Top 8 Castles around Koekelare
Best castles around Koekelare are located in West Flanders, a region characterized by its historical estates and natural landscapes. Koekelare, a municipality within this province, provides insights into a rich past through its castle domains and historical sites. The area features moated castles and historical domains, some of which are integrated into forest complexes. These sites offer opportunities to explore historical architecture and natural surroundings.
Best castles around Koekelare
- The most popular castles is d'Aertrycke Castle, a castle built…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Blankaart Castle
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d'Aertrycke Castle
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Vredesmolen (Peace Mill) Klerken
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Wijnendale Castle
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Viconia Castle Farm
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you should definitely go in there, if only for a cup of coffee. The place is an info about the plan map which only gives interesting facts
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Nowadays the castle is a luxury hotel/restaurant and conference centre (Restaurant realised in 1990 and hotel built in 1996 by the then organisers of the Rock Torhout festival). On the other side of the Torhout - Oostende road lies the domain of the Wijnendale castle.
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The history of 'Domein d' Aertrycke' begins in 1865 when August de Maere, the spiritual father of the port of Zeebrugge, acquired 98 ha of the 'Verloren Kost' domain. In 1869 he had the now centrally located neo-Gothic castle built to a design by the Antwerp architect Joseph Schadde. In 1897 August de Maere, who had in the meantime been elevated to the nobility, was given permission to add d'Aertrycke to his name. With the exception of a short period after the First World War, the domain remained the property of the family. Xavier de Maere, the last owner of the castle, became known as second-in-command of the Belgian South Pole Expedition 1958-1959. After the death of his mother, who was the last of the family to live in the castle, he concluded an agreement with the West Flemish provincial government for the partial opening of the castle domain to the general public. In 2012, the province acquired full ownership and Domein d'Aertrycke became a fully-fledged provincial domain.
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The castle De Maere d'Aertrycke is a castle in the Belgian city of Torhout. The neo-Gothic castle was built from 1868 to 1871 by order of August de Maere, the castle is still popularly called De Maeres castle. It is located between the center of Torhout, Wijnendale and Aartrijke. The castle is located in a romantic garden with a large pond, meadows and forests. The domain has a great natural value. Roe deer, Western European hedgehog and the European red squirrel are the mammals that live there. Birds are richly represented with the tufted duck, great spotted woodpecker, moorhen, coot, grebe, jackdaw, nuthatch, tree creeper, finch, blue tit and great tit. There are also amphibians: the brown frog and the common toad.
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The Blankaart is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset. The visitor centre (currently still in the castle, but will 'soon' move to a new building closer to the car park) is open at least every week from Wednesday to Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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The castle's coach house has been the workshop or studio for Natuurpunt volunteers who are involved in nature management on the Blankaart for years. Natuurpunt was able to purchase that site in 2011. Natuurpunt volunteers provide permanent staff in the visitors' centre in the castle. They provide reception, provide information to visitors and run a small cafeteria. This year, work will start on a new studio and a new reception in the visitors' domain. Because it also became apparent that restoring the studio was not feasible, we decided with Natuurpunt to demolish the studio and build something new there with a dual function: studio and reception. After all, the accessibility of the current visitors' centre is literally insufficiently accessible: you have to overcome quite a few (fairly high) stairs. The new building in a wooden frame is very close to the car park, will only be on the ground floor and visitors will be guided from the car park past the reception. Source: https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20231005_95097412
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Although the fame of this place as "Peace Mill" refers to the First World War (a monument value that only acquired its current form in the summer of 2013), the history of the mill goes back to the third quarter of the 18th century. In 1766, a wooden post mill was built here. In 1879, the then owner replaced the wooden mill with the stone tower mill, supplemented a year later with a steam engine (in an outbuilding), so that milling could also take place when there was no wind. The current outbuilding dates from after WWI (1920).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable castles to visit around Koekelare?
The region around Koekelare features several interesting castles. You can explore d'Aertrycke Castle, a Neo-Renaissance structure that now functions as a hotel and restaurant. Another significant site is Blankaart Castle, a moated castle set within a nature reserve. Also, consider Wijnendale Castle, a largely reconstructed 19th-century castle with parts dating back to the 15th century, housing a museum.
Are there family-friendly castles around Koekelare?
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. d'Aertrycke Castle is listed as family-friendly and offers a large domain to explore. Wijnendale Castle also welcomes families, offering a historical museum. Additionally, the Viconia Castle Farm, now a holiday hotel, provides a historical setting that can be interesting for all ages.
What natural features can I see near these castles?
Many castles in the Koekelare region are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Blankaart Castle is situated within the De Blankaart nature reserve, known for its reed birds and marsh plants. d'Aertrycke Castle features a lake and forest. Kasteeldomein Ter Heyde, while not a standing castle, is embedded in the Koekelarebos and Praatbos forest complexes, offering an arboretum and diverse flora and fauna.
Are there any moated castles in the area?
Yes, moated castles are a characteristic feature of the region. Blankaart Castle is a prominent example of a moated castle. Wijnendale Castle is also a moated castle. The historical Kasteel van Moerkerke, near Koekelare, is another well-preserved example with a moated design and picturesque park.
What historical sites, beyond traditional castles, are worth exploring?
Beyond the traditional castles, the region offers other significant historical sites. The Viconia Castle Farm has a history dating back to the 12th century and was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWI. The Vredesmolen (Peace Mill) Klerken, a former windmill, served as a German lookout post during WWI and is now a protected monument and viewpoint.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Koekelare offers various outdoor activities, particularly cycling. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling that pass by or near these historical sites. For example, there are routes like the 'Yser Tower – Viconia Castle Farm loop' for cycling or the 'Groene 62 Gravel Path – d'Aertrycke Castle loop' for gravel biking.
Are there any castles that offer dining or accommodation?
Yes, some castles in the region have been repurposed to offer modern amenities. d'Aertrycke Castle functions as a hotel, restaurant, and conference center. The Viconia Castle Farm is now a holiday hotel. Additionally, the Kasteel van Moerkerke, near Koekelare, is a versatile event location with multiple halls, often used for weddings and corporate events.
What is the best time to visit castles in the Koekelare region?
The Koekelare region, like much of West Flanders, is pleasant to visit during spring and summer (April to September) when the weather is generally milder, and the surrounding parks and gardens are in full bloom. This allows for comfortable exploration of castle grounds and nearby natural areas. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage.
Can I find any remnants of World War history near these castles?
Yes, the region has significant World War history. Kasteeldomein Ter Heyde, for instance, served as a German headquarters during both World War I and World War II, and relics like bunkers from WWI can still be found in its Praatbos section. The Vredesmolen (Peace Mill) Klerken was a German lookout post during WWI, and the Viconia Castle Farm was destroyed and rebuilt after WWI.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Koekelare?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical architecture and natural beauty. The castles offer opportunities to delve into the past, with sites like Wijnendale Castle providing a museum experience. Many enjoy the extensive grounds and parks, such as those at d'Aertrycke Castle, which are perfect for walks. The region's unique moated castles and their integration into nature reserves, like Blankaart Castle, are also highly valued.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near the castles?
Absolutely. Many castles are set within extensive domains or natural areas ideal for walking. d'Aertrycke Castle offers various signposted walks on its grounds. Kasteeldomein Ter Heyde, with its forest complexes and arboretum, provides tranquil settings for nature walks. While specific hiking routes directly from each castle are not detailed, the region's overall network of cycling and walking paths often connect these historical sites.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle in this region?
The duration of a visit can vary depending on the castle and your interests. For a site like Wijnendale Castle with its museum, you might spend 1-2 hours. Exploring the grounds and parks of castles like d'Aertrycke Castle or Kasteel van Moerkerke could take 2-3 hours, especially if you include a meal or a longer walk. For historical domains like Kasteeldomein Ter Heyde, you could easily spend a half-day enjoying the nature and historical remnants.
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