Top 20 Castles around Kruishoutem

Within Kruishoutem, you can find the Kasteel van Kruishoutem, also known as Kasteel Aaishove, a well-preserved moated Renaissance castle. Another significant site is Herlegem Castle, a 17th-century château with surrounding moats, potentially dating back to Frankish settlements.

The region boasts several architecturally significant castles. Ooidonk Castle is celebrated as a jewel of Flemish-Spanish 16th-century Renaissance architecture. Nokere Castle, while dating from before the 16th century, was rebuilt to a classicist appearance in the 18th century. The Kasteel van Kruishoutem (Kasteel Aaishove) is a fine example of a symmetrical Renaissance castle with distinctive brick and sandstone towers.

Yes, several castles in the area feature impressive grounds. Ooidonk Castle has beautifully maintained gardens that are generally open to the public. The Kasteel van Kruishoutem (Kasteel Aaishove) is surrounded by a large English-style landscape park with a sizable pond, offering serene scenery for walks.

These castles offer a rich tapestry of history. Ooidonk Castle, for instance, was involved in 16th-century religious conflicts and has been rebuilt multiple times, reflecting different eras. Herlegem Castle has potential origins in a Frankish settlement and was rebuilt in the Louis XVI style, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution. Nokere Castle provides insight into 18th-century classicist design and features a 17th-century gatehouse.

Yes, several sites are noted as family-friendly. Ooidonk Castle and The Blue Gate leading to it are popular with families. The De Ghellinck Estate, while its castle was demolished, offers beautifully maintained outbuildings and a domain perfect for walks, with a restaurant and tearoom on site.

The region around Kruishoutem offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and hiking paths. For example, near Nokere Castle, there are hiking routes like the Kordaalbos – Nokere Castle loop. The De Gerlache Castle is also near a hiking route called the De Gerlache Castle – Mullem village square loop. You can explore more options in the hiking guide for Kruishoutem.

Yes, the De Ghellinck Estate features a restaurant and tearoom located in its restored farmhouse, offering a place to dine or enjoy a coffee after a walk. While not directly adjacent to every castle, the wider Kruishoutem area provides various cafes and eateries.

The De Ghellinck Estate is unique because, despite its original castle being demolished after a fire, its former outbuildings and domain are beautifully maintained. It offers an oasis of peace with opportunities for walks in the park and dining in the restored farmhouse, providing a glimpse into the historical layout of a grand estate.

Absolutely. To reach Ooidonk Castle, you can walk through the scenic driveway after passing under The Blue Gate, which is part of a beautiful castle avenue lined with gnarled lime trees. Herlegem Castle is also noted for attracting walkers, suggesting its scenic appeal along the Zaubeek River.

The Blue Gate, or Porta Arboreti, was built in 1595 and is the only one of seven original cabinet count gates still standing today. It leads to Ooidonk Castle through a beautiful avenue, and its name may derive from an older bluestone construction or because its shutters were once painted blue.

Ooidonk Castle was once the residence of the Lords of Nevele and owned by the Dukes of Montmorency, including Philip, Count of Horne, a significant figure in 16th-century religious conflicts. De Gerlache Castle is named after Gaston de Gerlache, a mayor of Mullem and a renowned explorer who led a Belgian expedition to Antarctica.

The castles are often set within picturesque natural landscapes. The Kasteel van Kruishoutem (Kasteel Aaishove) is surrounded by an English-style park with a large pond and smaller water bodies, situated near the source of the Molenbeek. Herlegem Castle is located above the Zaubeek River with surrounding moats, and the De Ghellinck Estate features a pond and an old Scheldt arm, providing a tranquil setting.