Did you know that Belgium has the largest number of castles per square metre in the world? Belgium's castles are not just relics of the past; they are windows into a fascinating history of wars, noble families, and architectural wonders. In this series, we’ll uncover the stories behind some of the most captivating castles in the country.
Welcome to the first chapter in our series on the most captivating castles of Belgium! Today, we’re diving into the story of Beersel Castle—a medieval masterpiece and one of the most charming fortresses you’ll ever lay eyes on. Nestled just a short trip from Brussels, Beersel Castle is the perfect destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who simply loves a robust fortress. And if you're already dreaming of a day trip to Brussels with Beardbarian Entertainment, this could be one of your stops. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!
1. Beersel Castle: A Fortress Frozen in Time
Beersel Castle (or Slot van Beersel in Dutch) is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you back to the Middle Ages. This moated beauty dates back to the 14th century and stands as one of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval castles.
Built by the powerful Van Hellebeek family, the castle was designed for defense, not luxury. Its thick brick walls, imposing towers, and strategic location ensured that this fortress could withstand sieges and invasions. But don’t let its rugged exterior fool you—inside, it’s brimming with stories of knights, noble families, and battles that shaped Belgium’s history.
As you arrive in the town, the first thing you’ll notice is the lovely moat surrounding the castle. It’s not just for show; this water feature served as the castle’s first line of defense. The local people were known as avid tunnelers - and you can't dig under a moat!
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2. The Architecture: Beauty and the brick
Beersel Castle is a stunner, and its architecture is proof of that. Unlike many other castles you've seen, this fortress is made almost entirely of red brick. This choice of material wasn’t just aesthetic—it was durable and practical for the time.
The castle’s three round towers are its most iconic feature. These towers were built to shoot at attackers coming at the walls, who'd find themselves in crossfire when treading between two towes. And let’s not forget the crenellated walls! They’re a classic medieval touch that makes you feel like you’ve walked straight into a scene from *Game of Thrones*. My favourites? Machicolations! The overhanging structures on the walls that allowed soldiers to shoot down or drop dangerous objects on the enemy. In Flemish, we call them "Mezekouwen, meaning "chickadee cages". While you can imagine birds nesting in there, the word actually comes from machecol (Old French). Mache meaning "to crush" and col meaning "neck". You get the image.
One of the best things about Beersel Castle is that it hasn’t been overly restored. Its slightly weathered look adds to its authenticity, giving you a real sense of what life might have been like centuries ago.
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3. Clashing swords: The Stories Behind the Stones
Many castles never saw battle because their mere presence was intimidating enough to deter armies. They were only besieged or stormed when they posed a direct threat or were of strategic importance.
However, this castle saw some major action! It played a role in a war that decided the fate of Belgium, then known as the Habsburg Netherlands.
This tale begins with Maximilian of Habsburg, archduke of Austria. He succeeded his wife (Mary of Burgundy) to the throne after her death in 1482, people here were less than thrilled about this strange man. It led to an open war between ruler and people that would last for 10 years.
Henry Van Witthem, lord of Beersel, chose to stand with Maximilian during this conflict. The citizens of nearby Brussels besieged the castle in 1488, without success. The castle stood tall - like a medieval mic drop. But the Brusseleirs (inhabitants of Brussels) weren't done yet. They called for help from the French king, who was also at odds with Maximilian. Eager to try out his brand new artillery, the king attacked Beersel in 1489 with a bombardement. Towers and walls were torn asunder - the scars still visible in the brickwork. When the war ended, the Brusseleirs were forced to pay a fee to help restore the castle. And the lord of Beersel? He was promoted for his loyalty: he became knight in the order of the Golden Fleece, and was made chamberlain to nobody less than Charles V of Habsburg - the Emperor of Pretty Much Everything.
Later the castle was adapted into a more "residential" building, though it kept most of its defensive features. In the meantime, most castles were converted into palaces of luxury and pleasure - making this castle all the more unique.
After the lords began to neglect the castle in the 18th century, it fell into ruin. Part of the towers collapsed, the main hall fell into shambles. The castle became a haunting shell, reminding only vaguely of its former grandeur.
Restauration took place around 1930, preserving the military elements. Part of the castle was left in ruin, to give you a visual representation of how much was restored. Man behind this work was Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard. You might've enjoyed his work without knowing it: he restored the brewer's house on the main square of Brussels as well!
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4. Inside the Castle: from booth to bridge
When you arrive by car or train, you'll find the castle rather easily. It's close to the train station, and you can see it from the highway. A parking lot right next to the brasserie makes sure you don't have to walk far.
A simple booth is where you can get your tickets and a simple brochure. Make sure you get a look at the souvenirs; apart from the typical swords and shields you find everywhere, you can also get - VERY Belgian - a comic book about the place! Famous Belgian comic series "Skip and Suzy" (Suske en Wiske) have an adventure in this very castle.
Once on the terrain, you'll spot two containers: they've also set up a small collection of archeological finds and historical depictions of the castle there. I suggest visiting those first.
Then you can cross the bridge and entert the actual castle. There are some visual codes you can scan with your phone to get an audio tour of the castle, explaining interesting details about its architecture and history. The castle itself is pretty empty, so you might have to use your imagination to colour in some of the details. But keep in mind: this was a military fort, these buildings wouldn't have seen lots of furniture anyways.
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5. The View from the Towers: Worth the Climb
Climbing the castle’s towers is a must-do for any visitor. The spiral staircases may be narrow and steep, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort.
From the towers, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills, lush forests, and even the rooftops of nearby villages. It’s the perfect spot for snapping some Instagram-worthy photos: make all your castle-loving friends jealous!
Plus, standing atop the towers gives you a sense of what it must have been like for the castle’s guards, keeping watch for approaching enemies. It’s a humbling experience that connects you to the past in a profound way.
With the beauty of the castle in mind comes a bit of a surprise - it's not the cleanest. Without lords, blacksmiths and knights to eat them, the place is full of nesting birds who mess up the place quite a bit. As a frequent visitor of castles, you might have noticed this before in other places. Especially castles who opt for authenticity, with open towers and buildigns might suffer this fate. But I can't help but feel a bit worried for the integrity of the structure if droppings keep collecting like this.
Last but not least, you can end your visit with a walk around the moat. A lovely but short stroll next to the water and between the green hills of 't Pajottenland (name of the region). It's where the glory of the castle really shines through, reminding us of its original function: to be a center of control for the surrounding peasants. To stir up their respect and admiration for their lord. And to scare off anyone who wanted to mess with the power of this nobleman.
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6. A Perfect Day Trip from Brussels
One of the best things about Beersel Castle is its location. Just a 25-minute drive from Brussels (train or taxi), it’s an easy and convenient day trip for anyone visiting Belgium’s capital.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a group, Beersel Castle offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in history, marvel at stunning architecture, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Belgian countryside.
And if you’re booking a guided tour with Beardbarian Entertainment, we can make sure Beersel is part of your itinerary. You bring the curiosity; we’ll bring the medieval facts and fun!
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7. Beer and Beersel: A Match Made in Heaven
No trip to Beersel Castle would be complete without sampling some local Belgian beer. The town of Beersel is famous for its lambic breweries, which produce some of the finest sour beers in the world.
A visit to one of the nearby breweries, like Brewery Boon, is the perfect way to end your castle adventure. You’ll get to taste traditional lambic, gueuze, and kriek beers, all made using age-old methods. Cheers to that! You can ask us for a private visit to learn about their craft!
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8. Family-Friendly Fun
Beersel Castle isn’t just for history buffs—it’s a fantastic destination for families, too. Kids will love exploring the castle’s nooks and crannies, imagining themselves as knights or princesses. And let’s be honest, adults will probably enjoy it just as much!
The castle sometimes hosts special events, like medieval reenactments and educational workshops, which are great for visitors of all ages. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn about history while making lasting memories with your loved ones. At the desk you can get a quiz they can search the answers to, and there are some on-site games and puzzles for the little ones.
Caveat: The long stairs might be hard to climb for little children. The floors are quite uneven, and those machicolations? They're wide open. Best to hold your little knight or princess by the hand as you show them around the ramparts. God knows I had a bead of sweat on my temple when walking around there.
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9. Planning Your Visit
Before you head to Beersel Castle, it’s a good idea to check the opening hours. The castle is open from march until the final days of november, but closing days and hours vary according to season.
Getting there is a short train ride from Brussels Central station. Schedule might vary in the weekend, but in general you'll have one train per hour coming by.
One of the best things about this castle is that it's very cheap! Only 5 euro for an adult, where most castles cost 12 euro or more. Children over 3 years old pay 2 euro. Or their parents do, if the kids don't have any money.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking (and climbing!). And don’t forget your camera—this is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Belgium. The castle is not quite accessible for people with mobility issues.
Right next door is a great brasserie. Try their local dishes - like the Stoofvlees or Rabbit stew!
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10. Why Beersel Castle Should Be on Your Bucket List
In a country full of incredible castles, Beersel stands out for its authenticity, charm, and rich history. It’s a place where the past comes alive, inviting you to step into the shoes of medieval knights and noble families.
Whether you’re a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique travel experience, Beersel Castle is a must-visit. So, what are you waiting for? Add it to your itinerary today, and let the adventure begin!
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Conclusion, pros and cons.
Despite being one of the most unique castles of Belgium, it will mostly spark joy for people who are waist-deep into castles and military history. It's not a disneyland castle with interactive displays; the focus is completely on presenting us with the old building, and not so much appealing to our modern senses about the middle ages. And that's really not surprising, for being a really cheap place to visit at 5 euro.
The location - being close to Brussels AND the most romantic countryside of Belgium - makes it easy to fit into any trip you'd make from Brussels. Especially on a mild summer day or a spring afternoon it will be a refreshing break from the big towns. It will improve your Brussels trip greatly: you get some change of decor, AND you'll appreciate Brussels all the more when you get back to your hotel.
Beersel Castle is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a journey back in time, a testament to human ingenuity, and a reminder of the stories that shaped our world. From its towering walls to its enchanting moat, every corner of this castle tells a tale worth discovering. And if you’re exploring Belgium with Beardbarian Entertainment, we’d be delighted to make this unforgettable destination part of your trip. Let our storytelling help you envision the castle without the help of gadgets and gimmicks!
So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to uncover the magic of Beersel Castle. Trust us, it’s an experience you’ll treasure forever!
More info on the castle here.
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