Top 9 Castles around Soignies

For families, Estriverie Castle is an excellent choice, known for its imposing historic residence and rich history. Additionally, Château des Princes de Croÿ and Enghien Park, which includes Château Empain, are also tagged as family-friendly, offering space and historical context for all ages.

While there aren't specific routes connecting multiple castles directly mentioned, you can find various easy hiking loops in the region. For example, the 'Willow Plantation – Estriverie Castle loop' from Bois d'Acren - Akrenbos is an easy 7.2 km hike that includes Estriverie Castle. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Soignies guide.

The castles offer a deep dive into the region's past. Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle, a 12th-century fortified structure, played a strategic role in the Région du Center and houses historical furniture and weapons. Estriverie Castle, originally a 13th-century fortified house, showcases architectural evolution through its 17th-century rebuild. These sites reflect centuries of noble families, strategic conflicts, and changing architectural styles.

Yes, Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle is built on a rock, and from a footbridge, you can get a beautiful view of it. Counts' Castle is also noted for its particular aura and well-preserved appearance, offering an impressive sight even from the outside.

Beyond castle exploration, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Ronquières Boat Lift – New asphalt along the canal loop from Hennuyères' in the Road Cycling Routes around Soignies guide. For mountain biking, consider trails like the 'Forest Trail Among the Ferns – Tramway Path loop from Écaussinnes' from the MTB Trails around Soignies guide. There are also easy hiking trails available, as mentioned in the Easy hikes around Soignies guide.

While specific public transport routes to each castle are not detailed, Soignies itself is accessible by train. From there, local buses or a combination of walking and cycling might be necessary to reach some of the more rural castle locations. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific destinations like Écaussinnes-Lalaing or Enghien.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding grounds. During these seasons, the gardens are often in bloom, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, some castles may have specific opening hours or events during other times of the year, so it's always good to check in advance.

While not 'hidden' in the sense of being secret, some castles like La Folie Castle offer intriguing historical details, such as moats from the 14th century uncovered beneath the current building. Château of Thoricourt is another historical site that might offer a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the more prominent ones.

Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and well-preserved architecture. For instance, Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle is admired for its magnificent fortified structure and historical collections. Counts' Castle is often praised for its particular aura and timeless appearance, even when viewed from the outside. The komoot community has shared over 160 photos and given more than 320 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.

Parking availability varies by castle. For example, Enghien Park, which includes Château Empain, is noted as having parking facilities. For other castles, it's recommended to check their official websites or local signage upon arrival, as some might have limited or street parking options.

The region boasts a variety of architectural styles. Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle is a prime example of a 12th-century fortified castle. Estriverie Castle showcases a 17th-century rebuild with brick, limestone, and sandstone, retaining its turrets. Château Empain, though largely from the 18th century, was rebuilt in 1913 in a classical Louis XVI style, offering a different aesthetic.