Top 20 Castles around Boom
Castles around Boom, located in the Belgian province of Antwerp, offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and diverse architectural styles. While Boom itself does not host numerous castles directly within its municipal boundaries, the surrounding area features several historical fortifications and stately homes. These sites provide opportunities to explore centuries of heritage, ranging from medieval origins to 19th-century renovations. The landscape around Boom is characterized by its historical significance and varied architectural landmarks.
Best castles around Boom
- The most popular castles is Wissekerke Castle, a castle that was originally a moated castle from the tenth century. The noble Vilain XIIII family later converted it into a neo-Gothic castle with a neo-Tudor style gatehouse.
- Another must-see spot is Fort Steendorp, a historical site. Visitors can explore a 1.6 km walking trail around its walls, which is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset.
- Visitors also love Fort Liezele, a historical site. This fort is undergoing renovation, with a new museum offering planned to open from May 1, 2023, providing an active experience of the fort's history.
- Boom is known for its historical sites, including traditional castles, moated castles, and military forts. The area offers a variety of historical structures to see and explore, from medieval remnants to 19th-century fortifications.
- The castles around Boom are appreciated by the komoot community, with 191 upvotes and 191 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Fort Steendorp
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Wissekerke Castle
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Anyone who takes a look just outside the castle grounds will be impressed by the 600-meter-long castle avenue with monumental beech trees dozens of meters high. A beautiful place to walk, cycle or just take a rest and enjoy the rustling leaves.
(Castles of the Scheldt)
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Graventoren - Rupelmonde
Highlight • Monument
At the bottom you will find an exhibition entitled The Secrets of the Count's Castle. You will discover prints, maps and a 3D reconstruction of the former Gravenburcht in its natural habitat.
(Waasland.be)
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Fort Liezele
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(fortliezele.be)
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Bornem Castle
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You can visit the castle every year on August 15th, the last two Sundays in August, and the first two Sundays in September.
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The castle was built by the Spanish nobleman Don Pedro Coloma and still exudes its former grandeur. Philippe de Marnix, Lord of Sainte Aldegonde, was the right-hand man of Prince William of Orange. He played a key role during the siege and fall of Antwerp in 1585 while mayor of the city. He is also mentioned as a possible author of the Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem.
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Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.
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Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.
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Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.
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More information about the fort can be found at: https://www.fortliezele.be
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For individual visits: From 1 April to 30 September and during school holidays Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM The castle and the castle garden are only accessible with a guide Reservations are recommended (https://www.kasteelvanbornem.be/bezoek/)
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beautiful environment in the middle of nature
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Boom offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region, you can climb the historic Graventoren - Rupelmonde. This tower, a remnant of a 12th-century moated castle, provides a unique 360° perspective.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Boom?
Yes, several castles and historical sites cater to families. Wissekerke Castle is considered family-friendly, offering a beautiful castle park. Fort Liezele, with its upcoming museum and existing barefoot path, is also a great option for families, and it's wheelchair accessible.
What historical sites near Boom are more like forts than traditional castles?
The area around Boom features impressive fortifications. Fort Steendorp, a 19th-century brick fort, offers a 1.6 km walking trail around its walls. Another notable fort is Fort Liezele, which is undergoing renovation to open a new interactive museum.
When is the best time to visit Bornem Castle?
Bornem Castle, also known as Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle, is typically open to visitors on specific days in August and early September. It's recommended to check their official website for exact dates and to reserve guided visits.
Are there any castles near Boom with unique architectural styles?
Wissekerke Castle stands out with its neo-Gothic architecture and a neo-Tudor style gatehouse, a result of its conversion from an original moated castle. Bornem Castle is often described as a 'fairytale castle' with charming turrets and gabled roofs, showcasing diverse architectural elements from its long history.
Can I explore the interiors of the castles around Boom?
Yes, some castles offer interior visits. Wissekerke Castle has largely preserved interiors, including an Egyptian room and an Empire-style salon. Bornem Castle also features exquisite furnishings with 18th-century paintings and engravings, and a carriage house displaying historic carriages.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Boom?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails around Boom, including a 1.6 km walking trail around Fort Steendorp. There are also extensive cycling routes and road cycling routes that pass by historical sites and natural landscapes.
Are there any castles near Boom with parking facilities?
Yes, Fort Liezele is noted to have parking facilities, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
What can I expect at the new museum at Fort Liezele?
From May 1, 2023, Fort Liezele will offer a brand new and exceptional museum experience. Visitors can expect to actively engage with the fort's history and learn about life within its walls through interactive exhibits.
Are there any castles around Boom that are particularly good for nature lovers?
Fort Steendorp is an excellent choice for nature lovers. Beyond its historical significance, it serves as an important wintering place for bats, hosting around 1200 specimens. The 20-hectare site is also home to over 100 bird species and is officially protected as a landscape and nature reserve.
Which castle near Boom has a notable avenue or park for walking?
Wissekerke Castle boasts a impressive 600-meter-long castle avenue lined with monumental beech trees, perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
What kind of historical exhibitions can I find at these sites?
At the base of the Graventoren - Rupelmonde, you'll find an exhibition titled 'The Secrets of the Count's Castle.' It features prints, maps, and a 3D reconstruction of the former Gravenburcht, offering insights into its medieval past. Additionally, Fort Liezele is opening a new museum dedicated to its history and life within its walls.
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