Top 17 Castles around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve
Best castles around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve offers a journey through historical and architecturally significant sites, including châteaux and fortified farms. The region features structures dating back to the 12th century, situated amidst varied landscapes. These sites provide insight into the area's rich past and architectural evolution. Many are integrated into parks or serve as cultural venues, blending heritage with contemporary use.
Best castles around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve
- The most popular castles is Château de La Hulpe, a castle built in 1842 on the model of the Loire castles. It is surrounded by gardens and a large park, which are freely accessible to visitors.
- Another must-see spot is Château Le Châtelet, a medieval castle. It features a massive three-storey schist keep from the 12th or 13th century, representing a rare example of a fortification from that period.
- Visitors also love Hougoumont Castle, a historical site and walled farm. This site was a key location during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and has been restored and opened to the public.
- Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve is known for its châteaux, fortified farms, and historical sites. Visitors can explore a variety of historical buildings, from medieval keeps to 19th-century castles and repurposed ancient farms.
- The castles around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1500 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Château de La Hulpe
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Domaine Solvay
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The castle is not open to the general public, but is suitable for all kinds of events.
destinationbw.be/nl/ontdekken/de-hoogtepunten/het-gewestelijk-domein-solvay
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Hoeilaart Castle
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The Little Mermaid of the Lake
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Last Sunday June 30 (2019), it was the inauguration of the Little Mermaid of Lake Genval. A Little Mermaid, like the one in Copenhagen, but smaller. The small bronze statue sits on a rock in the waters of Lac de Genval, in front of the Château du Lac. It is the work of Michal, whose real name is Michel Alexandre Neuwels, sculptor from Plancenoit (Lasne).
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Château Le Châtelet
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In the middle rises a massive three-storey schist keep from the 12th or 13th century.
It is one of the rare fortifications from this period.
villers-la-ville.net/nl/2014/06/11/het-poortgebouw
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Tips from the Community
Two important lordships formed the basis of the current Hoeilaart: the lordship of Ter Heyde south of the IJse on the one hand, and the lordship of Holaer or Hoeilaart north of the IJse on the other. Here once stood the castle of the Ter Heyde lordship from the fifteenth century. That lordship ceased to exist after the abolition of the ancien régime. The current castle was built in 1858 on the orders of baron Jean de Man d’Attenrode (mayor of Hoeilaart from 1854-1878) and his wife Maria Carolina d’Ormesson. It is therefore not a remnant of the old lordship. BUT: the chapel and former closed farm next to it are. This building has now, as others have mentioned, been given a different function and dominates the view in the park. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Kasteel van Hoeilaart, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/39785
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The Old Castle of Marbais is a 13th-century medieval castle. It is located on a rocky spur overlooking the confluence of the Thyle and the Ri des Goutailles valley, in Marbais, within the municipality of Villers-la-Ville. This site was once part of the former seigneury of Marbais.
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Excellent quality hotel and restaurant
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To see and don't hesitate to get lost there
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Beautiful but very busy. Good to know!
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Early in the morning to avoid the crowds
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Le Château du Lac is best known today as a 5-star hotel. Events are also often organised there and that is why I know it from a professional long-gone past. But the building, whether you call it a castle or rather a glorified villa, it does have a fairly intense past. In the past, the mineral water of Genval was collected and bottled here. Together with the source of Bonne Fontaine, the Château du Lac was the true symbol of Genval-les-Eaux. The Etablissement des Eaux, as it was originally called, was built between 1905 and 1907 by the architect Julien Wendrickx, the future production director of the Compagnie Internationale des Eaux Minérales, to house the collection of sources and the bottling of the mineral water of Genval. After the First World War and the receivership of the companies that managed the Genval site, the castle became the property of an English company before being taken over by the Princes of Merode, who leased the facilities to Schweppes Belgium. The Belgian branch was then managed by John Martin, an English brewer based in Antwerp, who had been importing beers from Great Britain and Ireland to the continent since 1909, including the famous Guinness. He obtained the exclusive production rights for the Schweppes range, which he transferred to Genval in 1952 following the deterioration in the quality of Antwerp's drinking water, which was now pumped into the Albert Canal. Since the divestment of Schweppes in 1988, the John Martin group has further diversified its range, with speciality beers (Timmermans, Gordon, etc.), soft drinks (Orangina) and fruit juices (Looza). After the Schweppes factory moved to Rue du Cerf, the château, now owned by the Martin family, was converted into the five-star Château du Lac Source: https://www.parismatch.be/lifestyle/voyages/2020/08/23/le-lac-de-genval-et-ses-villas-2D3Q25DBTVANBFBV5WXJG3R2NI/
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The Genval lake is located in the Zilverbeek valley. The artificial lake is located for the most part on the territory of Overijse and was constructed by order of lawyer and businessman Gustave Smets - Mondez. The 18 ha lake was constructed in 1904 in an area with a series of spring-rich ponds and marshes through which the Zilverbeek or the Argentine flowed. The Zilverbeek still flows along the lake on the Overijse side. The area attracted many tourists from the very beginning. Around 1900, the urban development plans were also drawn up for the construction of the park on the Walloon side. Several impressive villas were built here that were reminiscent of copies of buildings from Versailles and monuments on the Swiss Lake Lucerne. On the Overijse side, there was less interest in the construction, which is why the slopes are less developed than on the Walloon side, where it was promoted as a spa. After the First World War, the lake was sold to John Martin (1886-1966), an English brewer from Antwerp. He would establish the Schweppes factory here (Belgian license) in the "Château du Lac" (until 1981). The lake is still in the hands of his heirs. On the Meerlaan there are still a few cottage-style villas overlooking the lake. These villas are depicted on various old postcards and are still recognizable today but have been heavily modified. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Maleizen, https://id.erfgoed.net/themas/14294
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve are open to the public?
While some castles are private, several historical sites and their grounds are accessible. For instance, the park and gardens of Château de La Hulpe are freely accessible, though the castle itself is not. Hougoumont Castle, a significant Battle of Waterloo site, has been restored and is open to the public. The Ferme du Biéreau and Ferme de Blocry, though not traditional castles, are historical farms repurposed as cultural centers and are generally accessible for events or performances.
Are there any medieval castles to visit in the region?
Yes, you can explore medieval history in the area. Château Le Châtelet is a medieval castle featuring a massive three-storey schist keep from the 12th or 13th century, representing a rare example of a fortification from that period. The Château Ferme de Moriensart also boasts a distinctive Romanesque tower dating back to 1220, offering a truly medieval ambiance.
What kind of historical sites can I find besides traditional castles?
Beyond traditional castles, the region offers unique historical farms that have been repurposed. The Ferme du Biéreau, dating back to the 12th century, is now a vibrant musical cultural center where you can appreciate its ancient architecture and enjoy events. Similarly, the Ferme de Blocry, a 19th-century Brabant farm, has been transformed into a theater, offering cultural experiences within a historical setting.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites in the area?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The expansive park and gardens surrounding Château de La Hulpe (also known as Domaine Solvay) are ideal for family outings, featuring beautiful landscapes and walking paths. Hougoumont Castle, with its historical significance from the Battle of Waterloo, offers an engaging educational experience for all ages.
Can I go hiking or cycling near the castles?
Absolutely. The region around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Pond and Wetland Area – Wooden Forest Water Fountain loop' or the 'Pallandt Castle – Le Cala Boardwalk loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'La Griffe Fermée Memorial – Watermill loop' and general cycling paths including 'Au pays de La Bande Dessinée'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve, Road Cycling Routes around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve, and Cycling around Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve guides.
What natural features can I enjoy around the castles?
Many castles and historical sites are set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Château de La Hulpe is surrounded by lush gardens, woods, and water features within its 227-hectare park. The area around The Little Mermaid of the Lake at Lac de Genval offers scenic lake views and is on the edge of the Sonian Forest, providing a blend of historical architecture and natural beauty.
Is there a castle that played a role in a famous battle?
Yes, Hougoumont Castle is a key historical site that played a crucial role during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It was one of the advanced defensible positions for the Anglo-allied army and saw intense fighting. The site has been restored and is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its significant past.
Can I see the Château of Ottignies?
The Château of Ottignies is a private 17th-century castle and is not open to the public. However, its distinctive tower can be admired from Avenue des Combattants. Its historical architecture and the surrounding classified area make it a significant landmark in the town, even if only viewed from a distance. For more information, you can refer to tourisme-olln.be.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and historical sites?
The best time to visit is generally during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the outdoor parks and gardens, and the natural scenery is particularly beautiful. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits offer a different charm, especially for indoor cultural sites, but some outdoor areas might be less vibrant.
Are there any unique cultural experiences related to these historical sites?
Yes, the region blends heritage with contemporary culture. The Ferme du Biéreau has been transformed into a vibrant musical cultural center, hosting various events and performances within its ancient walls. Similarly, the Ferme de Blocry now houses a theater, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy performing arts in a historical setting.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. The accessible parks and gardens, like those at Château de La Hulpe, are highly rated for their scenic walks and tranquil atmosphere. The historical significance of sites like Hougoumont Castle and the unique repurposing of ancient farms into cultural hubs also receive positive feedback.
Are there any castles or sites with unique architectural features?
Yes, the region boasts diverse architectural styles. The Château of Ottignies, rebuilt in 1626, features white painted bricks, a square tower with an octagonal roof, and neoclassical doors. Château Le Châtelet stands out with its massive 12th or 13th-century schist keep. The Ferme du Biéreau showcases brick and blue stone buildings arranged around a courtyard, with an impressive 18th-century barn incorporating 16th-century half-timbering.
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