Top 20 Castles around Wijnegem
Best castles around Wijnegem offer a glimpse into the region's rich past, situated in a municipality east of Antwerp, Belgium. The area features historically significant estates, often characterized by moated sites and classicist architecture. Surrounding parks and natural landscapes, including streams and woodlands, complement these historical structures. This region provides a diverse representation of architectural styles and historical periods.
Best castles around Wijnegem
- The most popular castles is Het Steen, a castle that is the oldest preserved building in Antwerp. It has served various functions over centuries, including a prison and museum, and now functions as the Antwerp Visitor Center.
- Another must-see spot is Fort Oelegem, a historical site. This fort was built between 1909 and 1914 and is now a bat sanctuary and protected monument, accessible for guided tours by appointment.
- Visitors also love Vrieselhof Castle, a castle domain with a long history dating back to the 1300s. The current castle was rebuilt in Neo-Flemish-Renaissance style and is known for its quiet, diverse biotopes.
- Wijnegem is known for its historical castles, fortified sites, and estates with extensive parks. The area offers a variety of architectural styles, from classicist to Neo-Flemish-Renaissance, providing diverse historical insights.
- The castles around Wijnegem are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 highlights receiving 625 upvotes and featuring 185 photos.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Het Steen
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Het Steen
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Fort Oelegem
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During World War II, the German Wehrmacht used the fort as a storage facility. After the liberation, it served the US Army as an anti-aircraft defense center against V1 rockets.
In 1947, the fort's military use finally ended, and it became private property.
Today, it is home to approximately 1,300 bats. On certain days and by appointment, you can visit it as part of a guided tour.
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Sterckshof Castle
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The largest event in the Benelux. Entrance has remained free to date.
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Vrieselhof Castle
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During the Eighty Years' War (16th -17th century), the inhabitants of Oelegem took shelter in the castle several times. From 1509, members of the van Halmale family owned the domain. The last descendant, Alfons-Ignace van Halmale, died childless in 1788. After that, the castle domain came into the hands of Charles-Ignace d'Oultremont and his wife Anne-Henriette de Neuf. The latter still had ties to the van Halmale family: her grandmother was Barbara Anna Philippa van Halmale (daughter of Alexander Jozef van Halmale, who was also mayor of Antwerp). For the new heirs, the castle was a country residence where they rarely stayed.
Restoration works were carried out on the castle in the 19th century. The nearby coach house with storage dates from 1877. In 1910 Count Louis de Brouckhoven de Berkeyck became the owner of the whole. He had the old castle rebuilt in Neo-Flemish-Renaissance style with stepped gables, brick layers and corner towers, but after the outbreak of the First World War, the Belgian troops burned the castle down for strategic reasons on October 7, 1914. Between 1917 and 1919, the current castle was burned down. rebuilt in the same style as the recently built ruined castle. In 1974 the castle and the accompanying domain were sold to the province of Antwerp by the grandchildren of Louis de Brouckhoven de Berkeyck.
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Tips from the Community
Located directly on the Schlede and centrally in Antwerp, I didn't expect to see this magnificent castle there. The castle looks like one of the medieval castles from the earlier knight films. I found it very fascinating. The castle is also Antwerp's oldest building. Of course, it can also be visited.
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Part of a former ring rampart castle on the right bank of the Scheldt. A beautiful building.
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Right nearby is this entertaining hedge maze.
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Tourist information and museum in old walls
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Sterckshof... is no longer a museum! (But DIVA is all the more so) Gerard Sterck was apparently not happy with a silver museum in 'his' castle. Well, his words proved prophetic. The history of Sterckshof began as early as the 13th century when the castle consisted of a farmstead surrounded by a moat. After several centuries of changes in ownership, renovations, and destruction, this castle, or what remained of it, came into the hands of the Province of Antwerp. They rebuilt it in the 1930s in neo-Renaissance style. Initially, Sterckshof was a museum for Arts and Crafts, until Jonkheer Pierre Lunden donated no less than 96 pieces of silver to the museum in 1976. This donation of art objects from the 16th century to the present day formed the basis of the extensive silver collection exhibited here. Since May 2018, this collection, along with the diamond collection, can be admired at DIVA. Currently, Sterckshof houses artists' studios and the cozy Bar Stark. Source: https://www.schattenvandeurne.be/sterckshof
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The Defense Line of Antwerp was decided upon by the choice of Antwerp as the National Reduit in 1859. The idea behind this was that Antwerp was most suitable as a last fortress until help from allies could arrive. The National Reduit would consist of: a siege wall, a fort belt and underwater settlements. The fort belt would consist of eight Brialmont forts (built in 1859) in an 18 km long belt from Wijnegem to Hoboken. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was initially decided to build three bridgehead forts and then to build an outer line adapted to more modern weapons. The latter plan was ratified by law of March 30, 1906. This main resistance position included 16 forts and 10 redoubts on the right bank and 5 forts and 2 redoubts on the left bank.
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The name "Vrieselhof" goes back to Jan van Vriesele, a nobleman from Kontich who bought approximately 24 hectares of land in Oelegem around 1300 (approximately 32 hectares). In 1975, a year after the sale to the province of Antwerp, the domain was opened to hikers. From 1977 to 1999 the "Provincial Textile and Costume Museum" was located in the Vrieselhof. Due to a lack of resources, only a limited part of the collection could be exhibited. In 2002, the museum moved to Antwerp and was named Fashion Museum Antwerp. In 2003, the Provincial Library Center settled in the castle, together with administrative services. In 2011, a "library of Flemish classics" was opened within the Provincial Library Center. Works by classical Flemish writers are collected and loaned out here. In 2014, the Antwerp provincial council decided to restructure the culture department. The library center would be merged with the Cultural Dissemination and Arts Service into a new Libraries and Arts Service. In 2015, the Provincial Library Center moved to Antwerp, but the collection of Flemish classics remained in the Vrieselhof.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Wijnegem are family-friendly?
Several castles in the area offer a great experience for families. Het Steen in Antwerp is now a visitor center with interactive experiences. Vrieselhof Castle offers a quiet domain with diverse biotopes, perfect for walks. Sterckshof Castle, located in Rivierenhof park, hosts a large medieval event in early June, which is very popular with families.
Are there any castles near Wijnegem that are wheelchair accessible?
Het Steen in Antwerp is noted as wheelchair accessible. As a modern visitor center, it has been renovated to accommodate all visitors.
What historical sites can I visit near Wijnegem besides castles?
Beyond traditional castles, you can visit Fort Oelegem, a historical site built between 1909 and 1914. It served various military functions and is now a protected monument and bat sanctuary. Guided tours are available by appointment.
What natural features or parks are associated with the castles in Wijnegem?
Vrieselhof Castle is set within an impressively quiet domain with diverse biotopes, offering a different appearance each season. Sterckshof Castle is located within the beautiful Rivierenhof park, which is excellent for walks. Kasteel Kijckuit in Wijnegem is situated on a moated site with a park featuring ponds and an ice cellar.
Can I go hiking or running near the castles in Wijnegem?
Yes, the region offers various outdoor activities. For running, you can explore routes like the 'Chateau Belvedere loop from Wijnegem' or the 'Ertbruggen Meadow โ Highland Cattle loop from Wijnegem'. Find more options in the Running Trails around Wijnegem guide.
Are there cycling routes that pass by castles in the Wijnegem area?
Absolutely. You can enjoy cycling routes such as the 'Rivierenhof Park โ Rivierenhof Castle loop from Wijnegem' or the 'Sterckshof Castle โ Rivierenhof Park loop from Wijnegem'. For more detailed cycling tours, refer to the Cycling around Wijnegem guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Wijnegem guide.
What is the history behind Kasteel Kijckuit in Wijnegem?
Kasteel Kijckuit, located directly in Wijnegem, was built around 1770 in a classicist style after the Van Havre family acquired the property. It features a central bay designed in Louis XVI style and salons decorated in neo-empire, neo-baroque, and neo-renaissance styles. The domain includes a park with ponds and an ice cellar.
What is special about Wijnegemhof?
Wijnegemhof, also known as โBoone's pachthof,โ was originally a large estate that served as a residence for numerous noble families, including the Lords of Wijnegem. In the 18th century, a farm with a gatehouse was added, and the estate was encircled by a moat. It has historical ties to Belgium's first Minister of Finance and the de Merode family.
Can I visit Ertbrugge Castle?
Ertbrugge Castle, dating back to the 18th century, is notable for its well-preserved architecture and expansive, private 11-hectare park. It is a private residence, offering a sense of seclusion with its canals and moats. While the exterior and grounds are impressive, public access to the interior is not generally available.
What are the visiting conditions for Fort Oelegem?
Fort Oelegem is now a protected monument and a bat sanctuary. It is privately owned and managed by a working group. You can visit it as part of a guided tour on certain days and by appointment only.
Is Sterckshof Castle open to the public?
Sterckshof Castle is no longer open to the public as a museum. However, there is a drinking establishment at the back of the castle, and it is located within the beautiful Rivierenhof park, which is accessible. It also hosts a significant medieval event in early June.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Wijnegem?
The castles and their surrounding parks can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the grounds and parks, with events like the medieval festival at Sterckshof Castle in early June. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even in winter, the historical architecture and quiet domains like Vrieselhof Castle offer a unique atmosphere.
Are there any castles in the vicinity with unique architectural styles?
Yes, the region showcases diverse architectural styles. Kasteel Kijckuit in Wijnegem is a classicist castle with Louis XVI style elements. Kasteel Selsaete in Wommelgem, for example, evolved from a fortified farm to a castle rebuilt in Tuscan style, and later in Flemish Neo-Renaissance style with distinctive turret towers.
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