Top 20 Castles around Durbuy
Best castles around Durbuy are found in a region characterized by the Ourthe River and the Ardennes countryside. Durbuy, often called "the smallest city in the world," features a rich historical ambiance with medieval alleys and well-preserved architecture. The town is nestled in a valley, with its prominent castle rising on a rocky hilltop. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance for explorers.
Best castles around Durbuy
- The most popular castles is Modave Castle, a castle that is a splendid place dominating the Hoyoux valley. Visitors can explore its medieval keep and gardens, as it is open daily from April to mid-November.
- Another must-see spot is Durbuy — Old Town and Castle, a historic settlement featuring a castle. This location, nicknamed "the smallest town in the world," offers medieval alleys and the Château de Durbuy, which rises on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Ourthe River.
- Visitors also love Bomal-sur-Ourthe Castle, a classical-style castle located on a hill above several terraces. It dominates the valley of the Ourthe, providing scenic views.
- Durbuy is known for its historic castles, including private residences and those open for visits. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from those integrated into charming towns to those dominating river valleys.
- The castles around Durbuy are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1300 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across 7 highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Durbuy — Old Town and Castle
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Modave Castle
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Durbuy Castle
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Source: Itineraries
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Bomal-sur-Ourthe Castle
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Info: durbuytourisme.be/hades_offre/le-chateau-de-bomal/?l=fr
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Palogne Estate
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Popular around Durbuy
The most beautiful bike rides in Wallonia – pure nature and culture
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Hiking around Durbuy
Road Cycling Routes around Durbuy
Cycling around Durbuy
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Ideal resting place during a longer hike.
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Durbuy is first mentioned in 1078 (as Dolbui) and in 1084 (under the current name). The first traces of habitation are found during excavations in the Anticlinaal cave by Count Pierre d'Ursel. The d'Ursel family still inhabits Durbuy Castle. Before the current castle, there were already others. Based on the archives of Luxembourg, a castle was destroyed and in the eleventh century, another was built by Henry II the Lame, who had received the domain from his mother Rageline, sister of Pope Stephen II, and her husband Albert II of Namur. Around 1156, that castle was severely damaged by flames and during the succession wars of the Duchy of Limburg, it was destroyed several more times. From 1412, Durbuy came into the hands of the House of Burgundy and at the end of the fifteenth century, the then-existing castle was destroyed by Maximilian of Austria, like all the castles of the la Marck family: besides Durbuy, these also include the castles of Logne and La Roche. In 1628, Baron Antoine Schetz of Grobendonck leased the Durbuy estate for 40,000 gold marks, a very considerable sum. Besides being a baron, he was also Count of Grobbendonk, Lord of Tilburg and Goirle, Pulle and Pulderbos, and Wezemaal. He was in the service of the Spanish and had led the defense of 's-Hertogenbosch during the Eighty Years' War. At the age of 71, he was also governor of the city of Leuven during the Siege of Leuven. And he was the first in a long line of the d'Ursel family who, to this day, inhabit the castle. In 1731, the castle was rebuilt by the then Duke of Ursel. Countess Auguste d'Ursel, who acquired the d'Ursel family's possessions in Durbuy, then modernized the castle from 1880 to 1882 with the help of architect Thirian from Namur. During the Second World War, the castle was occupied several times and in 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, it was used as a field hospital by the American liberators, with the billiard table serving as an operating table. Sources: historical overviews in Word documents on the website of Count Jean-Michel d'Ursel, current resident, at https://www.chateaudedurbuy.be/historique.html
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Built in the Middle Ages, only the keep and a few architectural elements remain from that period. After its partial destruction in the mid-17th century, it was restored and transformed into an elegant pleasure palace. The French-style park and gardens, redesigned in the 19th century, are part of the Parks and Gardens of Wallonia, designated as an exceptional cultural heritage site. They are free to enter during the castle's opening hours. Magnificent rose beds adorn the grounds. To learn more about the park and its grounds, you can download audio guides at https://www.modave-castle.be/les_jardins. Source: https://visitwallonia.de/de/content/ausergewohnlichen-garten-das-schloss-von-modave
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Opening Hours: From March 30 to November 15 Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM) Closed on Mondays (except public holidays and July/August) Special opening at Christmas Further information can be found on the Modave Castle website: https://www.modave-castle.be/infos_pratiques
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This neoclassical castle, perched on terraces, was built in 1776 by Jean-Baptiste de Hayme, the mayor of Liège several times. With its magnificent park, it has been part of a renovation project since 2009. Source: https://www.mini-ardenne.be/poi.card.php?language=fr&id=4350
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ample parking here, several options for walking.
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A must-see is this steep part of the Ourthe Valley, bucolic and ideal for climbing, as well as the memory of Charles Quint in the ruins of the Lognes castle! Hiking there is a varied pleasure between the relaxing banks of the river where fishermen and kayakers compete, and the impressive rocks to be bypassed by steep paths. Go hiking there, fun is guaranteed!
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Beautifully maintained municipal park at the foot of the castle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular castles to visit around Durbuy?
Among the most popular castles in the region is Modave Castle, known for its splendid architecture and gardens, open from April to mid-November. Visitors also enjoy Bomal-sur-Ourthe Castle, which offers scenic views overlooking the Ourthe valley. The historic settlement of Durbuy — Old Town and Castle itself is a must-see, with its medieval alleys and the prominent Château de Durbuy.
Can I visit the Château de Durbuy in the town center?
The Château de Durbuy, while a defining feature of the town, is a private residence of the Count of Ursel family and is not open to the public for interior visits. However, its historic architecture and strategic location on a rocky hilltop provide stunning panoramic views from the town and surrounding areas, making it a popular spot for photography and appreciating Durbuy's charm from the outside.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Durbuy area?
Yes, several castles around Durbuy are considered family-friendly. Modave Castle offers extensive gardens to explore. The Palogne Estate, which includes the fortified Château Fort de Logne, provides a range of activities like mini-golf, a playground, and falconry shows, alongside historical exploration. The castle at Petite-Somme, part of the Radhadesh estate, also welcomes families with its spiritual community, vegan restaurant, and museum.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Durbuy?
The Durbuy region, nestled in the Ardennes, offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find extensive hiking trails, such as the 'Little Rabbits Trail' or 'Ourthe River in Barvaux – The Anticline loop from Durbuy'. Cycling is also popular, with routes like 'RAVeL along the Ourthe – Durbuy Castle loop'. For more adventurous riders, there are gravel biking options like 'Domaine de Hottemme – Forest Path Climb loop'. You can explore more options on the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Durbuy.
What is the best time of year to explore castles around Durbuy?
The region's castles are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, with fewer crowds than summer. Many castles, like Modave Castle, are open from April to mid-November, making these seasons ideal for interior visits. Winter can also be charming, with a different, often serene, atmosphere, though some attractions might have reduced hours.
Are there any castles with unique historical or cultural aspects near Durbuy?
Yes, the castle at Petite-Somme, built in 1888 in a neo-Gothic style, has a unique history. It served as a field hospital during WWI and later became the Radhadesh estate, housing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Visitors can explore the spiritual community, a vegan restaurant, and a museum of sacred art. The Palogne Estate also offers a deep dive into history with its fortified Château Fort de Logne, where you can uncover mysteries and learn about its past.
What kind of views can I expect from castles in the Durbuy area?
Many castles in the Durbuy area are strategically located to offer impressive views. The Château de Durbuy itself provides panoramic vistas of the Ourthe River and the Ardennes countryside from its rocky hilltop. Bomal-sur-Ourthe Castle also dominates the Ourthe valley, offering scenic outlooks. These elevated positions are perfect for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of the region.
Are there parking options available when visiting castles near Durbuy?
Yes, parking is available at several castle locations. For instance, Bomal-sur-Ourthe Castle is noted for having parking facilities. The Palogne Estate also provides parking for its visitors, who can then access the fortified castle and other activities on site.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Durbuy region's castles?
Visitors frequently praise the historical ambiance and well-preserved architecture of the region. The town of Durbuy itself, with its medieval alleys and the prominent Château de Durbuy, is often described as picturesque and charming. The blend of natural beauty, especially the Ourthe River and Ardennes countryside, with the rich history of the castles, creates a unique and enjoyable experience for explorers.
Are there opportunities for cycling to or around castles in Durbuy?
Absolutely. The Durbuy area is well-suited for cycling, with various routes that pass by or lead to castles. For example, there's a 'RAVeL along the Ourthe – Durbuy Castle loop from Château de Petite Somme' and another 'RAVeL along the Ourthe – Durbuy Castle loop from Petit-Han'. The Palogne Estate also offers bike rentals and signposted circuits for exploring the region. More cycling routes can be found in the cycling guide for Durbuy.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the castles for refreshments?
Yes, especially in the town of Durbuy itself, which is known for its charming atmosphere and offers numerous cafes and pubs. The Palogne Estate features a tavern-restaurant on site, providing convenient options for refreshments after exploring the fortified castle. The Radhadesh estate at Petite-Somme also has a vegan restaurant.
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