Top 20 Castles around Kortessem
Best castles around Kortessem are found in the Limburg province of Belgium, a region characterized by its gently rolling hills and fertile Haspengouw landscape. This area offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it ideal for exploring landmarks near Kortessem castles. The terrain around Kortessem provides varied walking routes Kortessem castles, often leading through picturesque countryside.
Best castles around Kortessem
- The most popular castles is Alden Biesen Commandery, a castle that began as a Teutonic Knights Order foundation in 1220 and grew into a significant cultural center. Its extensive history spans from a medieval commandery to a grand 18th-century complex, now managed by the Flemish Government.
- Another must-see spot is Castle of Betho, a partially moated castle with a farm, symmetrically laid out around two connecting courtyards. This imposing 17th-century castle in Maasland style features four corner towers and was first mentioned in 1267.
- Visitors also love Bokrijk Castle, a castle built in Maasland Neo-Renaissance style. This imposing building, completed in 1898, is located at the entrance of an arboretum and is part of the Bokrijk Provincial Domain.
- Kortessem is known for historical moated castles, Renaissance castles, and grand commanderies. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, each with distinct architectural styles and historical backgrounds.
- The castles around Kortessem are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 440 upvotes and over 150 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Bokrijk Castle
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Alden Biesen Commandery
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The Outer Courtyard at Alden Biesen
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Heks Castle
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The palatial castle was built from 1770, probably by the Liège architect Etienne Fayen, for the Prince-Bishop of Liège Franciscus Karel de Velbrück.
As a lover of nature, the Prince-Bishop chose this place in the slightly hilly Haspengouw to build his summer residence and pleasure garden. He had a Chinese garden, a rose garden and a vegetable garden laid out there. Later, the castle was embellished with one of the first landscape parks on the European mainland, inspired by the English garden architecture of Capability Brown.
He died on his estate in 1784. The estate is owned by the d'Ursel family.
The rose garden now (2004) has an exceptional assortment of rose varieties, the oldest of which were present in the original garden. The gardens and park are open to the public during the first weekend in June and the second weekend in September.
The castle features in Harry Kümel's 1968 film Monsieur Hawarden.
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Castle of Betho
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In 1412 the castle is mentioned as "une maison et cour", in 1478 a tower is added, probably the current southern corner tower, almost entirely made of marl stone, the only remainder of this original building. The other buildings and the barn of the farm date from a subsequent building campaign (mid-17th century). The southeast wing of the castle and the farm date from the second half of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. These parts are probably the result of the building activities of Pierre de Simonis (+ 1691) and his heir François de Hinnisdael (1691-1720).
The castle groups its buildings around a courtyard (not open to visitors). Brick buildings, anchored by means of wrought iron wall anchors with curls, under hipped roofs (slate); the corner towers have tent roofs, the south tower has a bell-shaped roof, each crowned with a roof turret. The mid-17th century buildings are brick and marlstone constructions, equipped with bands, corner blocks, profiled cornice on ojief-shaped consoles and rectangular windows in a marlstone frame with nave blocks and cockscomb.
Source: inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/37305
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The outer courtyard is mainly characterized by the presence of the church. It all began for the Commandery with the church. More than 800 years ago, there was a chapel here, and through the centuries, the church grew into today's baroque masterpiece. On the outer courtyard, you can also recognize the tenant farm. Want to know more about the Commandery? Click through to https://www.alden-biesen.be/domein
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The story of Alden Biesen does not begin in Limburg, but at the scorching gates of besieged Acre. In 1190, German merchants built a field hospital there with the sails of their ships, intended for sick pilgrims and wounded crusaders. What began as an act of care and solidarity grew into the establishment of the Teutonic Order; a spiritual order of knights that was soon recognized by the Pope and the Emperor. In our region too, the Teutonic Order left its mark. In the thirteenth century, an impressive commandery was established in Rijkhoven near Bilzen: Alden Biesen, the headquarters of the bailiwick of Biesen, which managed dozens of properties in the region. For centuries, this domain was a center of power, wealth, and religious influence. But at the end of the eighteenth century, disaster struck. During the French Revolution, the property of the Teutonic Order was confiscated. In 1797, Guillaume Claes, the mayor of Hasselt, bought the domain and saved it from demolition. Nevertheless, it fell into disrepair, and in 1971, a severe fire destroyed almost the entire castle. Only the walls remained standing. Fortunately, the Flemish government intervened, and a thorough restoration followed. Today, Alden Biesen is once again a vibrant heritage site where you can relive the past in the castle, the garden, and the museum. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.alden-biesen.be/geschiedenis
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The outer courtyard (Vorphof) was primarily built between the 16th and 18th centuries during the expansion of the Teutonic Order's complex. It served as an economic and reception area in front of the inner castle courtyard. Stables, barns, coach houses, and administrative buildings were located here. Visitors and suppliers first reached this courtyard before entering the main area. Architecturally, the outer courtyard is characterized by brick buildings with a regular layout. Gates, moats, and bridges were originally part of the defensive system of the former moated castle. Today, the outer courtyard has been restored and is part of a publicly accessible cultural and event center.
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Beautiful here, really enjoyed this area
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Beautiful here, really enjoyed the surroundings and the castle
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A truly beautiful castle and free to visit.
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A truly beautiful castle and free to visit.
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Beautiful avenue leading directly to the moated castle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I expect to see around Kortessem?
The Kortessem region, part of the Limburg province, features a variety of castles including historical moated castles, Renaissance castles, and grand commanderies. Each offers distinct architectural styles and historical backgrounds, reflecting the area's rich heritage.
Which castles around Kortessem are known for their historical significance?
The Alden Biesen Commandery is a prime example, founded by the Teutonic Knights Order in 1220. The Castle of Betho, first mentioned in 1267, is another historically significant site with a 17th-century Maasland style. Kasteel Printhagen, a Renaissance castle, and Kasteel Ridderborn, with neoclassical elements, also contribute to the region's historical landscape.
Are there any castles near Kortessem with notable gardens or parks?
Yes, Heks Castle is renowned for its 18th-century gardens, including a rose garden and one of Europe's first landscape parks inspired by English garden architecture. Kasteel Printhagen is set within an English landscape park, and Kasteel Ridderborn features an English garden with a pond and ancient oak trees. The Genoels-Elderen Wine Castle also boasts an arboretum and a large rose garden.
Are the castles around Kortessem generally open to the public?
Public accessibility varies. The Alden Biesen Commandery is generally free to enter and functions as an international cultural center. The gardens and park of Heks Castle are open to the public during specific weekends in June and September. The Genoels-Elderen Wine Castle offers guided tours and tastings. However, Kasteel Printhagen and Kasteel Ridderborn are privately owned and not accessible to the public, and the Castle of Betho is also not open to visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those in the Nietelbroeken Nature Reserve or around Zammelen. There are also extensive gravel biking and MTB trails. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Kortessem, Gravel biking around Kortessem, and MTB Trails around Kortessem guides.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities in the Kortessem area?
Yes, several castles are considered family-friendly. The Alden Biesen Commandery and Bokrijk Castle are listed as family-friendly. The Bokrijk Provincial Domain, where Bokrijk Castle is located, also offers an open-air museum and arboretum, providing engaging experiences for all ages. The Genoels-Elderen Wine Castle offers apple juice for children during tastings.
What is the best time to visit the castles and surrounding nature in Kortessem?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the gardens, such as those at Heks Castle, and for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Autumn offers beautiful seasonal changes, particularly with the autumn colors in the surrounding Haspengouw landscape. Check specific castle websites for seasonal opening hours.
Can I find hiking trails that offer views of the castles?
Many walking routes in the Kortessem area lead through picturesque countryside and offer views of the castles. For instance, trails near Alden Biesen Commandery run across its grounds. The Hiking around Kortessem guide provides routes like the 'Hemelspark Playground – Bellevue Forest Wooden Bridge loop from Kortessem' which explore the local natural beauty.
Are there any unique natural features near the castles?
Yes, the region is characterized by its gently rolling hills and fertile Haspengouw landscape. Kasteel Ridderborn features an English garden with a pond and a forest containing two oak trees over 250 years old. The Genoels-Elderen Wine Castle is surrounded by vineyards and an arboretum. Nearby nature reserves like Nietelbroeken and Zammelen offer boardwalks and narrow paths through diverse terrain.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in the Kortessem region?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The komoot community has shared over 150 photos and given more than 440 upvotes to the castle highlights, often praising the impressive architecture, well-preserved landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity to combine castle visits with outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is also highly valued.
Is there parking available at the castles?
Parking facilities are generally available at the more publicly accessible sites. For example, the Bokrijk Provincial Domain, which includes Bokrijk Castle, has designated parking areas. Similarly, the Alden Biesen Commandery provides visitor parking. For private castles, parking is not available for public access.
Can I visit a castle that also produces wine?
Yes, the Genoels-Elderen Wine Castle is Belgium's only wine castle. It offers guided tours through its vineyards, cellars, and gardens, culminating in wine tastings. It's a unique experience combining history, architecture, and viticulture.
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