Top 5 Castles around Ham

The region around Ham, Belgium, offers a diverse range of historical structures. You can explore medieval origins, 19th-century renovations, and even structures adapted for modern use. For instance, Meylandt Castle, first mentioned in 1385, now houses a municipal academy of visual arts. You can also see defensive strongholds like Fort Leopold, a rare surviving brick fort commissioned in 1844, or the 16th-century core of the Castle of the Roye-de Menten de Horne Meerhout.

Yes, several castles around Ham are suitable for families. Meylandt Castle is family-friendly, with its adjacent park freely accessible for visitors. Kasteel Meerlaer, known for its role in a TV series, also welcomes families, offering artisanal ice cream in its castle park during summer months.

The area around Ham offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Haenvense Molen – Towpath Along the Albert Canal loop' or the 'Engsberg Mill – Gerhagen Observation Tower loop'. If you prefer running, consider trails such as the 'Running loop from Natuurreservaat Gerheserheide' or the 'Finse Piste Ham loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can try the 'Beverlo Canal – Begijnenvijvers loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Cycling around Ham, Running Trails around Ham, and Gravel biking around Ham guides.

While many castles are historical sites, some also offer natural beauty. Meylandt Castle is situated in a park with a pond. Fort Leopold, a historical fort, also functions as a viewpoint, offering glimpses of the surrounding area. Obbeek Castle is located on the Mangelbeek stream, providing a picturesque setting.

Fort Leopold is a rare surviving defensive stronghold located in Molenstede, near Diest. It was designed by Major E. De Lannoy and commissioned in 1844. The brick fort is completely dug into the Lazarijberg and features a central fortified building with two lapel batteries. It played a significant role in the 19th-century fortifications, highlighting Diest's historical importance as a fortified town.

Yes, both Kasteel ter Ham in Steenokkerzeel and Ham-sur-Heure Castle in Ham-sur-Heure are located in Belgium. Kasteel ter Ham, built around 1500, has a unique architectural style and served as a residence for Austrian Empress Zita. After extensive restoration, it now functions as a conference venue. Ham-sur-Heure Castle, once belonging to the de Mérode family, later became the town hall for its municipality, reflecting its importance to the local community.

Meylandt Castle, originally mentioned in 1385, has a rich history. Its current neo-classical form dates from a 1907 renovation. Today, it is home to the municipal academy of visual arts, and its adjacent park is freely accessible to the public. The estate came into the possession of Knight Arnold de Theux in 1715, and was significantly modified by his descendants, including Minister of State Bartelémy-Théodore Count de Theux de Meylandt.

While specific crowd levels can vary, smaller or less prominent sites might offer a quieter experience. Obbeek Castle, a mansion built around 1750 in classicist style, is a protected monument and part of a protected villagescape. It's privately inhabited by descendants of the Horion family, so while you can admire its exterior and surroundings, it's not generally open for interior tours, which might make the area less crowded than publicly accessible sites.

Kasteel Meerlaer, located in Laakdal, has a fascinating history. It was built in 1860 by the Schollaert family on the site of a former tenant farm known as the Gemp Farm, which dated back to 1290. The castle gained fame as 'Mr. Parmentier's home' in the TV series “We, gentlemen of Zichem”. Since 1956, it has been owned by the Cruysberghs family, who opened its doors to the community, and its park now offers artisanal ice cream during summer.

The Castle of the Roye-de Menten de Horne Meerhout has a core that dates back to the 16th century, though its current appearance is largely from the 19th century. The site includes an enclosed domain with the castle, an adjoining coach house, stables, and an 18th-century garden pavilion. It was historically known as 'Kasteel Van de Rooy' and served as a 'maison de campaign' for a family residing in Geel.

Visitors to the castles around Ham appreciate the rich history and diverse architectural styles, ranging from medieval origins to 19th-century renovations. The komoot community has shown significant engagement, with over 220 upvotes and more than 100 photos shared, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites. The blend of preserved architectural remnants and adapted historical buildings offers a unique connection to European heritage.

For Meylandt Castle, parking is generally available as its adjacent park is freely accessible. For other castles, parking availability can vary. It is advisable to check specific visitor information for each castle if you plan to drive, as some may have dedicated parking while others might rely on street parking or nearby public lots.