Top 20 Castles around De Pinte
Best castles around De Pinte, a municipality in East Flanders, Belgium, offers access to several historical estates. The Grand Noble Castle, a 19th-century estate and listed building, is located directly within De Pinte. The wider region features significant castles, providing a range of historical sites for exploration. These landmarks contribute to the area's cultural and architectural heritage.
Best castles around De Pinte
- The most popular castles is Gravensteen Castle, a castle that is a fortified moated castle and the only remaining medieval fortress in Flanders with a largely intact defense system. It served as the residence for the Counts of Flanders until 1353 and now functions as a museum.
- Another must-see spot is Ooidonk Castle, a Renaissance castle. This privately owned castle features impressive towers and stepped gables, with beautifully maintained gardens that are open to the public.
- Visitors also love The Blue Gate, a man-made monument. This gate is one of the few remaining cabinet count gates and serves as an entrance to Ooidonk Castle.
- De Pinte is known for medieval fortresses, Renaissance castles, and 19th-century estates. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from ancient fortifications to grand residential buildings.
- The castles around De Pinte are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1100 upvotes and more than 800 photos shared.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Gravensteen Castle
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The Blue Gate
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Ooidonk Castle
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If you are planning this tour, take this visit into account as well! (I absolutely must, for € 3 you can get in.) (=> route description Routen.be)
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Geeraard the Devil's Castle
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Geraard de Duivel was born around 1210 as the son of Zeger II, Viscount of Ghent. In official documents he called himself "Knight Geraard van Gent; nicknamed the Devil". There are several legends surrounding this lordship. He would have killed his father because he wanted his son to participate in a crusade. he would also have kicked his son to death. Furthermore, he occupied himself with "brasserie, infamy, and atrocities."
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Schouwbroek Castle
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The park was laid out in the English landscape style at the end of the 19th century. There is a pond, an icehouse with a pavilion built above it. There are also bridges, a boathouse and a cave. There are three monumental chestnut trees, including possibly the thickest chestnut tree in Belgium.
The park is closed off on the side of Schouwbroekstraat by an impressive iron gate. You can look through the gate at the park but you can't get in.
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The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).
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The Geeraard de Duivelsteen is a building in the Belgian city of Ghent. The stone played an important role in the defense of the Portus on the Reep, a trading settlement that was at the cradle of the origin of Ghent. It is a former Gothic stone (stone house of a nobleman) from the 13th century, named after knight Geeraard van Gent, nicknamed Geeraard de Duivel. He was the third son of a viscount of Ghent, Zeger III. The building became the property of the city in the 14th century. Over the centuries it fulfilled various functions: knight's residence, weapons arsenal, monastery, school, episcopal seminary, insane asylum and prison until the Rasphuis on the Coupure took over that task in 1775. In 1830 a fire station was set up there. At the end of the 19th century, the Geraard de Duivelsteen was purchased by the government to house the State Archives of Ghent. Under the leadership of Arthur Verhaegen, the building was restored between 1891 and 1908 and expanded with a new wing, which housed the reading room and the offices of the archive staff. The building remained in use as an archive until 2015. In 2016, it was purchased for 2,205,000 euros by the Ghent holding company NV Koiba. The building is being converted into a youth centre. In addition, there will be a few residential units; the former quay wall is being restored. The building has undergone so many changes since the Middle Ages that the square keep (left in the photo), which was lowered too much during the last restoration in the 19th century, is barely recognisable. However, this keep can point to a function that refers to an older past. The keep, located along the partially filled-in Scheldt and within the semi-circular moat from the 9th century that surrounded Ghent at the time, may have had a defensive function at the time.
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Very occasionally an exhibition is organized here (such as that of photographer Carl De Keyzer in December 2021 to February 2022), what an exceptional opportunity to see the inside of this building with a rich history. Grab that chance!
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There used to be a hof van plaisance (country house) here, which was depicted in 1755 in the middle of a park, which even contained an amphitheater. In 1894 the castle was rebuilt according to a design by Achille Marchand. The park was laid out in the English landscape style at the end of the 19th century. A pond, an ice cellar with a pavilion above it have been built. There are also bridges, a boathouse and a cave. There are three monumental chestnut trees, including possibly the thickest chestnut tree in Belgium. The castle was built in an eclectic style and made of brick and bluestone. The hall is decorated with sgraffito. In addition to the castle, there is a staff house with stables and a coach house with horse stables. These buildings also date from 1894. (according to Wikipedia)
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Over the centuries it was used as a knight's residence, armory, monastery, school and episcopal seminary. In 1623 there was a madhouse for the insane and a home for male orphans. Another part of the building was used as a prison or detention house.
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The Gravensteen is a fortified moated castle, located in the East Flemish city of Ghent. It is the only remaining medieval castle in Flanders and has an almost intact defense system. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the counts of Flanders until 1353. It was later repurposed as a court, prison, coin printing house and even as a cotton factory. It was restored in 1893-1903. It is now a museum and is a major tourist attraction in the city. The castle's gatehouse, rampart wall, keep, count's residence and horse stables are accessible to visitors. Source: Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What castles are located directly within De Pinte?
Within De Pinte itself, you can find the Grand Noble Castle. This 19th-century estate is a listed building, recognized for its architectural heritage. While specific details about public access are not widely available, its historical significance makes it a local landmark.
What other notable castles are in the wider East Flanders region near De Pinte?
Beyond De Pinte, the East Flanders region offers several impressive castles. A prominent example is Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, a fortified moated castle dating back to 1180. Another must-see is Ooidonk Castle, a beautiful Renaissance castle with impressive towers and gardens open to the public. You can also explore Geeraard the Devil's Castle in Ghent, known for its long history and various uses, and De Gerlache Castle, also known as Kasteel den Ast, with its unique history and park.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around De Pinte?
Yes, several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, for instance, functions as a museum and offers an engaging historical experience. Ooidonk Castle, with its beautiful gardens, also provides a pleasant outing for families. The Blue Gate, which leads to Ooidonk Castle, is also a notable spot for a family walk.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or nearby trails?
While specific dog policies vary by castle (especially for interiors), many surrounding areas and trails are dog-friendly. For example, the gardens of Ooidonk Castle are generally accessible, and the scenic drive through the Blue Gate is suitable for walks. Always check individual castle websites for their specific pet regulations before visiting, especially if you plan to enter buildings.
When is the best time of year to visit the castles around De Pinte?
The castles and their surrounding areas are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens and walking trails, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, adding to the scenic charm. Even winter can be a good time for quieter visits, though some outdoor areas or specific castle opening hours might be reduced. Always check the opening times for specific castles before your visit.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around De Pinte offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and mountain biking. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Parkbos Loop Track 3 – Assels Trail' for mountain biking or 'The Lieve Cycle Path – Deurle Village loop' for road cycling. For more detailed routes and options, explore the MTB Trails around De Pinte, Road Cycling Routes around De Pinte, or Gravel biking around De Pinte guides.
Are there walking routes around the castles near De Pinte?
Yes, there are many walking opportunities. The area around Ooidonk Castle, accessed via the scenic Blue Gate, offers beautiful paths through its gardens and surrounding parkland. Many cycling routes mentioned in the nearby guides also include sections suitable for walking, often along rivers or through natural landscapes. For specific walking routes, you might find segments within the MTB Trails or Road Cycling Routes guides that are suitable for pedestrians.
What historical significance do the castles around De Pinte hold?
The castles in this region boast rich histories. Gravensteen Castle, for example, was the residence of the Counts of Flanders and has served various roles from a courthouse to a cotton factory. Ooidonk Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece, has been rebuilt after conflicts and remains a privately owned family residence. Even the Geeraard the Devil's Castle has a storied past, having been a knight's residence, armory, and even a madhouse.
Is parking available at the castles?
Parking availability varies by castle. For major attractions like Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, public parking garages are available nearby. For Ooidonk Castle, there is typically parking for visitors to its gardens. It's always advisable to check the official website of each specific castle for the most up-to-date information on parking facilities and any associated fees.
How can I reach the castles around De Pinte by public transport?
De Pinte is well-connected by public transport, primarily through train and bus services. To reach castles like Gravensteen Castle, you can take a train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station and then connect via tram or bus to the city center. For castles further afield, local bus services often connect smaller towns and villages. Planning your journey using a public transport app or website is recommended for the most efficient routes and schedules.
What natural features can be found near the castles?
The castles around De Pinte are often nestled within or near picturesque natural settings. Ooidonk Castle, for example, is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and parkland, with the gently meandering Leie river nearby. Many cycling and walking routes in the region pass through forests, along rivers, and past ponds, offering opportunities to enjoy the local flora and fauna. The area is characterized by its green landscapes, providing a pleasant contrast to the historical architecture.
Are there any 'hidden gem' castles in the De Pinte region?
While the Grand Noble Castle in De Pinte is a local historical gem, the wider region of East Flanders has many lesser-known but charming estates. De Gerlache Castle (Kasteel den Ast) is an example of a castle with a unique history, including its connection to an Antarctic explorer, and is set within a beautiful park. Exploring the numerous cycling and walking routes can often lead you to discover other picturesque, privately owned castles and country houses that add to the region's charm.
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