Best attractions and places to see around Brasschaat, a municipality in the Flemish province of Antwerp, Belgium, is known for its abundant green spaces and historical sites. Often referred to as a "park town," Brasschaat offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including extensive natural features and cultural sites. The region provides diverse landscapes, from vast woodlands to historical fortifications, making it suitable for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight • Castle
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It's like cycling across the African savannah! Fan of climbing and descending? You'll find this highlight in "Climbing in the Netherlands," our book with 14 road bike routes, covering over 11,000 meters of elevation gain: Limburg, Nijmegen, Twente, Veluwe, and many more. All routes have multiple distances/shortcuts. Komoot Premium for €5 a month + a 50% discount on Climbfinder Premium for €15 as a gift. Download the ebook for €14: https://bit.ly/klimmen-in-nederland
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The Brabo Fountain is one of Antwerp's most iconic monuments and is located on the Grote Markt, in front of the City Hall. The fountain tells the legend of the giant Druon Antigoon and the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo. According to tradition, Druon Antigoon demanded a high toll from ships that wanted to pass the Scheldt. If skippers refused to pay, he chopped off their hand and threw it into the river. Silvius Brabo, a brave soldier, defeated the giant, chopped off Antigoon's hand in turn and threw it into the Scheldt. This legend is said to be the origin of the name "Antwerp" (derived from "hand werpen"). The fountain, designed by Jef Lambeaux and unveiled in 1887, shows Brabo triumphantly throwing away the giant's hand. The sculpture is full of dynamism and symbolism, surrounded by water spouts and smaller figures that refer to the Scheldt and the sea. The Brabo Fountain is not only a tribute to a folk tale, but also a beautiful work of art and a beloved symbol of the city of Antwerp.
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Located directly on the Schlede and centrally in Antwerp, I didn't expect to see this magnificent castle there. The castle looks like one of the medieval castles from the earlier knight films. I found it very fascinating. The castle is also Antwerp's oldest building. Of course, it can also be visited.
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The ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture took place on August 21, 1887. It depicts the young hero Silvius Brabo throwing the severed hand of the giant Druon Antigon, whom he had previously defeated in battle, into the Scheldt. According to tradition, this is where the name of the city comes from, "throwing hand".
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A tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians under the Scheldt.
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Wonderful market square with beautiful house facades. Great restaurants and cafes on the square.
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The Brabo fountain is very impressive. And the story behind it...😉
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The legend of Brabo and the history of the origins of Antwerp was created in the 15th century. The story is the merging of various older legends such as the story of the Swan Knight, Tristan and Isolde, ... The literary history of the origins has already been extensively researched. An important moment is the oldest known written record of the story in its current form by Willem van Berchem and the publication Van den Dorpe in which the story not only appears in print for the first time, but is also provided with an illustration and thus the iconographic tradition of the Brabo legend begins. At that time, Brabo is still depicted as a medieval knight. From the 16th century onwards, the iconography evolves, with Brabo being depicted as a Roman soldier. This will be changed for the first time by Jef Lambeaux by depicting the figures (both Brabo and the giant 'Antigoon') naked. The story also remains popular in literature. The legend of the origins is a powerful symbol for the freedom of Antwerp, mainly in terms of shipping and trade. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)
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Brasschaat is known for its abundant green spaces. You can explore the vast woodlands of Peerdsbos, which offers varied forest landscapes and paths accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Other notable nature areas include De Inslag, a nature preservation area with woods and pastures, and Het Klein Schietveld, a large natural space ideal for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Don't miss De Uitlegger, especially in May and June when rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. For a unique cycling experience, consider the Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath, known for its smooth asphalt and impressive scenery.
Yes, Brasschaat boasts several historical sites. The impressive 19th-century Kasteel van Brasschaat is set within a picturesque park. You can also visit the Fort van Brasschaat, constructed in 1912 as part of Antwerp's outer defense line, which now houses bat colonies. Another beautiful site is Kasteel en Domein de Mik, a castle with a drawbridge surrounded by English gardens. For a deeper dive into history, consider visiting Het Steen in Antwerp, the city's oldest preserved building, which has served various functions from a castle gate to a prison and now a visitor center.
Brasschaat and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for running, including routes through Peerdsbos. For cyclists, there are options for gravel biking and road cycling, with routes extending to the Kalmthout Heath and along canals. Many natural areas like Het Klein Schietveld also offer opportunities for walking and horseback riding, and during certain seasons, you can even explore via rail bikes.
Absolutely! Brasschaat is great for families. Peerdsbos features a playground and a mini-golf course, perfect for children. The park surrounding Kasteel en Domein de Mik includes a fairytale path. Additionally, the Kinderboerderij Mikerf (Petting Farm) provides an engaging experience for kids. Many of the natural parks, such as Brasschaat Municipal Park, also have walking trails and playgrounds.
Brasschaat's temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers makes it pleasant for outdoor activities throughout the year. However, for blooming rhododendrons and azaleas in De Uitlegger, May and June are ideal. The parks, like Brasschaat Municipal Park and Peerdsbos, are beautiful in spring and summer for walking and enjoying the greenery. Autumn also offers stunning foliage. Weekends and holidays can be busier, especially on popular cycle paths like the one through the Kalmthoutse Heath.
Beyond castles and forts, Brasschaat offers cultural points like the Gunfire Museum, located near the Brasschaat airfield, which provides insights into military history. The Sint-Antonius Abt Parish Church is a notable religious site, and the Oud Gemeentehuis Brasschaat (Old Town Hall) is an interesting historical building. For a vibrant atmosphere, explore the high street with its various shops, cafes, and bars.
Just a short distance from Brasschaat, Antwerp offers iconic urban attractions. The Grote Markt Antwerp is a must-see, surrounded by 16th-century buildings and featuring the Brabo statue. Nearby, you'll find the Groenplaats and the Rubens Statue, a central square offering views of the Cathedral of Our Lady and a popular meeting spot.
Yes, some natural areas in Brasschaat are designed to be accessible. Peerdsbos, one of the most frequently visited woods, features long, straight paths that are suitable for both strollers and wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the varied forest landscape.
Many of Brasschaat's natural areas and parks are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to check local signage for specific rules regarding leashes and designated off-leash areas within individual parks or nature reserves to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscapes, from vast woodlands to historical fortifications, making it suitable for outdoor exploration. The Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath is highly praised for its smooth asphalt and impressive scenery. Urban highlights like Grote Markt Antwerp are loved for their historical charm and vibrant atmosphere, while Groenplaats is a favorite for its central location and views of the Cathedral. The community has shared over 1100 photos and given more than 1400 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their appeal.
While many areas are popular, De Uitlegger, with its blooming rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring, and the unique habitat created by the Antitankgracht, offers a more specialized natural experience. The old military buildings within the Fort van Brasschaat, now home to bat colonies, also present an intriguing, less conventional visit for those interested in history and nature.


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