If you’re looking for ideas for your next getaway near Brussels, you’ve come to the right place. Belgium is said to have the most castles per square kilometer, and many of them are located close to the capital! But which are the most beautiful? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you, because our readers have decided! It was a tough choice, though… Whether medieval fortresses, Renaissance castles or splendid 19th-century buildings, here are the most beautiful Belgian castles within an hour’s drive of Brussels, according to our readers.
The most beautiful castles near Brussels
Château de la Hulpe, Domaine régional Solvay
This elegant Flemish neo-Renaissance château, adorned in red brick and natural stone, was built in 1842 by the Count of Béthune. It is surrounded by a vast park with magnificent formal gardens ideal for long strolls. Today, the property belongs to the Walloon region, and houses an important collection of contemporary art. A cultural getaway in the heart of nature not to be missed!
🚗 Located 30 minutes south of Brussels
📍Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe
Beersel Castle
Château de Beersel looks as if it has stepped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. A former medieval fortress built around 1420 to defend Brussels, it is without doubt one of the finest examples of military architecture in our country! Its fortifications are a classic example of the genre: deep moat, drawbridge, crenellated ramparts and loopholes. You could almost see yourself there, sword in fist, ready to defend our city! The castle is also home to a fascinating museum that traces the history of the region and will appeal to all those in search of adventure!
🚗 Located 35 minutes south of Brussels
📍Address: Lotsestraat 65, 1650 Beersel
Gaasbeek Castle
Gasbeek Castle reopened its doors last year, after three years of restoration. Now, this marvellous castle is open to visitors in all its splendour. Although it acquired its present form during the restoration work carried out between 1887 and 1898, a first fortified castle already existed here around 1240. After its destruction, another castle was built here in 1500, and this in turn was inhabited and rebuilt many times until it found its present form. Not only is Gaasbeek Castle a fantastic example of neo-Renaissance architecture, it also houses a prestigious museum. The latter boasts an important collection of works of art and historical objects that bear witness to its rich past.
🚗 Located some ten kilometers southwest of Brussels.
📍Address: Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Gaasbeek
Château de Grand-Bigard
The splendid Château de Grand-Bigart is a true treasure of the Flemish Renaissance. It boasts extensive gardens and a lovely lake, perfect for a stroll. Its origins date back to the 12th century, but many of its features were added or altered in later centuries. The keep, for example, was built around 1347, the five-arched bridge in the 17th century and the small entrance châtelet in the 14th century. A visit to Grand-Bigard is also the perfect springtime getaway! Every spring, its gardens host the superb Floralia exhibition. You’ll see no less than a million flowers , including 400 varieties of tulips, hyacinths, narcissi and many more. Don’t miss it next spring!
🚗 Located 7km west of Brussels
📍Address: Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden, 1702 Brussels
Karreveld Castle
Karreveld is the name given to a former three-hectare estate and castle farm in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Karreveld, or Karel Veld in Dutch, means “Charles’s field”. The name derives from the Emperor Charles V, who is said to have passed through here during his lifetime. However, historical documents belie this legendary attribution, since the estate, and the name Karreveld, were mentioned long before the famous emperor’s birth… In any case, we have no doubt that this magnificent neo-Renaissance château, with its gardens and pond, will charm you! A perfect getaway, just a stone’s throw from Brussels!
🚗 Located 1km northwest of Brussels
📍 Address: Avenue Jean de la Hoese, 3 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean