Top 20 Castles around Hamme
Castles around Hamme offer a diverse range of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region features a mix of well-preserved castles, fortresses, and castle parks, often situated near waterways like the Scheldt. These locations provide opportunities for exploring historical architecture and enjoying outdoor activities within their grounds. The area is characterized by its historical significance and accessible green spaces.
Best castles around Hamme
- The most popular castles is Fort Steendorp, a historical site that was built of brick in the 19th century to protect Antwerp. Today, it serves as an important wintering place for bats, with a hiking trail around its walls.
- Another must-see spot is Berlare Castle Park, a castle with a large landscaped garden. The castle and outbuildings are not open to the public, but the park is accessible to walkers and cyclists.
- Visitors also love Fort Liezele, a historical site with a museum. The fort museum is undergoing renovation and will offer a new experience for visitors to learn about its history.
- Hamme is known for historical forts, castle parks, and remnants of medieval castles. The region offers a variety of historical structures to explore, from 19th-century fortifications to older castle grounds.
- The castles around Hamme are appreciated by the komoot community, with 191 upvotes and 191 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Berlare Castle Park
Highlight • Castle
The castle and outbuildings are not open to the public, but the park is.
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Fort Steendorp
Highlight • Historical Site
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Graventoren - Rupelmonde
Highlight • Monument
At the bottom you will find an exhibition entitled The Secrets of the Count's Castle. You will discover prints, maps and a 3D reconstruction of the former Gravenburcht in its natural habitat.
(Waasland.be)
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Fort Liezele
Highlight • Historical Site
(fortliezele.be)
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Bornem Castle
Highlight • Castle
You can visit the castle every year on August 15th, the last two Sundays in August, and the first two Sundays in September.
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The castle was built by the Spanish nobleman Don Pedro Coloma and still exudes its former grandeur. Philippe de Marnix, Lord of Sainte Aldegonde, was the right-hand man of Prince William of Orange. He played a key role during the siege and fall of Antwerp in 1585 while mayor of the city. He is also mentioned as a possible author of the Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem.
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Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.
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Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.
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Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.
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More information about the fort can be found at: https://www.fortliezele.be
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For individual visits: From 1 April to 30 September and during school holidays Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM The castle and the castle garden are only accessible with a guide Reservations are recommended (https://www.kasteelvanbornem.be/bezoek/)
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beautiful environment in the middle of nature
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There is a brand new museum pavilion in Domain Park Fort Liezele. Here you can get your 'Visit Fort' tickets and you can also purchase museum souvenirs. You can also find all tourist information about Klein Brabant here. Very friendly welcome. Opening hours: all year round from 10am to 5pm. Closing day: Tuesday
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles and historical sites can I explore around Hamme?
The Hamme region offers a mix of historical forts, castle parks, and remnants of medieval castles. You can find 19th-century fortifications like Fort Steendorp and Fort Liezele, as well as castle grounds with accessible parks such as Berlare Castle Park. There are also older structures like the Graventoren - Rupelmonde, a remnant of a 12th-century moated castle.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites in the Hamme area?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Fort Liezele is noted as family-friendly and features a barefoot path along the fort pond. Berlare Castle Park offers a large landscaped garden accessible to walkers and cyclists, perfect for a family outing.
Which castles or forts around Hamme are wheelchair accessible?
Fort Liezele is listed as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs. However, the walking trail around Fort Steendorp is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Hamme?
The region around Hamme offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with routes like the 'Driegoten Ferry and Riverside – Den Bunt Nature Reserve loop' or the 'Den Bunt Nature Reserve – Mira Bridge loop'. Cycling is also popular, with options for road cycling and touring, including routes that pass by historical sites. For more details, explore the Hiking around Hamme or Cycling around Hamme guides.
Are there any castles around Hamme that are also nature reserves?
Yes, Fort Steendorp is an excellent example. This 19th-century fort is officially protected as a landscape, historical monument, and nature reserve. It serves as an important wintering place for bats, hosting around 1200 specimens each winter, and is home to over 100 bird species.
Can I visit the interiors of the castles around Hamme?
Access varies by location. For instance, the castle and outbuildings at Berlare Castle Park are not open to the public, but the park is accessible. Fort Liezele is undergoing renovation for its museum, which will offer a new experience. Graventoren - Rupelmonde is owned by the municipality and open to the general public, allowing you to climb it for panoramic views and visit an exhibition at the bottom. Bornem Castle has specific visiting days, typically in August and early September, and often requires guided tours.
What is the best time to visit the castles and historical sites around Hamme?
Many castle parks and outdoor historical sites, like Berlare Castle Park and the trail around Fort Steendorp, are accessible year-round during daylight hours. For specific castle interiors like Bornem Castle, visiting is usually limited to specific days in late summer. Check individual site information for precise opening times, especially for museums or guided tours.
Are there any castles near Hamme with significant historical events or figures associated with them?
Yes, Graventoren - Rupelmonde, a remnant of a 12th-century moated castle, was once a military bastion where executions and prison sentences were carried out. Notably, Mercator was imprisoned there. Bornem Castle is also known as Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle, named after Philippe de Marnix, a key figure during the siege of Antwerp in 1585 and a possible author of the Dutch national anthem.
Where can I find parking when visiting castles around Hamme?
Many sites, especially those with public parks or museums, offer parking facilities. For example, Berlare Castle Park and Fort Liezele both have parking available. It's always advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
What should I wear when visiting the castles and outdoor sites in the Hamme region, especially in autumn?
For outdoor sites like Fort Steendorp, where the walking trail can be muddy, boots are recommended, especially in rainy weather or autumn. Generally, comfortable walking shoes and layers of clothing are advisable for exploring the grounds and parks, as the weather can be changeable.
Are there any castles that offer panoramic views of the region?
Yes, climbing the Graventoren - Rupelmonde is highly recommended for its 360° panorama, offering unique views of the entire region.
Can I cycle through any of the castle grounds or parks?
Berlare Castle Park is accessible to cyclists, offering a pleasant environment to explore by bike. You can also find numerous cycling routes in the broader Hamme region that pass by various historical sites. Refer to the Cycling around Hamme guide for more options.
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