles around Zundert are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 240 photos shared and over 650 upvotes for the various highlights.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Bouvigne Castle
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Breda Castle
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Spanjaardsgat
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Many people think that this is where the ruse with the peat ship took place in 1590, but that happened a little further, at the current sports field of the KMA. Peat skipper Adriaan van Bergen then recaptured the Castle from the Spaniards by smuggling soldiers of Prince Maurits into the castle walls in his ship.
Source: welkominbreda.nl/nl/locaties/3639323086/spanjaardsgat
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Hoogstraten Prison (Former Castle)
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The castle has served various purposes over the years. Built in the 16th century by Rombout II Keldermans, a renowned architect, it originally served a defensive purpose. In the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire and later looted. After a period of decline, the castle was used as a beggar's asylum, agricultural colony, and refuge in the 19th century. Since 1931, it has been used as a Penitentiary School Center, the only penitentiary in Flanders where inmates systematically receive vocational training.
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View of Gelmelslot – Castle of Hoogstraten
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You can find Hoogstraten Castle in Gelmelstraat. Today, however, it is a prison, so a visit is unfortunately not possible.
(The attached aerial photo is from Wikipedia)
Triggered? Click through to visithoogstraten.be/ontdekken/cultuur-en-erfgoed/gelmelslot
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Take a moment to travel back in time to the Eighty Years' War.
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The castle is surrounded by a moat and an estate of approximately 70 hectares, including meadows and farmland. The castle is not open to the public due to its function as a prison. In the past, the castle also played a role in the Eighty Years' War, where it played a significant role in the battle between Spanish and Dutch troops, according to BENEGO.
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The former castle of Hoogstraten, also known as Gelmelslot, is a castle with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Today, the castle serves as a Penitentiary School Center (PSC), a penitentiary where inmates receive vocational training. The castle has served various purposes over the years. Built in the 16th century by Rombout II Keldermans, a renowned architect, it originally served a defensive purpose. In the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire and later looted. After a period of decline, the castle was used as a beggar's asylum, agricultural colony, and refuge in the 19th century. Since 1931, it has been used as a Penitentiary School Center, the only penitentiary in Flanders where inmates systematically receive vocational training.
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The Penitentiary School Centre (PSC) - Hoogstraten is located in the Gelmelslot. This is an open institution. During the French Revolution, the Castle of the Lords of Hoogstraten served as a gendarmerie barracks and later as a beggar's den. In 1880 it became an agricultural colony and in 1931 the building was then set up as the current Penitentiary School Centre. The institution is only intended for convicts. They can work in workhouses and can follow a varied range of training courses. There is a strong community regime.
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The origin of the castle is not clear. One of the great mysteries is the old name of the castle: Gelmel Castle. Who is Gelmel? Over the centuries, different answers have been given to this; According to some, Gelmel was a Hun, a Norman or the Vandal king Gilimer. In the 12th century, there was a Gelmele family in the Duchy of Brabant. Are they the first inhabitants of Gelmel Castle? You can find Hoogstraten Castle in Gelmelstraat. Today, however, it is a prison, so a visit is unfortunately not possible. (The attached aerial photo is from Wikipedia) Triggered? Click through to https://visithoogstraten.be/ontdekken/cultuur-en-erfgoed/gelmelslot/
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Beautiful estate but the garden can only be visited on weekdays!
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Events regularly take place on the Castle Square in front of the military academy. History: The Kasteelplein was closely connected to Breda Castle, the former ancestral seat of the Nassaus where the Royal Military Academy is now located. Fights around the castle often took place here. In Alva's time, Castle Square was an execution site. Protestants tried by the Inquisition (the Blood Council) were martyred here and publicly burned.
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Where land defenders are trained. History: Breda Castle was once the ancestral seat of the Nassaus, the ancestors of our Royal family. Due to the important international role of the Nassaus, the Castle was an important place in Europe in the 15th to 17th centuries. Long history Breda Castle has a long history. As early as 1198, there was a castle on the site of the current castle. The castle came into the hands of the Nassau in the early 15th century through the marriage of the German Count Engelbrecht of Nassau with Johanna van Polanen from Breda. Over the centuries, the castle has been demolished and built almost continuously. From Renaissance Palace to KMA In the sixteenth century, Count Henry III of Nassau had the castle rigorously converted into a Renaissance palace. For this purpose he brought Thomas Vincidor de Bologna, a student of Raphael, to Breda. With the arrival of the Royal Military Academy in 1826, the castle was again sobered and many of the Renaissance ornaments disappeared. Guided tours Because the Castle is located on military grounds, it can only be visited to a very limited extent. Gilde de Baronie regularly gives guided tours of the grounds. Interested in a tour? Click through to https://www.gildebaronie.nl/kasteelrondleiding-kasteel-van-breda/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any castles directly within Zundert that I can visit?
Historically, Zundert was home to the Huis te Laar castle, dating back to 1475. However, this castle was destroyed in 1810 and its remnants were repurposed. Today, there are no standing or publicly accessible castles directly within the municipality of Zundert.
Which castles near Zundert have gardens that are open to the public?
The gardens of Bouvigne Castle are a significant attraction and are open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, free of charge. These extensive gardens feature English, German, and French styles, along with a chapel, a coach house, and various artworks.
Can I visit Breda Castle, and what is its historical significance?
Breda Castle holds significant historical importance as the ancestral castle of the Nassaus. It now houses the Royal Military Academy (KMA) and is therefore only accessible to a limited extent through guided tours. You can often view its impressive exterior from the surrounding areas.
What is Spanjaardsgat and what can I see there?
Spanjaardsgat consists of two historical defense towers, the 'Granaattoren' and the 'Duiventoren', built by Count Hendrik III. The Duiventoren also serves as an information center for the Dutch Defense Academy. It's a site rich in local history, including the famous peat ship ruse of 1590.
Are there any castles near Zundert that are not open to the public?
Yes, the former Hoogstraten Prison, also known as Gelmelslot, is a historical castle that now functions as a Penitentiary School Center. Due to its current use as a prison, it is not open to the public, though you can view its exterior and moat from a distance.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Zundert?
The region around Zundert offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, hiking routes, and mountain biking paths. For example, there are several running trails in the Pannenhoef Nature Reserve, hiking routes in the Valley of the Turfvaart, and MTB trails like the 'Bridge Over the Mark – Bouvigne Castle loop'. You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Zundert, Hiking around Zundert, and MTB Trails around Zundert guides.
Are there family-friendly options among the castles near Zundert?
Yes, several sites are considered family-friendly. The extensive gardens of Bouvigne Castle offer plenty of space for exploration and enjoyment. Spanjaardsgat, with its historical defense towers and stories, can also be an engaging visit for families.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites around Zundert?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. The beautiful and varied gardens of Bouvigne Castle are particularly popular, offering a serene experience. The historical significance of sites like Breda Castle and Spanjaardsgat also draws interest, providing a glimpse into the past.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near these castles?
While not explicitly designated as viewpoints, the areas around Bouvigne Castle and Breda Castle offer pleasant surroundings. The gardens of Bouvigne provide picturesque settings, and the exterior of Breda Castle, situated within the city, offers a striking architectural view.
What is the best time to visit the castles and their surrounding areas?
The gardens of Bouvigne Castle are open daily year-round, making them accessible in any season. For outdoor activities like hiking or cycling near the castles, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather conditions. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially for exploring gardens and historical sites.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the castles around Zundert?
Yes, particularly around Breda Castle, which is located within the city of Breda, you will find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The area surrounding Bouvigne Castle, while more natural, is still within easy reach of amenities in Breda.
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