Top 5 Castles around Knokke-Heist

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.

The castle of Uitkerke with its associated courtyard was built around 1070 on a mound surrounded by a moat. The mound was raised after the stabilization of the coastline (10th-12th century). It seems like a quiet place to live, but the Bruges-Blankenberge railway line runs through the backyard.

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.

Good to stop by.

The Elderschans or Eederschans (originally: Heilleschans, later corrupted to the current name) was an isolated fortification west of Aardenburg, which was part of the State-Spanish Lines. The Elderschans was built in 1604, together with the Olieschans, to defend Aardenburg. She was located on the estuary of the Platvliet. In 1673 the fort was demolished. In 1728 the redoubt was owned by Hendrik de Beaufort (1686-1740), who was lord of Duivendijke, and by Justina Geertruida van Welderen. They sold it in 1729 to Petrus Adrianus van Affelen, who was mayor of the Vrije van Sluis and founded a country estate here. After his death, this property belonged to his widow, Catharina van Uffelen, who changed the name to Rustenburg. In 1770 the estate was sold to Daniel Veijs, who was married to Maria Zonnevylle. The name became Elderschans again. After Daniel had also died, his heirs sold the Elderschans in 1800 to four dignitaries from Aardenburg, who each became the owner for a quarter. In 1841 there were even five owners. One of them was Pieter Christiaan Jacobus Hennequin, and in 1885 he managed to acquire full ownership of the Elderschans. He then had a country house built that was designed by Jan Adriaan Frederiks in an eclectic style. It was built at the point where two avenues, which had already been laid out in the 18th century, intersected. The park was redesigned. After he died, his wife, Wilhelmina Johanna van Oostenwijk Stern, lived there for a while. In 1915 she left for Hilversum and in 1919 she sold the estate. This has known many owners since then. The country house was damaged by shellfire in 1944, and in 1945 the then municipality of Aardenburg bought it, only to sell it to a private individual in 1986. However, the park remained municipal property. The inner and outer moat of the fort are still largely present and the course of the ramparts is recognizable. The area is wooded and you can walk there. It is one of the few forests in this area and one of the few estates in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Source Wikipedia

Kasteel Elderschans is a historic castle. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally built as a defensive fortress and later served as a strategic point during several wars and conflicts. The castle is best known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is surrounded by a vast forest area. Today, Kasteel Elderschans functions as a hotel and resort, where guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in historic surroundings. It also offers various facilities such as restaurants, wellness centers and leisure activities. In short, a nice stop during your walk!

Beautiful farmhouse with an ancient history, adjacent to the provincial domain, which is a recreational asset for hikers, cyclists and horse riders. Various marked cycling and walking routes around the old ramparts and bastions to Bruges, Damme and Sluis. Within walking distance of Damme. The dogs are also spoiled with a dog off-leash meadow.

Idd definitely pass if you are near Oostkerke