Top 20 Castles around Grimbergen

The Grimbergen area is rich in history. The Prinsen Castle, for instance, served as the residence of the Lords of Grimbergen from the 14th century, though much of it is now ruins due to WWII. Another significant site is Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, an 11th-century motte castle that played a key role in the defense of Brabant and was later home to Peter Paul Rubens.

Yes, several castles and associated sites offer family-friendly experiences. The Prinsen Castle ruins are located within the Prinsenbos park, which has flat walking paths suitable for prams and a playground for children. The Museum for Old Techniques (MOT) in the adjacent Guldendal building also offers educational activities. De Viron Castle, now the town hall of Dilbeek, is set within a municipal park, offering a pleasant environment for families.

Many castles in the Grimbergen area are nestled within beautiful natural settings. The Prinsen Castle is situated in the Prinsenbos park, offering serene strolls. 's Gravenkasteel in Humbeek is surrounded by the 's Gravenbos forest, which is open for walking. The domain of Borgwal Castle also features freely accessible parkland with marked walking paths.

The region around Grimbergen's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as 'The Prinsen Castle – Steep climb – 10% loop' or 'Footpath to Verbrande Brug loop'. For cycling, options include 'De 8 van Zemst Trail' or 'Cruising along the Zenne, Zemst – Zennegat loop'. Explore more routes on the Running Trails around Grimbergen or Cycling around Grimbergen guide pages.

The Prinsenbos park, where the Prinsen Castle ruins are located, offers flat walking paths that are suitable for those with wheelchairs or prams. While the castle ruins themselves might have limited accessibility, the surrounding park provides an enjoyable experience.

The castles and their surrounding parks can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for walking. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, especially in parks like Prinsenbos. The Museum for Old Techniques (MOT) at Guldendal is open year-round, providing indoor activities regardless of weather.

Yes, the Guldendal building, originally part of the Prinsenkasteel estate, now houses the Museum for Old Techniques (MOT). It showcases historical construction techniques and offers educational activities. A ticket to the MOT has historically included access to an accessible corner tower of the Prinsen Castle.

's Gravenkasteel, located in Humbeek, is a water castle with its oldest parts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It underwent significant restoration in a neo-traditional/neo-Gothic style in the mid-19th century. Historically, it was owned by the Lords of Humbeek and later by noble families, known for its architectural beauty and picturesque setting.

While the castle building itself may have limited or event-specific access, the domain of Borgwal Castle is a protected monument and landscape. Its park features marked walking paths that are freely accessible to visitors year-round. There is also a cafeteria and a small animal park within the Borgwalhoeve, which is part of an integration project.

Het Steen or the Rubens Castle is unique for its long history, evolving from an 11th-century motte castle to a Renaissance castle. Its most famous resident was the painter Peter Paul Rubens, who spent his last summers there, painting and entertaining. The castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, surrounded by old moats.

Yes, Schiplaken Castle is an example. This 18th-century neoclassical castle was set on fire by the Germans in 1914 during World War I and was subsequently rebuilt in its original style after the war.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The evocative ruins of Prinsen Castle within the serene Prinsenbos, the architectural charm of 's Gravenkasteel, and the educational experience at the Museum for Old Techniques are frequently highlighted. The opportunity for peaceful walks in the surrounding parks and forests is also a major draw.