Top 20 Castles around Vorselaar
Best castles around Vorselaar include significant historical landmarks set within a green, natural landscape. The region is known for its impressive water castles, such as Borrekens Castle, which stands as a primary example of a historical fortress. These sites are often surrounded by moats and forests, reflecting centuries of history and architectural evolution. The area offers scenic paths for walking and cycling, connecting historical sites with the local community.
Best castles around Vorselaar
- The most popular castles is Borrekens Castle, a castle that is an impressive water castle with a neo-Gothic appearance. It is privately owned but offers picturesque views from the surrounding forest and moat.
- Another must-see spot is Fort Oelegem, a historical site built between 1909 and 1914 for defense. Today, it serves as a protected monument and a bat sanctuary, accessible for guided tours by appointment.
- Visitors also love Vrieselhof Castle, a castle domain known for its quiet atmosphere and Neo-Flemish-Renaissance style. The castle was rebuilt after being burned down during World War I and is now part of a diverse natural area.
- Vorselaar is known for its historical castles, fortified sites, and castle domains. Visitors can explore a variety of architectural styles, from medieval origins to neo-Gothic renovations, often set within natural landscapes.
- The castles around Vorselaar are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 690 upvotes and over 200 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Fort Oelegem
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Vrieselhof Castle
Highlight • Castle
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.
Source : Wikipedia
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Borrekens Castle
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Zoerselhof Castle
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Westmalle Castle
Highlight • Castle
Source: Wikipedia
As of 5 May 25, the domain around the castle is open to the public.
more info: toerisme-malle.be/domein-kasteel-westmalle-voortaan-volledig-toegankelijk
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Tips from the Community
The castle has been the pride of Vorselaar for centuries. Around 1270, the first stone was laid by the knights of Rotselaar. The ground plan has been largely preserved to this day. The castle houses a treasure trove of history and stories, and has been inhabited by noble families all this time.
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Very beautiful medieval castle in the middle of a beautiful forest. A real relief to come here and walk undisturbed.
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In 1914, Baron Alfons van der Straten Waillet inherited the castle. By dividing it among his children, it passed to his 4th son, Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet, in 1973. In 1978, the castle, which has perfectly preserved its appearance from 1561, was protected as a monument. After the death of Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet in 1984, the castle was inhabited by his widow, born Countess Christiane de Lannoy, and his sister, Lady Marie-Josephe van der Straten Waillet. After the death of the baroness in 2022, the castle was put up for sale. The asking price was 3.8 million euros. The municipality of Malle decided to purchase the castle after a survey among its residents. This purchase was largely financed by the Kempens Landschap Foundation. Source Wikipedia
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In 1695, the last heir of the Cottereau family owed a lot of money to Pierre Farisau, and later to his heir Filips Robijns. In 1702, the castle was claimed by the creditors, but the court returned the castle to Lady Moytray, the widow of the Cottereau. In 1738, her brother inherited the castle and it was sold to the heirs of Filips Robijns. The castle then had the appearance of a fortified castle with a monumental gate, drawbridge, double rampart and forecourt. These heirs sold the castle to Jacques Benoit Pauwens in 1743. The Pauwens family lived in the castle until 1847. In 1829, Baron de Norman renovated the castle. His children sold the castle in 1848 to an Antwerp diamond merchant, Mr Bovie. He renovated the castle and a garden was created by the landscape architect Koelich. From 1874 to 1878 the castle belonged to Louis Geelhand. Baron de Turck de Kersbeeck bought the castle in 1878 and had the building restored and renovated by architect Schadde.
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The Westmalle Castle is located in the village of Westmalle in the municipality of Malle. The origins of the castle go back to a large fortified farm, the Mansus de Trisco (Dutch: Hoeve Ten Driessche), which was founded around 1100. The farm was the residence of the representatives, the meiers, of the Dukes of Brabant. In 1449, the estate was sold by Philip the Good as Duke of Brabant to Henri van der Moelen, a municipal councilor of Antwerp. In 1505, his son, knight Hendrik van der Moelen, received all feudal rights from Philip I of Castile (also known in the Netherlands as Philip the Fair). Hendrik's grandson, Evrard de Cottereau, built the current castle in 1561. The avenue to the church of Westmalle was constructed in 1650.
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Always interesting to read and watch.
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The domain is open to walkers. The castle still needs some refreshment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites and castles can I explore around Vorselaar?
The Vorselaar region offers a diverse range of historical sites, from impressive water castles to fortified military structures. You can find medieval origins, neo-Gothic renovations, and Neo-Flemish-Renaissance styles. Notable examples include the picturesque Borrekens Castle, the historical Fort Oelegem which now serves as a bat sanctuary, and the quiet Vrieselhof Castle.
Can I visit Borrekens Castle, and what makes it special?
Borrekens Castle, also known as Vorselaar Castle, is a significant water castle with origins dating back to 1270. While it remains private property and is generally not open for public tours, its historical significance and picturesque neo-Gothic architecture make it a captivating sight. You can enjoy charming views by walking through the surrounding forest along the moat. The Kasteeldreef, a stately lane lined with ancient linden trees, also offers a scenic path to the castle. It occasionally opens for special events and heritage days.
Are there any castles around Vorselaar that are publicly accessible?
While many castles in the region are privately owned, some offer public access to their domains or for specific events. For example, the domain around Westmalle Castle is open to the public. Fort Oelegem, a historical site and bat sanctuary, is accessible for guided tours by appointment.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Vorselaar?
The area around Vorselaar's castles is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore options like the 'Lovenhoek Nature Reserve – Borrekens Castle loop' or the 'Kleine Nete – Nete River Path loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try routes like 'Challenging Bend – De Paepekelders Tourist Tower loop'. For more details and routes, check out the Hiking around Vorselaar, MTB Trails around Vorselaar, and Gravel biking around Vorselaar guides.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities in the Vorselaar area?
Yes, several castles and their surrounding domains are considered family-friendly. Vrieselhof Castle, Zoerselhof Castle, and Westmalle Castle are all listed as family-friendly. The natural areas around these castles often provide pleasant spaces for walks and exploration suitable for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Vorselaar?
The castles and their surrounding natural landscapes can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for walking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. The 'Vrieselhof castle domain' is noted for taking on a different appearance every season due to its variety of biotopes, making it a beautiful destination year-round.
Are there walking routes around Borrekens Castle?
Yes, you can enjoy scenic walking routes around Borrekens Castle. Visitors can walk through the surrounding forest along the moat, offering charming views of the castle. The Kasteeldreef, a stately lane lined with ancient linden trees, also provides a picturesque path. Several hiking routes in the area, such as the 'Lovenhoek Nature Reserve – Borrekens Castle loop' and 'Borrekens Castle – Rest spot under the trees loop', incorporate views of the castle. Find more options in the Hiking around Vorselaar guide.
What is unique about Fort Oelegem?
Fort Oelegem is a historical site built between 1909 and 1914 for defense. After its military use ended, it transformed into a protected monument and a significant bat sanctuary, housing approximately 1,300 bats. It's a unique blend of military history and natural conservation, accessible for guided tours by appointment.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Vorselaar?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and picturesque settings of the castles. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, with over 690 upvotes and more than 200 photos shared across the various castle highlights. Many enjoy the opportunity to walk or cycle through the green, natural landscapes that often surround these historical sites, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful views.
Are there any castles with interesting historical anecdotes or features?
Absolutely. Vrieselhof Castle, for instance, was rebuilt in Neo-Flemish-Renaissance style after being burned down by Belgian troops for strategic reasons during World War I. Westmalle Castle, originally a fortified farm from around 1100, has perfectly preserved its 1561 appearance and features a unique circular service building whose original purpose remains a mystery.
Where can I find parking near the castles?
Parking options vary by castle. For Vrieselhof Castle, parking is available within its domain. For Borrekens Castle, while the castle itself is private, you can typically find parking in Vorselaar village or designated areas near the Kasteeldreef to access the surrounding walking paths.
Are there dog-friendly walks around the castles?
Many of the natural areas and walking paths surrounding the castles are dog-friendly, making them ideal for walks with your canine companion. The forest paths around Borrekens Castle and the domains of other castles like Vrieselhof Castle offer pleasant environments for dog walks. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
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