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Het Steen or the Rubens Castle

Het Steen or the Rubens Castle

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Het Steen or the Rubens Castle

Hiking

4.9

(135)

Cycling

5.0

(3)

Road cycling

5.0

(2)

Gravel riding

5.0

(1)

Running

5.0

(1)

Mountain biking

(1)

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Location: Zemst, Halle-Vilvoorde, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Pauline van der Waal

June 7, 2025

Hiking

Once a sturdy motte castle from the 11th century, Het Steen grew into a beautiful Renaissance castle that played a key role in the defense of Brabant against the Mechelaars for centuries. The castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, surrounded by old moats and close to the Zenne, and breathes history - from knightly battles to Spanish garrisons. The most famous resident was Peter Paul Rubens, who spent his last summers here, painted, partied with artist friends such as Van Dyck and Teniers, and immortalized the surrounding nature on canvas.

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Willem VS

September 6, 2020

Hiking

Het Steen is a castle in the Belgian town of Elewijt and is often also called The Castle of Elewijt or The Rubens Castle. It was protected as a monument …

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Els

February 6, 2021

Hiking

The painter Pieter Paul Rubens bought this Renaissance castle in 1635. He spent the last 5 summers of his life there with Helena Fourmet, his 38th younger second wife. He …

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Het Steen or the Rubens Castle

4.3

(18)

125

hikers

#1.

View of the church – Het Steen or the Rubens Castle loop from Elewijt

6.29km

01:35

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

3.9

(7)

hikers

#2.

Weerde Sluice Tower – Het Steen or the Rubens Castle loop from Zemst

7.97km

02:01

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.1

(7)

hikers

#3.