Top 20 Castles around Gavere
Best castles around Gavere are situated in the Flemish region of Belgium, characterized by its historical significance and varied landscapes. The area features a mix of waterways, agricultural lands, and charming villages, providing a backdrop for numerous historical sites. Gavere itself is a municipality in East Flanders, offering access to several notable architectural landmarks. This region provides opportunities to explore historical estates and their surrounding grounds.
Best castles around Gavere
- The most popular castles is Ooidonk Castle, a castle known for its impressive towers and stepped gables. This Renaissance castle is often described as a jewel of Flemish-Spanish 16th-century architecture.
- Another must-see spot is The Blue Gate, a historical site that marks the entrance to the scenic driveway leading to Ooidonk Castle. This gate is the only one of seven original cabinet count gates still standing today.
- Visitors also love De Gerlache Castle, a castle also known as Kasteel den Ast. This country house features a mansard roof and has historical connections to an Antarctic explorer.
- Gavere is known for its Renaissance castles, historical gates, and country estates. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
- The castles around Gavere are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
The Blue Gate
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Ooidonk Castle
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If you are planning this tour, take this visit into account as well! (I absolutely must, for € 3 you can get in.) (=> route description Routen.be)
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De Gerlache Castle
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Castle with appurtenances including a belvedere tower and greenhouses beautifully planted on the slope above the stream valley with a landscaped rose garden to the west and a park with ponds in landscape style, accessible via a gate on the Korte Aststraat, connected to the Lange Aststraat with monumental closure with iron chains between square pedestals with garden vases. More recent entrance gate on the village square of Mullem (Oudenaarde).
(Immovable Heritage Inventory)
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Lozer Castle
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From 1654, the castle domain, located along the Kasteelstraat in Lozer, has been owned by the della Faille d'Huysse family.
The beautiful castle was called ''t Goed Uplosere' in the 17th century. The block-shaped castle acquired its current neoclassical appearance during renovations in the 18th century. From the Kasteelstraat you can see the symmetrical rear facade. From the Appelhoekstraat you have a view of the facade.
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Liedts Castle
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Today, the castle is home to the Vrijzinnig Centrum Liedts (Liedts Free Centre), which gives the building a contemporary cultural and social function. The park, still open to the public, serves as Oudenaarde's green lung, connecting the rich history of the Liedts family with the daily life of the city. It's a lovely place to stroll.
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The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).
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Liedts Castle After the demolition of Oudenaarde's former city walls, part of this vacant land was sold to the prominent Liedts family. Charles Liedts, one of the founding fathers of Belgium, Minister of Finance in the mid-1800s, and one of the founders of the National Bank of Belgium, had a country house built there around 1860. Originally a white plastered castle, it was rebuilt in 1883 by his son, Amedée Liedts, in an eclectic style. The park, in the English landscape style, was largely laid out between 1865 and 1869. In 1907, the childless Amedée donated Liedts Castle, along with its library, art collection, and park, to the city of Oudenaarde, which opened the estate as a city park. Today, the castle is home to the VCL, the Liedts Liberal Centre. The park is open to the public and is the green lung of the city of Oudenaarde.
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Since 1654, the castle domain, located along the Kasteelstraat in Lozer, has been owned by the della Faille d’Huysse family. The beautiful castle was called ‘’t Goed Uplosere’ in the 17th century. The block-shaped castle acquired its current neoclassical appearance during renovations in the 18th century. From the Kasteelstraat you can see the symmetrical rear facade. From the Appelhoekstraat you have a view of the front facade. The 19th century park in English landscape style consists of ponds, winding paths, bridges and appurtenances such as a walled vegetable garden, caretaker’s house, dog kennel, coach house, tower-shaped garden pavilion, farmyard and gatehouse. From the castle domain, a double avenue leads to the O.-L.-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk.
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B & B, for horse lovers. Very beautiful domain, unfortunately not accessible to us, regular hikers.
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Original country house built by the Ghent architect L. Roelandt who owned the old "Goed ten Ast" in 1834 and drew the plans for his country residence on the south side of it. According to the land registry archives, it was completed around 1850. Subsequently adapted several times, including around 1900 and in 1920 by the then owner, the Ghent industrialist G. Van Oost. Current condition is the result of renovations in 1958 designed by architect F. Bonaert. Castle with appurtenances including a belvedere tower and greenhouses beautifully planted on the slope above the stream valley with a landscaped rose garden to the west and a park with ponds in landscape style, accessible via a gate on the Korte Aststraat, connected to the Lange Aststraat with monumental closure with iron chains between square pedestals with garden vases. More recent entrance gate on the village square of Mullem (Oudenaarde). (Immovable Heritage Inventory)
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The "de Gerlache" after which the castle - officially called "Den Ast" - is often called is Gaston de Gerlache, mayor of Mullem for 3 legislatures, but above all an explorer. In 1957-1958 he led the second Belgian expedition to Antarctica, 60 years after his father led the first with the Belgica. During this second expedition, in which the Polarhav and the Polarsirkel took them to Antarctica, the King Baudouin base was established there. During the next expedition, led by Guido Derom, a 2,400 meter high mountain in Antarctica was named after Gaston de Gerlache. Another fact about the castle: an emperor penguin, Hans, brought along from the expedition, who was housed in the Antwerp Zoo, was given a place in the castle after his death. Sources: Wikipedia https://www.kruisem.be/kasteel-de-gerlache-huise
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Gavere are suitable for families with children?
Several castles in the Gavere region are considered family-friendly. Ooidonk Castle, with its impressive architecture and gardens, is a great option. The historical Blue Gate, marking the entrance to Ooidonk, is also part of a scenic walk. Additionally, Lozer Castle and Liedts Castle, with its public park, offer pleasant experiences for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Gavere?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally the most pleasant for visiting castles around Gavere. During this period, the weather is milder, and the castle gardens and surrounding landscapes are in full bloom, making for picturesque walks and outdoor exploration. Some castles may have limited opening hours or accessibility during the colder, wetter winter months.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles to discover near Gavere?
While Ooidonk Castle is widely recognized, De Gerlache Castle (also known as Kasteel den Ast) offers a unique historical narrative, including connections to an Antarctic explorer. Lozer Castle, with its neoclassical appearance and private domain, provides a glimpse into a less-frequented historical estate.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Gavere offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Battle of Gavere Trail' or the 'Forest Pathway in Belgium – Boardwalk at Makegemse Forest loop'. For cyclists, there are options like the 'Kaaimeersen Nature Reserve – Narrow Concrete Path loop' or more challenging gravel biking routes. Explore more routes on the Hiking around Gavere, Gravel biking around Gavere, and Cycling around Gavere guide pages.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Gavere?
Yes, there are several hiking trails in the vicinity of the castles. For example, you can find routes like the 'Battle of Gavere Trail' (7.5 km, easy) or the 'Forest Pathway in Belgium – Boardwalk at Makegemse Forest loop' (9.5 km, moderate). These trails often pass through scenic landscapes and charming villages, offering a great way to combine castle visits with nature walks. You can find more details on the Hiking around Gavere guide page.
How much time should I allocate for visiting castles in the Gavere region?
The time needed can vary depending on the castle and whether you plan to explore its grounds. For a quick visit to an exterior or a short walk around the grounds, 1-2 hours per castle might suffice. For castles like Ooidonk Castle, which has extensive gardens and potential interior tours, you might want to allocate 2-3 hours or more. If you plan to visit multiple castles in a day, consider a full day trip.
Can I reach castles around Gavere using public transport?
While some castles might be accessible via a combination of train and bus services to nearby towns, direct public transport to the castle gates is not always available. It's often recommended to use a car or bicycle for more flexibility when exploring the castles in the Gavere region, as many are situated in rural settings. Always check local transport schedules for specific routes.
Are there cafes or dining options near the castles in the Gavere area?
Many popular castle sites or nearby villages often have local cafes, restaurants, or taverns where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink. For instance, areas around Ooidonk Castle are likely to have amenities in the surrounding villages. It's advisable to check in advance for specific opening times and availability, especially for smaller, more secluded locations.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the castles around Gavere?
Visitors particularly appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of the castles. The Renaissance style of Ooidonk Castle, often described as a 'jewel of Flemish-Spanish 16th-century architecture,' is a major draw. The scenic drive through the Blue Gate and the well-maintained gardens also receive high praise. The blend of historical significance and beautiful natural surroundings makes for a captivating experience.
Are the castles around Gavere accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Accessibility can vary significantly between different castles. Historic buildings often have stairs, uneven terrain, or gravel paths that may pose challenges. While some castle grounds or parks, like the public park at Liedts Castle, might offer more accessible routes, it's best to check the specific accessibility information for each castle directly before your visit.
Are there any viewpoints near the castles in the Gavere region?
While not explicitly designated as viewpoints, the elevated positions of some castles or their surrounding parks can offer pleasant vistas of the Flemish landscape. For example, Lozer Castle is noted for its beautiful setting, and exploring the grounds of castles like Ooidonk Castle can provide picturesque views of the architecture and waterways.
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