Top 20 Castles around Tremelo
Best castles around Tremelo are found in a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The area features a mix of local historical sites and natural landscapes, including remnants of ancient peat extraction sites. While Tremelo is home to Kasteel Fonteyn, a manor house with local historical value, the surrounding Flemish Brabant region offers a variety of publicly accessible castles. This provides opportunities to explore architectural heritage and the historical context of the region.
Best castles around Tremelo
- 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 well-regarded for its historical ambiance.
- Another must-see spot is Zellaer Castle, a neo-Gothic moated castle. The castle and its extensive park offer insights into 19th-century architecture and historical landscape design.
- Visitors also love Ter Heyden Keep, a residential tower from the mid-fourteenth century. This tower is notable for its construction between 1350 and 1363 and its unique position in the middle of an artificial lake.
- Tremelo is known for moated castles, medieval fortifications, and neo-Gothic style castles. These sites offer a diverse range of historical periods and architectural styles to explore.
- The castles around Tremelo are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1200 upvotes and over 460 photos shared.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Horst Castle
Highlight β’ Castle
Translated by Google β’
Tip by
Ter Heyden Keep
Highlight β’ Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Zellaer Castle
Highlight β’ Castle
The 18.5 hectare castle park still contains many historical elements such as a moat structure, pond and avenues that converge centrally in a star. Many of these structures date back to at least the 18th century, as they are already visible on the Ferraris maps (1771-1778)
In 2017, the municipality of Bonheiden partially purchased the castle domain. The non-profit organization Foyer De CharitΓ© Bonheiden, a lay community of the Catholic Church and the then owner of the domain, also remained joint owner of the domain. Kempens Landschap has taken the entire castle domain on a long lease for a period of 54 years. At the beginning of 2018, Kempens Landschap and the municipality of Bonheiden started drawing up an integrated nature and heritage management plan for the entire Zellaer castle domain.
More information at kempenslandschap.be/nl/kasteel-zellaer
Translated by Google β’
Tip by
Ter Heiden Tower
Highlight β’ Castle
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)
Translated by Google β’
Tip by
Schiplaken Castle
Highlight β’ Castle
source: Hiking guide - Flanders route GR 128
Translated by Google β’
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Tremelo.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Schiplaken Castle is an old medieval castle site with a characteristic high court and farmyard. The 18th-century neoclassical castle was set on fire by the Germans in 1914 and was rebuilt in its original style after the war. An information board on site explains the destruction during WWI in 1914. Intrigued? Learn more by visiting https://onroerenderfgoed.github.io/la2001/ankerplaatsen/a20009.html
3
0
Another castle that can be called a castle...
2
0
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
6
0
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/
6
0
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.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What castles can I visit directly in Tremelo?
Tremelo is home to Kasteel Fonteyn, also known as Villa de Brochets. While it is primarily a private manor house, its surrounding park, featuring ponds from ancient peat extraction sites, offers attractive scenery and natural value. For more historical context, you can learn about its history on Wikipedia.
Which castles near Tremelo are open to the public?
Several historically significant castles in the wider Flemish Brabant region are publicly accessible. These include Horst Castle in Holsbeek, Gaasbeek Castle, Beersel Castle, and Bouchout Castle within the Meise Botanic Garden. Zellaer Castle also has a freely accessible park, with the castle itself open for special occasions or guided tours.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Tremelo?
Yes, several castles offer great experiences for families. Horst Castle is a popular choice with its picturesque moated setting. Zellaer Castle features an extensive park that is freely accessible. Beersel Castle is particularly family-friendly, offering an audio tour and a treasure hunt for children.
Can I bring my dog to the castles around Tremelo?
At Horst Castle, dogs are allowed on the castle grounds, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful exterior and surroundings with your canine companion. However, dogs are generally not permitted inside the castle itself.
What kind of historical architecture can I expect to see?
The castles around Tremelo and in the Flemish Brabant region showcase a diverse range of architectural styles. You can find medieval military architecture at Beersel Castle, 13th-century moated castles like Horst Castle, and Neo-Gothic designs at Zellaer Castle and Bouchout Castle. Ter Heyden Keep is a notable 14th-century residential tower.
Are there any castles with natural surroundings or parks for walking?
Yes, many castles are set within beautiful natural landscapes. Horst Castle is surrounded by an impressive moat and the green valley of the Wingebeek. Zellaer Castle boasts an 18.5-hectare castle park with historical elements like a moat structure, pond, and ancient trees. Bouchout Castle is located within the expansive Meise Botanic Garden, offering extensive walking opportunities.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Tremelo offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For example, explore routes like the 'Pater Damiaan Bridge β Meanders of the Dijle loop' for cycling, or the 'Borrekens Castle β Bridge over the Grote Nete loop' for gravel biking. You can find more options in the cycling, gravel biking, and MTB guides for the region.
Are there guided tours available for castles near Tremelo?
Yes, guided tours are available for some castles. Beersel Castle offers an audio tour to enhance your visit. For Zellaer Castle, access to the interior is often limited to special occasions or guided tours, providing insights into its rich history and architecture.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles?
The castles in the Flemish Brabant region can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the castle grounds and parks, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Some castles, like Gaasbeek Castle, may have specific opening seasons or re-openings after renovations, so it's always advisable to check their official websites for current information.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, some castles offer amenities for visitors. Horst Castle, for instance, has a brasserie called Wagenhuis on-site, which is ideal for a stop to eat or drink during your visit.
Which castles are considered 'hidden gems' or less commonly known?
While Horst Castle and Beersel Castle are well-known, Ter Heyden Keep (also known as Ter Heiden Tower) in Rotselaar is a fascinating 14th-century residential tower set in the middle of an artificial lake, offering a unique historical sight. Zellaer Castle, with its extensive park and neo-Gothic architecture, also provides a rich experience that might be less crowded than the most famous sites.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical ambiance and picturesque settings of the castles. The impressive moats, unique architecture, and surrounding natural beauty, such as the green valley around Horst Castle or the extensive park of Zellaer Castle, are often highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 460 photos and given more than 1200 upvotes for these castle highlights, reflecting their appeal.
Most popular routes around Tremelo
Most popular attractions around Tremelo
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Tremelo:
