Top 20 Castles around Mechelen
Castles around Mechelen offer a rich historical and architectural landscape within the region. Mechelen, a city with significant cultural heritage, served as a historical center for the Habsburg Netherlands. The surrounding areas feature diverse natural settings, including moated castle domains and extensive parks. These locations provide opportunities for exploring historical landmarks and enjoying the natural environment.
Best castles around Mechelen
- The most popular castles is Zellaer Castle, a neo-Gothic moated structure built around 1885. Its robust exterior features a drawbridge, a donjon, battlements, and loopholes.
- Another must-see spot is d'Ursel Provincial Park, a castle with an extensive park. The park around the moated castle is around 40 hectares and offers an oasis of peace for walkers and joggers.
- Visitors also love Fort Kessel, a historical site built in 1909-1912 to protect railway lines. It is now a protected monument and recreational area, home to a unique collection of fauna and flora.
- Mechelen is known for moated castles, neo-Gothic structures, and historical forts. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, ranging from medieval origins to 19th-century reconstructions.
- The castles around Mechelen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 310 upvotes and over 200 photos shared across 31 highlights.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Fort Kessel
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Hof van Ringen
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Fort Liezele
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(fortliezele.be)
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Bornem Castle
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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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Zellaer Castle
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The 18.5 hectare castle park still contains many historical elements such as a moat structure, pond and avenues that converge centrally in a star. Many of these structures date back to at least the 18th century, as they are already visible on the Ferraris maps (1771-1778)
In 2017, the municipality of Bonheiden partially purchased the castle domain. The non-profit organization Foyer De Charitรฉ Bonheiden, a lay community of the Catholic Church and the then owner of the domain, also remained joint owner of the domain. Kempens Landschap has taken the entire castle domain on a long lease for a period of 54 years. At the beginning of 2018, Kempens Landschap and the municipality of Bonheiden started drawing up an integrated nature and heritage management plan for the entire Zellaer castle domain.
More information at kempenslandschap.be/nl/kasteel-zellaer
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Beautiful view of Hof te Melis
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Hof van Rameyen
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During the Peasants' War of 1798, the French-minded commissioner van 's-Hertogenbosch resided here. He was driven out on October 21, 1798, by the rebels led by J.B. Caeymaex. They seized the parish registers and the lists of names used for the compulsory conscription of "our boys" into the French army.
(Information board on site)
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d'Ursel Provincial Park
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(RouteYou)
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Marnix van Sint Aldegonde Castle
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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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Ter Elst Castle ruins
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Changes ownership and now it is forbidden to park anywhere there for anyone wishing to walk locally... Major restoration is also underway now...
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Simply beautiful castle and forest
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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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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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Fort Kessel is a concrete armored fort built shortly before the First World War. Along with 29 other fortifications, it forms the outer fortification belt of the Antwerp fortress. The fort was built between 1909 and 1914 and modified during the interwar period (1934 and 1939). Until 1940, it played a role in the Belgian army's military defense strategy, first as an artillery stronghold and later as an infantry support point. The fort was demilitarized in 1947. Today, it is an important wintering site for bats. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage) And there is much more to do in and around the fort. Information can be found at https://fortvankessel.be
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A moated castle with an old core dating back to the 13th century. Founded by the powerful medieval Berthout family. Nicolaas Rubens, the second son of Pieter Paul Rubens, purchased the castle in the 17th century. During the Peasants' War of 1798, the French-minded commissioner van 's-Hertogenbosch resided here. He was driven out on October 21, 1798, by the rebels led by J.B. Caeymaex. They seized the parish registers and the lists of names used for the compulsory conscription of "our boys" into the French army. (Information board on site)
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Around the castle lies a domain that, together with the Hingenebroekpolder and Schellandpolder, once measured around 300 hectares. The park around the castle is around 40 hectares and is connected to the polders that are part of the Bornem silence area via the Notelaerdreef. In the park you will find yourself in an oasis of peace. The domain is open to the public and is eagerly visited by walkers and joggers. (RouteYou)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Mechelen are particularly family-friendly?
Several castles in the region offer great experiences for families. Zellaer Castle, with its impressive neo-Gothic architecture and extensive park, is a popular choice. d'Ursel Provincial Park, surrounding a moated castle, provides 40 hectares of peaceful space for walks and relaxation. Fort Liezele features a barefoot path and is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for various ages and needs. Additionally, Fort Kessel is a protected monument and recreational area with unique flora and fauna, offering supervised visits.
Are there castles near Mechelen that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Fort Liezele is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an inclusive experience for visitors. Its museum is currently undergoing renovation but will offer a new experience from May 1, 2023.
What kind of historical features can I expect to see at these castles?
The castles around Mechelen showcase a rich tapestry of history. You can find medieval origins, such as at Hof van Rameyen, which dates back to the 13th century. Zellaer Castle is a neo-Gothic moated castle from 1885, featuring a drawbridge, donjon, battlements, and loopholes. Bornem Castle is known for its 18th-century paintings and a collection of 40 historic carriages. Forts like Fort Kessel and Fort Liezele offer insights into early 20th-century military architecture and history.
Can I find castles with extensive parks or natural surroundings for walking?
Absolutely. d'Ursel Provincial Park is a prime example, with a 40-hectare park surrounding a moated castle, perfect for walkers and joggers. Zellaer Castle also boasts an 18.5-hectare castle park with historical elements like a moat structure, pond, and avenues. Hof te Melis is set within a protected landscape, offering beautiful views and a tranquil environment.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Mechelen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy hikes like the '10,000 steps in Mechelen' or 'Molenbergwandeling door Blaasveldbroek'. For more challenging routes, there are moderate and difficult hiking trails available. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as 'Berentrodepad' or the 'Blue loop Putte'. You can find more details and routes on the easy hikes around Mechelen guide, the hiking around Mechelen guide, and the MTB trails around Mechelen guide.
Are there any castles that offer guided tours or special access?
Zellaer Castle offers tours of its grounds on the first Sunday of each month. Bornem Castle is typically open to visitors on specific dates in August and the first two Sundays in September. Fort Kessel, while not freely accessible, can be visited under supervision.
Which castles are considered 'hidden gems' or less commonly known?
While many castles are well-known, places like Hof van Ringen and Hof te Melis offer unique historical and architectural insights within protected landscapes, often providing a quieter experience compared to more prominent sites. Hof van Rameyen, with its 13th-century origins and connection to Nicolaas Rubens, also offers a deep historical dive.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Mechelen?
The spring and summer months generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the castle grounds and parks. However, the winter months can provide unique views, especially for moated castles like Hof te Melis, where the bare trees allow for clearer sightlines of the architecture. Always check specific castle opening times as some, like Bornem Castle, have limited seasonal access.
Are there any castles near Mechelen with cafes or facilities?
While not all castles have dedicated cafes, some are located within areas that offer facilities. Fort Liezele has parking and other facilities. Tivoli Castle, within Mechelen, is primarily used for events but its park is accessible. For specific amenities like cafes, it's best to check the individual castle's website or local listings before your visit.
What makes the castles around Mechelen unique compared to other regions?
The castles around Mechelen are notable for their diversity, ranging from medieval origins to 19th-century neo-Gothic reconstructions. The region is particularly known for its moated castles, such as Zellaer Castle and Hof te Melis, which are often set within extensive, protected parklands. The area also features historical forts like Fort Kessel, offering a blend of military history and natural preservation.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle near Mechelen?
The duration of a visit can vary. For castles with extensive parks like d'Ursel Provincial Park or Zellaer Castle, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the grounds and enjoying a walk. If a castle offers interior tours, such as Bornem Castle, plan for additional time to appreciate the historical collections. For forts like Fort Liezele, a visit could range from 1-3 hours depending on your interest in the museum and barefoot path.
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