Top 20 Castles around Oosterzele
Castles around Oosterzele, a municipality in East Flanders, Belgium, offer a blend of historical insights and diverse experiences. The region features various castle domains, from historical residences to repurposed ecological parks and organic farms. These sites provide opportunities for nature connection, historical appreciation, and sustainable agriculture. Oosterzele's landscape incorporates geometrically patterned parks, ponds, and avenues, reflecting historical design and natural beauty.
Best castles around Oosterzele
- The most popular castles is Castle The Castle, a castle that symbolizes the glory of Herzele and dates from the 13th century. This moated castle ruin has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with important parts still visible today.
- Another must-see spot is De Gerlache Castle, a country house built in the early 20th century in a French style. Visitors can expect a castle with appurtenances including a belvedere tower and greenhouses, beautifully planted on a slope with a landscaped rose garden and a park.
- Visitors also love Castle of Leeuwergem, a baroque castle from 1762. It is surrounded by a garden with ponds, offering a serene and historically rich environment.
- Oosterzele is known for historical residences, ecological experience parks, and organic farm domains. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from 13th-century ruins to 19th-century neoclassical structures.
- The castles around Oosterzele are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and 45 photos shared.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Castle The Castle
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In the battle of Ghent against Lodewijk van Maele, Count of Flanders, Seger van Herzele was an ally of Ghent. In 1381, in a reprisal measure, the count had the castle set on fire and confiscated the domain. A little later, the lordship was given to the lords of Roubaix and the castle was restored. The domain was now controlled remotely. In 1579 the Catholic Spaniards destroyed the fortress in the battle with the Protestant-minded Flanders.
Through marriages, inheritances and sales, the castle and the domain eventually came into the hands of the du Parc Locmaria family during the 19th century. In 1969 the municipality of Herzele bought the castle ruins and started the restoration work. Today, part of the moat, a restored residential tower and the consolidated substructure remain.
The castle site grew into the touristic business card of Herzele and the place to be at many events. It is one of the few castle sites in revolt from our province.
herzele.be/burcht
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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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Castle of Leeuwergem
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Borluut Castle
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Coninxdonck Castle
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An avenue planted with a hundred lime trees leads to the castle, the other avenues are lined with poplars.
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Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.
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Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.
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The castle of Leeuwergem from 1762 is one of the most beautiful baroque castles in Belgium. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden with ponds. On the avenues around the actual castle domain you can walk freely to admire the baroque building from a distance.
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Herzele Castle is a ruin of a moated castle, built in the course of the 11th century. It was the residence of the lords of Herzele and has been a protected monument since 1957. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times. In 1579, after destruction by the Spaniards, it was not rebuilt due to a lack of funds of the then residents, Prince Willem d'Espinoy and Ernestine van Arenberg. The ruin was sold, one tower was retained to assert the right of privilege. Restoration in 1972.
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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 castle has, among other things, a B&B. The castle is also a special location for events (company and wedding parties, receptions, ... Visits to the castle and park (for groups of at least 15 people) are possible by appointment. Entrance fees: Castle: €180/group + €50 for guide Park (15/5-15/10): €4.5/person Possibility to combine the visit with lunch or dinner. More information: https://leeuwergem.be/nl/index.php
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The history of this courtyard goes back further than that of the castle that belongs to it. The "Neerhof van Elene", a fairly large moated castle with a drawbridge, already existed here in the 11th century. In the 11th or 12th century, the farm fell into the hands of the lords of Zottegem, who also owned the manor of Leeuwergem. Since then, the Neerhof, which served as the seat of the domanial and seigneurial rights over Elene and Leeuwergem, was called the 'court of Leeuwergem'. When a castle was first built near this Neerhof in 1425, it was given the name 'Leeuwergem Castle', a name that has been retained to this day. Interesting video simulating what the courtyard must have looked like around 1420: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lscZhifrGA&ab_channel=VisualDimensionbvba Sources: https://historical landscape.wordpress.com/2020/07/21/het-kasteel-van-leeuwergem-rond-1420/
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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
What historical castles can I visit around Oosterzele?
The region offers several castles with rich histories. You can explore Castle The Castle in Herzele, a 13th-century moated castle ruin that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Another historical gem is Castle of Leeuwergem, a beautiful baroque castle dating from 1762. Additionally, the Bioboerderij Blauw Kasteel in Scheldewindeke has historical records tracing back to a fortified court from 1304, with the current structure renovated in a neoclassical style around 1790.
Are there castles with notable parks or natural features?
Yes, several castles boast impressive grounds. De Gerlache Castle features a beautifully planted slope with a landscaped rose garden and a park with ponds. Kasteel Verschaffelt in Moortsele is set within an award-winning park designed by landscape architect Edouard Pynaert. Coninxdonck Castle is known for its impressive avenue of a hundred lime trees and other avenues lined with poplars, situated within a green zone.
Which castles offer unique experiences beyond historical viewing?
Kasteeldomein Smissenbroek in Oosterzele functions as an ecological experience park, connecting visitors with nature through learning, tasting, and admiring its gardens, including vegetable, herb, fruit, and nut trees. Bioboerderij Blauw Kasteel operates as an organic farm, offering farm tours to learn about sustainable agriculture and providing bio-shops for local produce.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles?
The area around Oosterzele offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Vinkemolen Windmill – Ter Biestmolen Watermill loop' or the 'Asphalt Path Along the Canal – Liedermeerspark Pathway loop'. For gravel biking, explore routes like 'Panoramic Views of Oosterzele – Cotthem Grotto loop'. There are also running trails, including the 'Abandoned Bunker – Bunker Route Beekvallei loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Oosterzele, Gravel biking around Oosterzele, and Running Trails around Oosterzele guides.
Are there any family-friendly castles or activities for children?
Castle The Castle in Herzele is categorized as family-friendly and hosts various events, making it an engaging site for all ages. Kasteeldomein Smissenbroek, as an ecological experience park, offers workshops and guided walks designed to connect visitors, including families, with nature.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Oosterzele?
The castles and their surrounding parks are particularly beautiful during spring and summer when gardens are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration. Autumn also offers scenic views with changing foliage. Many sites are open year-round, but checking specific opening hours for individual castles is recommended.
How can I reach castles around Oosterzele by public transport?
Public transport options vary by castle. For example, Borluut Castle in Sint-Denijs-Westrem is accessible from Ghent. For other castles, local bus services often connect to nearby towns. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes to your chosen castle.
Are there parking options available at the castles?
Parking availability varies by location. Larger domains like Kasteeldomein Smissenbroek and Bioboerderij Blauw Kasteel typically offer visitor parking. For castles like Coninxdonck Castle, while the park is not freely accessible, parking might be available for events. It's best to verify parking facilities directly with each castle or local tourism information before your visit.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' castles to explore?
While not explicitly 'hidden,' Bioboerderij Blauw Kasteel offers a unique experience as an organic farm, which might provide a different, less conventional visit compared to purely historical sites. Kasteel Verschaffelt, with its serene, award-winning park, also offers a tranquil environment away from larger crowds.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see among the castles?
The castles around Oosterzele showcase a range of architectural styles. You'll find the Louis XIV style at Kasteel Smissenbroek, neoclassical and Neo-Louis XVI styles at Kasteel Verschaffelt, and the Empire style at Coninxdonck Castle. Castle of Leeuwergem is a notable example of baroque architecture.
Are there dog-friendly castle walks near Oosterzele?
Many castle domains in the region feature extensive parks and walking paths where dogs are often permitted, usually on a leash. For instance, the avenues around Castle of Leeuwergem are freely accessible for walks. It's always recommended to check the specific rules for dogs at each castle's grounds before your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Oosterzele?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical insights and natural beauty. The well-preserved architecture, expansive parks, and unique experiences like ecological education or organic farming are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 45 photos and given more than 160 upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for the diverse offerings and scenic surroundings.
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