Top 20 Castles around Temse
Best castles around Temse are found in the East Flanders region of Belgium, near the Scheldt River. While the historical Old Castle of Temse was demolished, the area offers several notable historical sites and castles within close proximity. These locations provide insights into the region's past, from medieval fortifications to 19th-century architectural renovations. Visitors can explore a variety of historical structures, often set within accessible parks and natural landscapes.
Best castles around Temse
- The most popular castles is Wissekerke Castle, a castle that was originally a moated castle with first mentions dating back to the tenth century. Much of its current architecture reflects a 19th-century neo-Gothic style, and it features a wrought-iron suspension bridge, considered one of the oldest surviving of its kind in Europe.
- Another must-see spot is Fort Steendorp, a historical site. This 20-hectare fort was built of brick in the 19th century to protect the Scheldt city of Antwerp and now serves as a bat sanctuary, offering a hiking trail around its impressive walls.
- Visitors also love Fort Liezele, a historical site with a fort museum. It features a barefoot path along the edge of the fort pond and offers insights into its military history.
- Temse is known for historical forts and renovated water castles. Visitors can explore structures ranging from 19th-century fortifications to neo-Gothic castles.
- The castles around Temse are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 190 upvotes and 190 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Fort Steendorp
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Wissekerke Castle
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Anyone who takes a look just outside the castle grounds will be impressed by the 600-meter-long castle avenue with monumental beech trees dozens of meters high. A beautiful place to walk, cycle or just take a rest and enjoy the rustling leaves.
(Castles of the Scheldt)
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Graventoren - Rupelmonde
Highlight • Monument
At the bottom you will find an exhibition entitled The Secrets of the Count's Castle. You will discover prints, maps and a 3D reconstruction of the former Gravenburcht in its natural habitat.
(Waasland.be)
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Fort Liezele
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(fortliezele.be)
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Bornem Castle
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You can visit the castle every year on August 15th, the last two Sundays in August, and the first two Sundays in September.
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Tips from the Community
The castle was built by the Spanish nobleman Don Pedro Coloma and still exudes its former grandeur. Philippe de Marnix, Lord of Sainte Aldegonde, was the right-hand man of Prince William of Orange. He played a key role during the siege and fall of Antwerp in 1585 while mayor of the city. He is also mentioned as a possible author of the Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem.
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Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.
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Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.
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Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.
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More information about the fort can be found at: https://www.fortliezele.be
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For individual visits: From 1 April to 30 September and during school holidays Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM The castle and the castle garden are only accessible with a guide Reservations are recommended (https://www.kasteelvanbornem.be/bezoek/)
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beautiful environment in the middle of nature
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Frequently Asked Questions
What castles can I visit near Temse, since the Old Castle of Temse no longer exists?
While the historical Old Castle of Temse was demolished, you can visit several notable castles and historical sites nearby. The most prominent is Wissekerke Castle in Bazel, a 13th-century water castle with neo-Gothic architecture and a historic suspension bridge. Other significant sites include Bornem Castle, Fort Steendorp, Graventoren - Rupelmonde, and Fort Liezele.
What are the main attractions at Wissekerke Castle?
Wissekerke Castle is known for its 19th-century neo-Gothic architecture, including playful turrets and winding side wings. A key feature is its wrought-iron suspension bridge, designed in 1824, which is one of Europe's oldest. The castle functions as a museum, allowing visitors to tour its interiors, including the tower, and explore the surrounding English park. The coach house also displays 40 historical carriages.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites around Temse?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Wissekerke Castle is considered family-friendly, offering a museum experience and an accessible park. Fort Liezele features a barefoot path along its fort pond, which is popular with children, and its fort museum is being renovated to offer an interactive experience.
What kind of historical insights can I gain from visiting these sites?
The castles and forts around Temse offer a glimpse into various historical periods. Wissekerke Castle showcases centuries of noble family history and 19th-century neo-Gothic design. Fort Steendorp and Fort Liezele highlight 19th-century military architecture and their role in protecting Antwerp. Graventoren - Rupelmonde is a remnant of a 12th-century moated castle, offering insights into medieval fortifications and an exhibition on its past.
Can I go hiking or cycling near these castles?
Absolutely. The region around Temse offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore trails around Fort Steendorp, which has a 1.6 km walking trail around its walls. The English park at Wissekerke Castle is also publicly accessible for walks. For more extensive options, check out the Hiking around Temse guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Temse guide for routes that pass by these historical sites.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near the castles?
Yes, several locations offer scenic views. The top of the Graventoren - Rupelmonde provides a 360° panorama of the entire region. The park surrounding Wissekerke Castle, with its monumental beech trees, offers a beautiful setting. Additionally, Fort Steendorp is a viewpoint, and its trail offers views of the impressive fort remains.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Temse?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for visiting, as the weather is pleasant for exploring the outdoor parks and trails associated with the castles. However, some sites like Fort Steendorp, which serves as a bat sanctuary, are interesting year-round, with specific considerations for muddy trails in wetter seasons. Always check individual castle websites for specific opening hours, especially for Bornem Castle which has limited visiting days.
Is public transport available to reach these castles?
While specific public transport routes vary, the region around Temse is generally accessible. For detailed information on reaching individual castles like Wissekerke Castle or Bornem Castle, it's best to consult local public transport websites or plan your route using a mapping service, as options may include bus connections from nearby train stations.
Are there facilities like cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, you can find facilities near some of the castles. For instance, the area around Graventoren - Rupelmonde has cafes and terraces. Bazel, where Wissekerke Castle is located, is a village with local amenities. Temse itself and nearby towns like Bornem also offer various dining and accommodation options.
Are any of the castles wheelchair accessible?
Fort Liezele is noted as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs. For other sites, accessibility may vary, especially for older structures like Wissekerke Castle which has tours that include climbing a tower. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details for each location if this is a concern.
What makes Fort Steendorp unique among the historical sites?
Fort Steendorp is unique as the last brick fort built in Belgium in the 19th century. Beyond its military history, it now serves as a significant bat sanctuary, hosting around 1,200 bats in winter. The 20-hectare site is also a protected nature reserve, home to over 100 bird species, and offers a hiking trail around its impressive walls.
Can I visit Bornem Castle, and what should I expect?
Bornem Castle, also known as Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle, is a picturesque fairytale castle with charming turrets and impressive interiors featuring 18th-century paintings and a carriage house with 40 historic carriages. It is typically open for individual visits on specific days from April to September and during school holidays, usually Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Guided tours are recommended, and reservations may be necessary.
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