Top 20 Castles around Tielt-Winge
Best castles around Tielt-Winge offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and diverse architectural heritage. Situated within the green valley of the Wingebeek and the hills of Hageland, the area provides a scenic backdrop for exploring historical sites. Visitors can discover various types of fortifications and man-made monuments, ranging from medieval moated castles to 19th-century forts. These locations provide opportunities for walking trails and historical exploration in the Tielt-Winge region.
Best castles around Tielt-Winge
- The most popular castles is Horst Castle, a castle that is an idyllic moated castle from the 13th century. It is surrounded by an impressive moat and is known as the home of the cartoon character De Rode Ridder.
- Another must-see spot is Fort Leopold, a historical site and fort. This brick fort is dug into the Lazarijberg and represents a rare surviving type of defensive stronghold, bearing witness to the importance of Diest as a fortified town.
- Visitors also love Kwabeek Castle and Park, a castle whose core dates back to 1718. The castle and its outbuildings are surrounded by a 16.5-hectare park and now serve as Boutersem's town hall.
- Tielt-Winge is known for moated castles, historical forts, and residential towers. The region offers a variety of historical sites and man-made monuments to see and explore.
- The castles around Tielt-Winge are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1200 upvotes and more than 460 photos shared.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Horst Castle
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Ter Heyden Keep
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Ter Heiden Tower
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In 1619, the noble family from Eynatten acquired ownership of this site. She rebuilt the tower according to the original plans, with the exception of the wall walkway, which was replaced by a roof with a pear turret. In 1631, de Eynatten built the beautiful country house in Flemish Renaissance style.
In 1870 the complex was expanded to brew beer. Brewing has been carried out since 1870 by the Smedts family, who acquired ownership of this site in 1909. They stopped their activities in Rotselaar in 1938 and continued brewing in Kampenhout until 1993. The beautiful brick chimney is a silent witness to this.
The complex has been protected as a monument since 1942 with a thorough restoration of the tower in 1948. Today the entire property is in the hands of a private owner.
(donjonterheyden.be)
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Kwabeek Castle and Park
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Fort Leopold
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After the gruesome murder of the last owner, Baroness Thรฉrรจse Ernst de Bunswyck, the municipality purchased part of the estate, including the castle, which now serves as Boutersem's town hall. Other lots went to different owners, so the heritage's unity is somewhat lost, with several buildings besides the castle itself. However, there's much more than meets the eye.
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The castle's core dates back to 1718, modified several times during the 19th century, and eclectically renovated after 1922; the castle and its outbuildings are surrounded by a 16.5-hectare park, originally a high courtyard with a watermill and mill pond; a classic 18th-century valley floor site, redeveloped in an early landscape style around 1830-1835; redeveloped around 1900 in a late landscape style; municipally owned since 1980; ice and vegetable cellars, numerous old trees. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Kwabeek Castle Estate, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/41588
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The core of Horst Castle probably dates back to the 13th century and is characterised by a square keep. The keep probably belonged to the oldest core that was further expanded into a fortified castle in the 15th century. During the troubles under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire. According to literary sources, only the keep, part of the entrance gate and a defensive wall remained standing. The residential and east wing were renovated and expanded in the 16th century. The round tower also dates from this period. The outer wall was provided with a rectangular bay window. The castle lost its military character and became more of a pleasant residential area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the inner courtyard. Brick construction with sandstone layers characterise these buildings. In 1587, however, the castle was set on fire again during the raids of the Geuzen. It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that restoration work began. It is difficult to deduce from the available sources to what extent this involved restoration or an embellishing conversion of the castle complex. Presumably nothing changed in the internal structure, but only after the structurally necessary repairs were the interiors completely refinished. Maria-Anna Van den Tympel had a new chapel built against the keep in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the complex must have been damaged by plundering and neglect, and it is possible that it also suffered from plundering during the Brabant Revolution of 1830. Around 1850, the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. In the land registry, the site around the castle is called "De Notelaren Boomgaerd". Around that time, the most dilapidated part must have been demolished, namely the southern part and the superstructure of the gate. The rest of the complex was probably restored with reused demolition material and in traditional style. The castle was divided in 1880, with one part being registered as a school house. In 1897, a further division followed, with two plots being designated as houses. Several restoration campaigns followed in the 20th century. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Horst Castle, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43619
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Since December, there has been a spire on the castle again after the unstable spire was removed more than four years ago and could be viewed on a wooden platform in the pond. Now it is back. And the other works are also progressing quickly. More about the replaced spire on https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/12/10/torenspits-staat-weer-op-kasteel-van-horst-holsbeek/
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The Donjon Ter Heyden, also known as the tower of Ter Heyden, is a residential tower in the Belgian town of Rotselaar (province of Flemish Brabant) from the mid-fourteenth century. The donjon was built between 1350 and 1363 by order of Gerard van der Heyden, the then bailiff of the Duchy of Brabant, when he acquired the status and funds through a marriage with a noblewoman to erect a building of such calibre.
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Behind Fort Leopold there is a nice steep single track towards Schaffen airport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Tielt-Winge region?
Yes, several castles in the Tielt-Winge region are suitable for families. Horst Castle is a popular choice, known for its idyllic moated setting. Kwabeek Castle and Park offers a large park area for exploration, and the Ter Heyden Keep is also considered family-friendly.
What kind of historical sites can I expect to see besides castles?
Beyond traditional castles, the region features significant historical sites like Fort Leopold. This 19th-century brick fort, dug into the Lazarijberg, is a rare surviving defensive stronghold that highlights Diest's past as a fortified town. The Ter Heiden Tower, a 14th-century residential tower, also offers a glimpse into medieval architecture and later uses, including a brewery.
Are there walking trails near the castles, and what are their difficulty levels?
Yes, there are numerous walking trails near the castles. For instance, near Horst Castle, you can find moderate trails like the 'Troostemberg Forest โ Horst Castle loop from Sint-Joris-Winge' (10.3 km) and the 'Ten Gaerde Vineyard โ Horst Castle loop from Houwaart' (10 km). You can find more hiking options in the region on the Hiking around Tielt-Winge guide.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Yes, parking is available at some of the castles. Horst Castle and Kwabeek Castle and Park both offer parking facilities for visitors.
Can I visit the castles using public transport?
While direct public transport to every castle might vary, Fort Leopold is conveniently located within walking distance of the station in Diest, making it accessible by public transport.
Are the castle grounds dog-friendly?
At Horst Castle, dogs are permitted on the castle grounds, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with your canine companion. However, they are generally not allowed inside the castle itself.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths around the castles?
Horst Castle is noted as being difficult to access for wheelchair users and buggies due to its historical structure. For specific accessibility information on other sites, it's recommended to check directly with the individual castle administrations.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles and enjoy walks?
The Tielt-Winge region, with its green valley and hills, is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring the castle grounds without extreme heat or cold. Visiting outside of peak summer can also help avoid larger crowds.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the castles?
Yes, at Horst Castle, you can find the Brasserie Wagenhuis, which is ideal for a stop and offers refreshments. For other castles, nearby towns and villages will have various dining options.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The Tielt-Winge region offers a variety of outdoor activities. Besides hiking, you can explore numerous MTB trails and cycling routes. These guides provide options for different skill levels, allowing you to combine castle visits with active exploration of the surrounding landscape.
What natural features can I see around the castles?
The castles are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Horst Castle is an idyllic moated castle located in the green valley of the Wingebeek, surrounded by an impressive moat and a large pond. The Ter Heyden Keep is situated in the middle of an artificial lake, offering picturesque views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Tielt-Winge?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and diverse architectural heritage, from medieval moated castles to 19th-century forts. The scenic backdrop of the green valley of the Wingebeek and the hills of Hageland also enhances the experience. The komoot community has shared over 460 photos and given more than 1200 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
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