Top 11 Castles around Laakdal
Best castles around Laakdal offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Laakdal, situated in Belgium, provides access to a selection of historical sites, including castles that reflect diverse architectural styles. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes, often featuring lush greenery and expansive grounds surrounding these historic structures. Visitors can explore these sites, which range from medieval fortresses to stately aristocratic homes, providing varied experiences.
Best castles around Laakdal
- The most popular castles is De Merode Castle, Westerlo, a castle that is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes de Merode. This massive structure features four bay turrets at its corners and is surrounded by a 60-hectare park with a pond.
- Another must-see spot is Ter Borght Castle, a castle. This domain features a classicist country house with an orangery, grape conservatory, coach house, and aviary. A beautiful castle park surrounds the buildings, including three islands in the central pond.
- Visitors also love Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall), a castle built between 1909 and 1911. Since 1973, this building has served as Westerlo's town hall, featuring a very impressive appearance with its beautiful front garden.
- Laakdal is known for historical castles, ranging from medieval fortresses to neo-Gothic structures. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, many of which are set within extensive parks or serve as public buildings.
- The castles around Laakdal are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 360 upvotes and over 140 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
De Merode Castle, Westerlo
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The Kasteel de Merode is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes de Merode. The current resident of the castle is the young Simon de Merode. There are annual castle parties and events that attract a huge crowd.
Westerlo is not called "The pearl of the Kempen" for nothing.
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Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall)
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Jeanne de Merode Castle
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Ter Borght Castle
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The entire domain of the castle is open to the public, it is pleasant to walk in the 20 hectare domain. It can also be combined with a subsequent walk along the Grote Nete!
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Fort Leopold
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Over the years, the castle was modernized and updated. This included the tower, whose heavy line of the fortified wall was broken by irregular window and door arrangements. The castle still houses remarkable works of art. The neo-Gothic armory houses a cast-iron stove from 1539 and two marble Renaissance mantelpieces. The castle also contains important paintings, tapestries, gold leather wallpaper, and furniture in a variety of styles. (Municipality of Westerlo)
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The castle, built between 1909 and 1911 and designed by P. Langerock, was occupied by the Germans during World War II and later became a retirement home for priests. Since 1973, it has served as a town hall with a surrounding municipal park between Boerenkrijglaan, Hollandse dreef, and Merodedreef. The surrounding park features a neo-traditional gatehouse (number 63) and a gardener's house (Hollandse dreef numbers 1-3); and also includes a former sheepfold and pump house. The park surrounding the castle was transformed into an ornamental garden after World War I by the then gardener, F. Verrezen. In front of the castle: a fountain, dating from 1995 and designed by Architektuur Atelier BVBA. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)
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If a town hall can really be beautiful...
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Behind Fort Leopold there is a nice steep single track towards Schaffen airport.
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An old fort that dates from the war. If there is a guide you can visit it. Really worth it. When you are on top of the fort you have a view over the entire city of Diest. In the fort also live a lot of bats.
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The castle of Jeanne de Merode serves as a town hall.
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The castle was built between 1909 and 1911 and is a beautiful example of Brabant neo-Gothic. It belonged to the Countess Jeanne de Merode. After her death (1944) it was used for a while as a rest home for priests. Since 1972 it has served as the town hall. The name de Merode appears in the history books of Westerlo as early as the end of the 15th century. Then Westerlo even came into the hands of the noble family through marriage. It remained that way until the French Revolution. Then Westerlo was 'lent' to the Duchy of Brabant. In front of the town hall there is a beautiful fountain with three bathing women, a work of art by Rik Poot.
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If you walk further along the domain from here to the back of it, you will come across an information board diagonally opposite an entrance gate over the castle by the people of Landschapspark de Merode. You will find it between the photos. If you enlarge the photo you can read the text, which has undoubtedly been approved, but also view the old drawings. A quote from the text: "Around the year 1000, Count Ansfried donated his domain Olen-Westerlo to the chapter of Utrecht, who in turn gave it on lease to the Wezemaal family in the thirteenth century. Because the legal descent of Jan II (1417 - 1464), the last lord of Westerlo from the knightly family of the van Wezemaals was disputed and because the same Jan II, as a leaseholder, committed default on payments, the Utrecht chapters decided to transfer the goods of Westerlo to the closest relatives of the van Wezemaals to bear, namely the de Merode family." Apparently, in the past it was also necessary to pay invoices on time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Laakdal?
The region around Laakdal offers a diverse range of castles, from medieval fortresses to stately aristocratic homes and neo-Gothic structures. You can find castles like De Merode Castle, Westerlo, which is over 600 years old, or the 19th-century Ter Borght Castle with its classicist country house. Some, like Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall), have been repurposed as public buildings, offering a unique blend of history and modern function.
Are there any castles directly within Laakdal?
Yes, Laakdal is home to Kasteel Meerlaer. This 19th-century historic castle is known for its picturesque setting, lush grounds, and beautiful garden with a large pond. While primarily recognized as a venue for events like weddings, its historical charm and scenic environment make it a notable local landmark.
Which castles are family-friendly around Laakdal?
Several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall), and Ter Borght Castle all feature extensive parks and grounds that are pleasant for families to explore. The large parks often provide space for children to roam and enjoy the outdoors.
What kind of natural features can I find near these castles?
Many castles around Laakdal are set within beautiful natural landscapes. For instance, De Merode Castle, Westerlo is surrounded by a 60-hectare park with a pond. Ter Borght Castle features a castle park with three islands in a central pond and valuable forests with centuries-old trees. These settings often provide opportunities for scenic walks and enjoying the local flora.
Can I visit the interiors of these castles?
Access varies by castle. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, which is still inhabited, can typically only be visited during annual Castle Feasts in July. Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall) is accessible during the opening hours of the municipal administrative services and for exhibitions. For Kasteel Meerlaer in Laakdal, it primarily functions as an event venue, so public visitation details might be limited.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles?
Yes, the areas around the castles often feature pleasant walking paths. For example, the domain of Ter Borght Castle is open to the public for walks. You can find various hiking routes in the broader region, such as the 'Laakdal Red Loop Trail' or routes along the Grote Nete. Explore more options on the Hiking around Laakdal guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near the castles?
Beyond hiking, the Laakdal area offers opportunities for road cycling and running. You can find routes like 'Averbode Abbey – Maagdentoren Zichem loop' for cycling or 'Chouffe Trail Tunnel loop' for running. For detailed routes, check the Road Cycling Routes around Laakdal and Running Trails around Laakdal guides.
What historical significance do these castles hold?
The castles around Laakdal are steeped in history. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, for instance, has been linked to the de Merode family for over five centuries, with parts dating back to around 1300. Fort Leopold, a 19th-century brick fort, played a role in Belgium's early defensive strategies. These sites offer a tangible connection to the region's past.
Are there any castles that also serve as viewpoints?
Yes, some castles offer scenic views of their surroundings. De Merode Castle, Westerlo, with its massive structure and 60-hectare park, provides picturesque vistas. Similarly, Ter Borght Castle and Fort Leopold are also noted as viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles near Laakdal?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful settings and historical ambiance of the castles. The extensive parks and grounds, such as those at De Merode Castle, Westerlo and Ter Borght Castle, are often highlighted for their tranquility and scenic beauty. The impressive architecture and the opportunity to connect with centuries of history are also highly valued.
Is there parking available at these castle locations?
While specific parking details for each castle are not always provided, most historical sites and public venues in Belgium typically offer designated parking areas or nearby public parking. For locations like Jeanne de Merode Castle (Westerlo Town Hall), which serves as a municipal building, parking facilities are generally available for visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Laakdal?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting, as the weather is milder and the castle parks and gardens are in full bloom. This allows for comfortable exploration of the outdoor grounds. However, some events, like the annual Castle Feasts at De Merode Castle, Westerlo, occur in July, offering unique visitation opportunities.
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