Top 11 Castles around Baarle-Nassau
Best castles around Baarle-Nassau are found in the region surrounding this unique border town. Baarle-Nassau is characterized by its complex geographical puzzle of Dutch exclaves and Belgian enclaves, a result of medieval land divisions. While the town itself is known for its intricate borders, marked by flags and ground markers, the surrounding area offers historical castles. Visitors can explore the "Enclaveroute" for cycling and walking tours to experience the region's distinct geography.
Best castles around Baarle-Nassau
- The most popular castles…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Bouvigne Castle
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Neo-Gothic Hunting Lodge Gorp & Roovert
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Landgoed Gorp & Roovert is a vast estate (1200ha) with old deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests, cultivated …
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Castle of the Dukes of Brabant (Turnhout)
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Hoogstraten Prison (Former Castle)
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View of Gelmelslot – Castle of Hoogstraten
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The castle is surrounded by a moat and an estate of approximately 70 hectares, including meadows and farmland. The castle is not open to the public due to its function as a prison. In the past, the castle also played a role in the Eighty Years' War, where it played a significant role in the battle between Spanish and Dutch troops, according to BENEGO.
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The former castle of Hoogstraten, also known as Gelmelslot, is a castle with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Today, the castle serves as a Penitentiary School Center (PSC), a penitentiary where inmates receive vocational training. The castle has served various purposes over the years. Built in the 16th century by Rombout II Keldermans, a renowned architect, it originally served a defensive purpose. In the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire and later looted. After a period of decline, the castle was used as a beggar's asylum, agricultural colony, and refuge in the 19th century. Since 1931, it has been used as a Penitentiary School Center, the only penitentiary in Flanders where inmates systematically receive vocational training.
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Landgoed Gorp en Roovert is a vast estate (1200 ha) with old deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests, cultivated lands, heathland, fens and over a length of five kilometres a still meandering Rovertse Leij. We can still enjoy the wealth that was earned in the colonies with their slavery.
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The Penitentiary School Centre (PSC) - Hoogstraten is located in the Gelmelslot. This is an open institution. During the French Revolution, the Castle of the Lords of Hoogstraten served as a gendarmerie barracks and later as a beggar's den. In 1880 it became an agricultural colony and in 1931 the building was then set up as the current Penitentiary School Centre. The institution is only intended for convicts. They can work in workhouses and can follow a varied range of training courses. There is a strong community regime.
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The origin of the castle is not clear. One of the great mysteries is the old name of the castle: Gelmel Castle. Who is Gelmel? Over the centuries, different answers have been given to this; According to some, Gelmel was a Hun, a Norman or the Vandal king Gilimer. In the 12th century, there was a Gelmele family in the Duchy of Brabant. Are they the first inhabitants of Gelmel Castle? You can find Hoogstraten Castle in Gelmelstraat. Today, however, it is a prison, so a visit is unfortunately not possible. (The attached aerial photo is from Wikipedia) Triggered? Click through to https://visithoogstraten.be/ontdekken/cultuur-en-erfgoed/gelmelslot/
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A beautiful neo-Gothic hunting lodge, also called 'The Castle'.
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Neo-Gothic hunting lodge on the Gorp & Roovert estate, also called "The Castle".
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The Castle used to be the hunting lodge of the Dukes of Brabant and now serves as a court. In the pond around the Castle you will see the statue of The Naiad, the goddess of all springs and rivers. The Naiad settled on the moat in 1991. Rik Poot designed the statue that makes us believe what the water nymphs from Greek mythology would have looked like. In Greek mythology you had Dryads and Naiads. The Dryads protected the forests and the Naiads the waters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Baarle-Nassau are open to visitors?
While Baarle-Nassau itself is known for its unique border situation, several historical sites in the surrounding region offer visitor access. The gardens of Bouvigne Castle are open daily, featuring a chapel, coach house, and varied gardens. The exterior and surroundings of the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant (Turnhout), which now functions as a courthouse, also offer historical interest.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit?
Yes, the gardens of Bouvigne Castle are a great family-friendly option. They are accessible for free and offer a pleasant historical and aesthetic experience with various garden styles, a chapel, and artworks. The exterior and grounds of the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant (Turnhout) are also suitable for families to explore.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Baarle-Nassau offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous gravel biking, running, and mountain biking trails. For example, there are routes like the 'Recreational Park 't Zand' for gravel biking, 'Bels Lijntje' for running, and 'Scenic Singletrack Trail' for mountain biking. You can explore these and more on the gravel biking guide, running trails guide, and MTB trails guide for the area.
Are there hiking trails around the castles near Baarle-Nassau?
While specific hiking trails directly around the castles are not always highlighted, the broader region offers many opportunities for walking. For instance, the estate of Neo-Gothic Hunting Lodge Gorp & Roovert is described as a beautiful area for walking, especially in spring. Additionally, Baarle-Nassau itself has an 'Enclaveroute' for cycling and walking to explore its unique border anomalies.
What is the historical significance of the castles in this region?
The castles in the region reflect a rich history tied to medieval land divisions and noble families. For example, the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant (Turnhout) dates back to the 12th century and was once a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Brabant. Bouvigne Castle was first mentioned in the 15th century. Even the former Gelmelslot – Castle of Hoogstraten, now a prison, has a history dating back to the 16th century and played a role in the Eighty Years' War.
Can I visit the Gelmelslot – Castle of Hoogstraten?
No, the Gelmelslot – Castle of Hoogstraten, also known as Hoogstraten Prison, is not accessible to the public. It currently functions as a Penitentiary School Center, a prison where inmates receive vocational training.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in this area?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical ambiance and the natural surroundings. For instance, the gardens of Bouvigne Castle are highly valued for their beauty and variety. The isolated setting of the Neo-Gothic Hunting Lodge Gorp & Roovert within a forest is also a unique draw, with many enjoying walks and spotting deer in the area.
Are there any castles near Baarle-Nassau with dog walking paths?
While specific dog walking paths are not explicitly mentioned for each castle, the estates and surrounding natural areas often welcome dogs. The vast estate of Neo-Gothic Hunting Lodge Gorp & Roovert, with its forests and fens, would likely be suitable for dog walks. Always check local regulations for specific areas.
What is the best time to visit the castles and their surroundings?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for visiting the region's castles and their outdoor areas, such as the gardens of Bouvigne Castle. Spring is particularly recommended for walking around the Neo-Gothic Hunting Lodge Gorp & Roovert to enjoy the natural beauty.
Are there cafes or pubs near the castles around Baarle-Nassau?
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to each castle are not detailed, the towns where these castles are located, such as Breda (near Bouvigne Castle) and Turnhout (where the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant is located), offer various dining and refreshment options. Baarle-Nassau itself also has cafes and pubs, especially around its unique border areas.
Is there parking available at these castle locations?
For locations like Bouvigne Castle, parking is typically available for visitors to its gardens. For the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant (Turnhout), being in a city center, public parking options would be available nearby. It's always advisable to check local signage or official websites for the most current parking information.
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