Top 20 Castles around Machelen
Castles around Machelen, Belgium, offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Situated near the Woluwe Valley, the area features historical sites ranging from Baroque architectural gems to medieval fortresses. These landmarks provide cultural insights and are often set within natural landscapes, making them points of interest for explorers. Machelen's castles reflect centuries of development, from ancient village forts to renovated cultural venues.
Best castles around Machelen
- The most popular castles is Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, a castle that originated as an 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. It was later transformed into a Renaissance castle and was the residence of Peter Paul Rubens.
- Another must-see spot is The Prinsen Castle, a historical castle ruin. Visitors can explore the remains of this 14th-century residence of the Lords of Grimbergen, set within the Prinsenbos.
- Visitors also love Schiplaken Castle, an old medieval castle site with a characteristic high court and farmyard. The 18th-century neoclassical castle was rebuilt in its original style after being set on fire in 1914.
- Machelen is known for its medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical castles. The area offers a variety of historical structures, from well-preserved estates to significant ruins, providing diverse experiences for those interested in architectural history.
- The castles around Machelen are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 200 upvotes and 16 photos, these locations offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Meise Botanic Garden
Highlight • Natural
But you can also discover a lot outside in the spacious garden. The hoarfrost glistens on dried fruit stands and grasses, the snow is heavy. The buds are already swelling, the kittens jumping, soon the snowdrops are ringing and the winterlings are turning blue - nature knows no standstill.
During the winter idyll from December 10th to January 8th, the garden is bathed in magical lights, light installations with music along a 3.5 kilometer long path will enchant you and (re) awaken your belief in elves and fairies. The garden is open until 11 p.m. on these evenings.
Our tip: A mulled wine in the orangery, the garden's self-service restaurant. The lord of the castle used to winter his "orange trees" and other exotic plants here - now you can warm up and strengthen yourself here.
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Het Steen or the Rubens Castle
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The Prinsen Castle
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Saint Hubert Chapel
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The chapel served as a place of worship for Tervuren Castle, one of the most important castles of the Dukes of Brabant.
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Mirror Pond with a view of the AfricaMuseum
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The Palais de l'Afrique quickly became too small, so Leopold II commissioned Charles Girault, architect of the Petit Palais in Paris, to build a new museum and redevelop the entire site. Leopold II died before the project was completed, and the museum was inaugurated in 1910 by King Albert I.
The museum was closed for five years, from 2013 to 2018, for major restoration and renovation work.
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A beautiful place for rest and walking: you can stroll along it, enjoy the greenery and water, and it is part of the historical and natural charm of Tervuren.
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The veneration of Saint Hubert in Tervuren, the presumed place of death of the patron saint of hunters, dates back to at least the 16th century and is probably even older. Every year on the last Sunday in October, an open-air mass is celebrated there in honor of Saint Hubert, and horses and dogs are blessed to protect them from running amok.
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Once a sturdy motte castle from the 11th century, Het Steen grew into a beautiful Renaissance castle that played a key role in the defense of Brabant against the Mechelaars for centuries. The castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, surrounded by old moats and close to the Zenne, and breathes history - from knightly battles to Spanish garrisons. The most famous resident was Peter Paul Rubens, who spent his last summers here, painted, partied with artist friends such as Van Dyck and Teniers, and immortalized the surrounding nature on canvas.
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Het Steen and appurtenances (Steendreef 77): protected monument (28/10/1948) in Flemish Renaissance style. Only the facades and roofs of the main building and outbuildings, with the exception of the stables and sheds from the first half of the 19th century, are protected. On the left in front of 't Steen, popularly known as 'Het Rubenskasteel', our attention goes to the second frame. Here we are looking in the direction of Perk where Rubens' friend David Teniers lived. Is that how Rubens saw it in his time? The castle grew out of a motte, a heavy stone residential tower on a hill, surrounded by water. The oldest known owner of the first castle was probably Rudolf van Wilre, who had the Steenvaart or the connection between the Barebeek and the Zenne dug in 1259. Later this was filled in and is now the toevaartdreef. In a deed from 1304 there was mention of a castle in white stone. It was a feudal castle, with towers and moats, like most castles from that time, comparable to the Steen in Antwerp or the Kantersteen in Brussels. As an advanced defense position it played its role for centuries in the wars between the people of Mechelen and Brussels.
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This castle has been a ruin since the end of WWII. Work is now being done to prevent it from collapsing further.
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The restoration of the castle ruins has started.
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Beautiful view of the AfricaMuseum. At the moment there are works so you can't go to the castle.
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The Saint-Hubertus Chapel is a chapel in the Park of Tervuren in the Belgian Tervuren. The chapel is a baroque castle chapel of the former Castle of Tervuren. It was built in 1617 according to plans by Wenceslas Cobergher on behalf of the Archdukes Albert and Isabella. Cobergher replaced the wooden chapel in front of the drawbridge with the current stone structure. According to legend, Saint Hubertus died at this location. (Wikipedia)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond the most popular ones, what other notable castles can I explore around Machelen?
Machelen itself is home to Beaulieu Castle and Kasteel Pellenberg. Beaulieu Castle is a stunning Baroque gem known for its intricate stucco work and historical significance, often hosting cultural events. Kasteel Pellenberg, believed to be the oldest building in Machelen, has been restored in Flemish Renaissance style and now serves as a socio-cultural center and public library, with a picturesque pond popular for anglers. You can find more information about Kasteel Pellenberg on Wikipedia.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Machelen?
Yes, several castles around Machelen are considered family-friendly. For instance, Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, The Prinsen Castle, and Schiplaken Castle are all noted as suitable for families. These locations often offer historical insights within natural settings, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Machelen?
The area around Machelen's castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are many gravel biking routes, MTB trails, and running trails that allow you to explore the natural landscapes surrounding these historical sites.
Are there specific hiking or walking routes that pass by these castles?
While specific routes directly linked to individual castles aren't detailed in the data, many general walking and hiking routes in the Machelen area will bring you close to these historical landmarks. You can explore various running trails or look for routes that traverse the natural areas where castles like The Prinsen Castle (located in Prinsenbos) are situated.
What natural features or viewpoints can I find near the castles?
Many castles are set within beautiful natural surroundings. For instance, Het Steen or the Rubens Castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, near the Zenne. The Prinsen Castle ruins are located within the Prinsenbos, and Kasteel Pellenberg features a picturesque pond. Beaulieu Castle, a Baroque gem, was originally designed to offer spectacular views of the Woluwe Valley.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Machelen?
While specific seasonal recommendations for each castle are not provided, visiting during spring or autumn generally offers pleasant weather for exploring the castle grounds and surrounding natural areas. These seasons often provide comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Some castles may also host special events during specific times of the year, so checking their individual schedules is advisable.
Are any of the castles around Machelen accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Specific accessibility details for visitors with disabilities are not extensively provided for all castles. However, Kasteel Pellenberg, functioning as a socio-cultural center and public library, is likely to have some level of public accessibility. For other historical sites like Beaulieu Castle, which hosts cultural events, it's recommended to check directly with the venue for specific accessibility information before planning your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the castle grounds or nearby walking trails?
While the general area offers many dog-friendly walking routes, specific policies for bringing dogs onto individual castle grounds can vary. For example, Meise Botanic Garden, which includes a castle, has specific rules regarding pets. It's always best to check the official website or contact the specific castle you plan to visit regarding their dog policy.
Are there cafes or pubs near the castles in Machelen for refreshments?
The region around Machelen offers various amenities. While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every castle are not listed, you can generally find options in the nearby towns and villages. For instance, the Meise Botanic Garden has an orangery that serves as a self-service restaurant. Exploring the local area will likely reveal suitable places for refreshments.
What are the typical visiting durations for castles in the Machelen area?
The duration of a visit can vary significantly depending on the castle and your interest. For a site like Kasteel Pellenberg, which houses a library and socio-cultural center, you might spend an hour or two exploring the grounds and public areas. Larger estates or those with extensive exhibitions, like Beaulieu Castle during an event, could warrant a longer visit of several hours. Ruins like The Prinsen Castle might be part of a longer walk or hike.
What historical periods do the castles around Machelen represent?
The castles around Machelen showcase a rich tapestry of historical periods. You can find structures ranging from 11th-century motte-and-bailey origins, like Het Steen or the Rubens Castle, to 14th-century residences such as The Prinsen Castle. The area also features Baroque architectural gems like Beaulieu Castle (mid-17th century) and Flemish Renaissance styles seen in Kasteel Pellenberg (restored around 1648), as well as 18th-century neoclassical designs like Schiplaken Castle.
Are there any lesser-known castles or historical sites worth discovering near Machelen?
While the main highlights are well-known, exploring the local area can reveal more. Kasteel Pellenberg, with its origins as an ancient village fortress and its current role as a community hub, offers a unique historical perspective. Beaulieu Castle, though prominent, might offer limited public access, making its occasional public events a special opportunity to discover its Baroque beauty. Many of these sites are embedded in local history, offering a deeper dive for those interested.
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