Top 20 Castles around Wommelgem
Best castles around Wommelgem offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Wommelgem, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, features several historical structures, including castles and a significant fort. These sites contribute to the area's cultural landscape, providing historical context and recreational green spaces. The region is characterized by its blend of historical landmarks and natural surroundings.
Best castles around Wommelgem
- The most popular castles is Het Steen, a castle that is the oldestβ¦
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Het Steen
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Fort Oelegem
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Sterckshof Castle
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Vrieselhof Castle
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Fort Kessel
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Fort Kessel is a concrete armored fort built shortly before the First World War. Along with 29 other fortifications, it forms the outer fortification belt of the Antwerp fortress. The fort was built between 1909 and 1914 and modified during the interwar period (1934 and 1939). Until 1940, it played a role in the Belgian army's military defense strategy, first as an artillery stronghold and later as an infantry support point. The fort was demilitarized in 1947. Today, it is an important wintering site for bats. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage) And there is much more to do in and around the fort. Information can be found at https://fortvankessel.be
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Located directly on the Schlede and centrally in Antwerp, I didn't expect to see this magnificent castle there. The castle looks like one of the medieval castles from the earlier knight films. I found it very fascinating. The castle is also Antwerp's oldest building. Of course, it can also be visited.
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Right nearby is this entertaining hedge maze.
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Tourist information and museum in old walls
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Sterckshof... is no longer a museum! (But DIVA is all the more so) Gerard Sterck was apparently not happy with a silver museum in 'his' castle. Well, his words proved prophetic. The history of Sterckshof began as early as the 13th century when the castle consisted of a farmstead surrounded by a moat. After several centuries of changes in ownership, renovations, and destruction, this castle, or what remained of it, came into the hands of the Province of Antwerp. They rebuilt it in the 1930s in neo-Renaissance style. Initially, Sterckshof was a museum for Arts and Crafts, until Jonkheer Pierre Lunden donated no less than 96 pieces of silver to the museum in 1976. This donation of art objects from the 16th century to the present day formed the basis of the extensive silver collection exhibited here. Since May 2018, this collection, along with the diamond collection, can be admired at DIVA. Currently, Sterckshof houses artists' studios and the cozy Bar Stark. Source: https://www.schattenvandeurne.be/sterckshof
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The Defense Line of Antwerp was decided upon by the choice of Antwerp as the National Reduit in 1859. The idea behind this was that Antwerp was most suitable as a last fortress until help from allies could arrive. The National Reduit would consist of: a siege wall, a fort belt and underwater settlements. The fort belt would consist of eight Brialmont forts (built in 1859) in an 18 km long belt from Wijnegem to Hoboken. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was initially decided to build three bridgehead forts and then to build an outer line adapted to more modern weapons. The latter plan was ratified by law of March 30, 1906. This main resistance position included 16 forts and 10 redoubts on the right bank and 5 forts and 2 redoubts on the left bank.
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The name "Vrieselhof" goes back to Jan van Vriesele, a nobleman from Kontich who bought approximately 24 hectares of land in Oelegem around 1300 (approximately 32 hectares). In 1975, a year after the sale to the province of Antwerp, the domain was opened to hikers. From 1977 to 1999 the "Provincial Textile and Costume Museum" was located in the Vrieselhof. Due to a lack of resources, only a limited part of the collection could be exhibited. In 2002, the museum moved to Antwerp and was named Fashion Museum Antwerp. In 2003, the Provincial Library Center settled in the castle, together with administrative services. In 2011, a "library of Flemish classics" was opened within the Provincial Library Center. Works by classical Flemish writers are collected and loaned out here. In 2014, the Antwerp provincial council decided to restructure the culture department. The library center would be merged with the Cultural Dissemination and Arts Service into a new Libraries and Arts Service. In 2015, the Provincial Library Center moved to Antwerp, but the collection of Flemish classics remained in the Vrieselhof.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical structures can I explore around Wommelgem?
Wommelgem and its surroundings offer a diverse range of historical structures. You can find medieval castles like Het Steen, which is the oldest stone building in Antwerp, and fortified farms such as Burchthoeve Withof. The area also features 19th-century military forts, including Fort 2 and Fort Oelegem, providing a comprehensive look at different historical periods.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit in the Wommelgem area?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Het Steen in Antwerp, now operating as the Antwerp Visitor Center, is considered family-friendly. Vrieselhof Castle is set within a quiet domain that is also family-friendly. Fort 2 in Wommelgem is a municipal park with various activities and museums, making it a great destination for families interested in history and outdoor recreation.
Can I visit the interior of these castles, or are they mostly external viewing?
Access varies by location. Het Steen functions as the Antwerp Visitor Center, allowing interior access. Burchthoeve Withof houses a restaurant and banquet hall, making its historical setting publicly accessible for dining and events. Fort 2's inner fort is freely accessible, and the outer fort can be visited during guided tours or special events. Kasteel Selsaeten and Kasteel Hulgenrode are not generally open to the public for interior visits, though their exteriors and surrounding parks offer historical appreciation.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Wommelgem?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For instance, there are hiking trails around Fort 2 Wommelgem, including a 6.1 km loop from Wommelgem. If you enjoy gravel biking, routes like the 'Fort Oelegem β Vrieselhof Castle loop' are available. For more details on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Wommelgem or Gravel biking around Wommelgem guides.
Are there any castles with significant natural surroundings or parks?
Yes, several castles are set within beautiful natural domains. Kasteel Hulgenrode is located within a 20-hectare park domain. Vrieselhof Castle is situated in an impressively quiet castle domain with diverse biotopes, offering a different appearance each season. Fort 2 also serves as a municipal park and is an important hibernation site for bats, blending history with nature.
Which castles are known for their unique architectural styles?
Kasteel Selsaeten stands out with its Neo-Flemish Renaissance architectural style, featuring three corner turrets and a possible 16th-century tower core. Kasteel Hulgenrode was rebuilt in a Neoclassical style after World War I. Vrieselhof Castle was also rebuilt in the Neo-Flemish-Renaissance style with stepped gables and corner towers. Fort 2, while not a traditional castle, is a well-preserved 19th-century military fort with unique sandstone bridgeheads.
Can I find any fortified farms in the Wommelgem area?
Yes, Burchthoeve Withof is a notable fortified farm in Wommelgem. Its origins are believed to be in the 15th century, and it features a wide, double moat and a characteristic inner courtyard, giving it the appearance of a fortress. Today, it houses a restaurant and banquet hall.
Are there any historical sites that are also important for nature conservation?
Absolutely. Fort Oelegem, a former military fort, is now a protected monument and a significant bat reserve, housing approximately 1,300 bats of various species. Fort 2 also serves as an important hibernation site for bats, combining historical preservation with ecological value.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites in Wommelgem?
The castles and historical sites around Wommelgem can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor domains and parks. However, sites like Vrieselhof Castle, with its diverse biotopes, take on a different appearance each season, making any time a good time to visit depending on your preference for foliage or atmosphere.
Are there any castles that have been repurposed or serve modern functions?
Yes, several historical structures have found new purposes. Het Steen now serves as the Antwerp Visitor Center. Kasteel Selsaeten houses offices for Palmyra Brands. Kasteel Hulgenrode is owned by an organization providing pedagogical care for children, with its park used as a playground. Burchthoeve Withof operates as a restaurant and banquet hall, allowing public access in a historical setting.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles and historical sites in this region?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and architectural heritage of the region's castles and forts. The komoot community has shown significant engagement, with over 600 upvotes and more than 180 photos shared, highlighting the visual appeal and historical depth of these sites. The blend of historical landmarks with recreational green spaces, such as the park domains and fort grounds, is also highly valued.
Are there specific cycling routes that pass by these historical sites?
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. You can discover sites like Fort Oelegem and Vrieselhof Castle via various cycling routes. For example, the 'Fort Oelegem β Vrieselhof Castle loop' is a moderate gravel biking route. You can find more cycling options in the Gravel biking around Wommelgem and MTB Trails around Wommelgem guides.
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