Top 20 Castles around Sint-Truiden
Best castles around Sint-Truiden are found in the historic city located in the Belgian province of Limburg. This region, part of the Haspengouw, features a slightly hilly landscape, orchards, and agricultural fields. Sint-Truiden and its surroundings offer a rich historical tapestry, with numerous castles reflecting centuries of architectural evolution. These sites provide insights into the area's past, from medieval origins to later transformations into residences and estates.
Best castles around Sint-Truiden
- The most popular castles is Wijer Castle, a castle that features a 16th-century keep with a stair tower and is surrounded by a wide moat. The castle also offers overnight stays and dining options.
- Another must-see spot is Heks Castle, a castle and historical site. Visitors can explore its renowned gardens and park, which are open to the public during specific weekends in June and September.
- Visitors also love Hélécine Estate, a historical site with a 28-hectare park. The estate includes a nature reserve, playgrounds, and educational ponds, making it suitable for families.
- Sint-Truiden is known for its moated castles, historical estates, and castles with extensive gardens. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from those with medieval origins to those rebuilt in later architectural styles.
- The castles around Sint-Truiden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and 13 photos shared across 15 highlights.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Heks Castle
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The palatial castle was built from 1770, probably by the Liège architect Etienne Fayen, for the Prince-Bishop of Liège Franciscus Karel de Velbrück.
As a lover of nature, the Prince-Bishop chose this place in the slightly hilly Haspengouw to build his summer residence and pleasure garden. He had a Chinese garden, a rose garden and a vegetable garden laid out there. Later, the castle was embellished with one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland, inspired by the English garden architecture of Capability Brown.
He died on his estate in 1784. The estate is owned by the d'Ursel family.
The rose garden now (2004) has an exceptional assortment of rose varieties, the oldest of which were present in the original garden. The gardens and park are open to the public during the first weekend in June and the second weekend in September.
The castle features in Harry Kümel's 1968 film Monsieur Hawarden.
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Wijer Castle
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Hélécine Estate
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The 28-hectare walking park includes a nature reserve, two playgrounds, a new aerial structure, a giant sundial, a 19th-century icehouse, an educational pond, and three fishing ponds. Come and play landscaped mini-golf and pétanque. The estate is ideal for families, school groups, and those seeking relaxation in the countryside.
Two ponds are open for trout and carp fishing from the second Sunday of March to mid-November.
destinationbw.be/fr/decouvrir/les-incontournables/le-chateau-dhelecine
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Heks Castle
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More:
- visitsinttruiden.be/aanbod/tuinen-van-kasteel-van-hex
- hex.be
- inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/32081
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Widooie Castle
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Tips from the Community
The castle of the Lords of Kozen stands at the intersection of three municipalities: Kozen, Wijer, and Stevoort. Strictly speaking, the castle is located on the territory of Wijer, the farmstead is in Kozen, and the barn is in Stevoort. The castle site was once connected to these three villages. The oldest known Lords of Kozen belong to the Van Wesemael family, who lived in the fourteenth century. Around 1400, the manor and castle belonged to the De Diest family, and in the seventeenth century, the De Kerckhem family held sway here. Above one of the gates, a stone can be seen depicting the family's coat of arms twice. It dates from the time when Arnold de Kerckhem and his wife, Annemarie de Kerckhem, who was also his cousin, lived here. As late as the seventeenth century, the castle belonged for a time to the Land Commander of Alden Biesen. In 1699, the Van Afferden family acquired the estate. They are the last lords of Kozen. At the end of the nineteenth century, the castle was owned by a certain Jacquelart. He renovated the castle and gave it its current appearance.
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The description is very accurate. Thank you.
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Just outside the village center of Widooie, on Kasteelweg, lies the beautifully preserved Widooie Castle: a secluded castle farm with deep historical roots. Four wings surrounding a rectangular courtyard form a harmonious whole, with marlstone bands, ornate wall anchors, and a stately gate dating from 1662 where the coat of arms of Richard Vaes still proudly stands. The corner tower, the classically renovated residential wing, and the 17th-century barns together tell the story of a place where generations have come and gone for centuries.
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Always very pleasant to walk/run in this beautiful park
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beautifully maintained castle with adjacent B&B, nice cycling/hiking trails
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The castle belonged to the goods of the abbey of Corbie, which were given in leasehold by the abbot to Godfried van Bocholtz in 1559. The castle was sold in 1588 to Hendrik Vaes-Valck, mayor of Tongeren. He began rebuilding the castle. The work was completed by Richard Vaes-van den Hove, as indicated on the facade stone with his coat of arms above the entrance gate (1662). It is said that the actual castle extended south of the current buildings, on the site of the current garden, and was completely destroyed in a fire in 1670 and not rebuilt. The castle remained in the possession of the Vaes family until 1816. See also: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/37615
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Perfect place for a picnic: the lawn at the third pond (the other two are not allowed) and a beautiful picnic spot at the back of the park. Pop Up Bar with terrace open Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
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Located in the far east of Walloon Brabant, 40 km from Brussels and Liège, Hélécine Castle stands in the middle of a 28-hectare park. Let yourself be charmed by the many facets of this exceptional site and its activities organized throughout the season. The 28-hectare walking park includes a nature reserve, two playgrounds, a new aerial structure, a giant sundial, a 19th-century icehouse, an educational pond, and three fishing ponds. Come and play landscaped mini-golf and pétanque. The estate is ideal for families, school groups, and those seeking relaxation in the countryside. Two ponds are open for trout and carp fishing from the second Sunday of March to mid-November. https://www.destinationbw.be/fr/decouvrir/les-incontournables/le-chateau-dhelecine/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA1mJ_m4eVQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Sint-Truiden are particularly family-friendly?
For families, Hélécine Estate offers a 28-hectare park with two playgrounds, a nature reserve, and educational ponds. Kasteeldomein 't Speelhof is great for leisurely strolls and has a terrace where children can play. Nieuwenhoven Castle features an activity center and a sensory trail, making it engaging for younger visitors. Wijer Castle and Heks Castle are also tagged as family-friendly destinations.
Are there castles with extensive gardens or natural parks to explore?
Yes, several castles boast beautiful gardens and natural surroundings. Heks Castle is renowned for its exceptional rose garden, Chinese garden, and one of Europe's first landscape parks. Kasteeldomein 't Speelhof features a beautiful rose garden and well-maintained decorative gardens perfect for walks. Kasteel van Duras is set within a magnificent domain of over 100 hectares, including forests, meadows, and orchards. Hélécine Estate also offers a large walking park with a nature reserve.
Which castles offer dining or accommodation options?
For those looking to dine or stay overnight, Kasteel van Ordingen is a majestic 5-star hotel with fine dining and spa facilities. Wijer Castle offers overnight stays and dining options within its historic walls. Château de la Motte has a restaurant with a terrace and provides accommodation in cottage-style rooms adjacent to the castle domain. Nieuwenhoven Castle also houses a cycling café.
What kind of historical architecture can I expect to see among the castles?
The castles around Sint-Truiden showcase a range of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. You can see the medieval origins and later transformations at Kasteel van Terbiest, which features a 1627 L-shaped building with a tower and marlstone decorations. Kasteel van Ordingen blends medieval origins with opulent, timeless design. Nieuwenhoven Castle has undergone transformations from English Neo-Tudor to neoclassical styles. Kasteel van Duras is a beautiful example of pure classical architecture, while Château de la Motte is an eclectic 19th-century castle built on a 14th-century motte.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Sint-Truiden is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Fruity landscapes with spunk' or the 'Honsbergweg Apple Orchards – Wijer Castle loop from Sint-Truiden', which often pass by these historic sites. For hiking, there are trails like the 'Nieuwenhoven Pond – View of Nieuwenhoven Castle loop from Basiliek Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Kortenbos'. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Sint-Truiden, Gravel biking around Sint-Truiden, and Hiking around Sint-Truiden guide pages.
When is the best time to visit the castle gardens, especially Heks Castle?
The gardens of Heks Castle are particularly renowned and are open to the public during specific weekends. Historically, these have been the first weekend in June and the second weekend in September. These periods are ideal for experiencing the exceptional rose collection and the landscape park. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current opening dates and times before planning your visit.
Are there any castles that offer a luxurious experience?
Absolutely. Kasteel van Ordingen stands out as a majestic 5-star hotel offering an unparalleled luxury experience. It boasts spa facilities, a wellness center, sauna, and fine dining within a grand, historic atmosphere. Its elegant decor and stunning grounds make it a top choice for a luxurious stay.
Can I find any castles that are less known or considered 'hidden gems'?
While many castles are well-known, exploring places like Kasteel van Terbiest offers a deeper dive into local history. It's a blend of medieval heritage and later transformations, with preserved moats and a sculpture garden. Its historical significance, including a 1420 façade stone, makes it a fascinating, perhaps less-trafficked, site for history enthusiasts.
What are some unique features of Nieuwenhoven Castle?
Nieuwenhoven Castle, once a summer residence for abbots, is now an activity center with residential units. It's unique for its connection to the surrounding nature reserve and offers a publicly accessible sensory trail ('voelsprietenpad') on its private domain. It also houses a cycling café, making it a pleasant stop for cyclists and nature lovers.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for photography?
Many castles offer picturesque settings for photography. Heks Castle, with its stunning gardens and well-preserved estate, is highly photogenic, especially during its open garden weekends. Kasteel van Ordingen provides a luxurious backdrop with its grand architecture and beautiful grounds. Wijer Castle, with its 16th-century keep and wide moat, offers classic castle aesthetics. The expansive domain of Kasteel van Duras also provides diverse natural landscapes for capturing beautiful shots.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Sint-Truiden?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical tapestry and the diverse experiences offered by the castles. Many enjoy the opportunity for overnight stays and dining at places like Wijer Castle. The renowned gardens and parks, particularly at Heks Castle, are a major draw. The blend of historical architecture with natural beauty, and the availability of activities like cycling and walking, are also highly valued by the community.
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