DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Castle of Gaasbeek

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
castle
—°10
Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)

Weather…

The Castle of Gaasbeek, located in the heart of the Pajottenland, is a romantic monument to Belgian history and noble culture. Originally built around 1240 to defend the Duchy of Brabant against Flanders, the fortress was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Its current appearance is due to an extensive restoration in Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles at the end of the 19th century by the Marquise Arconati Visconti. The castle houses a significant art collection, including precious tapestries, paintings, and furniture from various periods. Surrounded by a 49-hectare park with ponds, orchards, and a historic kitchen garden, the estate provides an easy on the eye setting. Gaasbeek was the site of numerous political intrigues and frequently changed hands, reflecting the region's diverse history. Since 1921, the castle has been owned by the Belgian state and functions as a national museum for art and history. The carefully curated exhibitions often explore the link between historical heritage and contemporary art.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151174
Rain mm696055385964768157677379

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Gaasbeek Castle is open as a museum, with the interiors accessible on guided tours. The castle park is freely accessible and open year-round.
🕒
Typical hours
The castle museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, often longer on weekends. In winter, hours are reduced; checking ahead is recommended.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed indoors without flash. The spacious park with its old trees and ponds gives easy on the eye subjects for outdoor shots.
⏱️
Time needed
The guided tour of the castle lasts about one hour, with an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the park walk. Allow two to three hours in total.
➕
Combine with
Gaasbeek Castle is located in the Pajottenland, known for its breweries - a visit to Lindemans brewery is recommended. The city of Brussels is only 20 minutes away.
🧭
Getting there
The castle is accessible by car via the N28 road, with parking at the entrance. From Brussels, bus 114 runs to the Gaasbeek Kasteel stop.
💡
Insider tip
A tip: visit the castle's herb garden, which is often overlooked. In spring, rare flower bulbs bloom here, adding a splash of color.

Geography

Coordinates
50.79170, 4.19830

Facts

  • The original castle was constructed around the year 1240.
  • Lamoral, Count of Egmond, was one of the most famous owners of the castle.
  • The castle park covers a total area of 49 hectares.
  • The Marquise Arconati Visconti bequeathed the castle to the Belgian state in 1921.
  • The collections include the original last will and testament of Peter Paul Rubens.
  • The historic museum garden hosts rare and ancient fruit varieties.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LennikLennik6 km · WExplore →
HalleHalle7 km · SEExplore →
AnderlechtAnderlecht11 km · NEExplore →
HallerbosHallerbos11 km · SEExplore →
TubizeTubize11 km · SExplore →
LiedekerkeLiedekerke12 km · NWExplore →
Basilica of the Sacred HeartBasilica of the Sacred Heart12 km · NEExplore →
Palace of Justice of BrusselsPalace of Justice of Brussels12 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Castle of Gaasbeek (10)

Triumphal arch

Triumphal arch in Gaasbeek castle park, a 19th-century decorative structure.

Sint-Laurentiuskerk

Church in Sint-Laureins-Berchem, Belgium.

Sint-Gertrudiskapel

Chapel near Gaasbeek, a quiet place for prayer.

Park van het Kasteel van Gaasbeek🌳 park

Park of Gaasbeek Castle, with old trees and walking paths.

Gaasbeek Castle🏛 museum

Museum in Belgium, a historic castle with collections and gardens.

Baljuwhuis🏰 castle

Water castle in Gaasbeek, former bailiff's residence.

Museumtuin

Terraced garden at Gaasbeek Castle, with perennials and sculptures.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk

Church in Gaasbeek (Lennik), Gothic style building in Belgium.

Sint-Pietersbandenkerk⛪ church

Church in Oudenaken (Sint-Pieters-Leeuw), Belgium.

Baesberg (Zuunvallei)

Nature reserve in the Zuun valley, with hills and wetlands.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the castle open?
Usually from April to October, daily except Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is there a park there?
Yes, the castle is surrounded by a large park which is free to access.
Is the castle far from Brussels?
No, it is located only about 12 kilometers southwest of Brussels city center.
Can you get married at the castle?
Certain rooms and spaces are available for private events and weddings.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash, but not inside the castle building.
Castle of Gaasbeek: where is it located?
Castle of Gaasbeek is located in Belgium.
Castle of Gaasbeek: what is there to see?
Highlights include Triumphal arch, Sint-Laurentiuskerk, Sint-Gertrudiskapel.
Castle of Gaasbeek: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Castle of Gaasbeek: why is it worth visiting?
The Castle of Gaasbeek, located in the heart of the Pajottenland, is a romantic monument to Belgian history and noble culture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →

Nearby cities

Antwerp — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Charleroi — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Charleroi
Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Namur — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Leuven — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Leuven
Leuven is a dynamic university city east of Brussels, home to the oldest university in the Benelux.
Mons — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Mons
Mons is a historic city in Wallonia and the cultural center of the Hainaut province.
Aalst — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
La Louvière — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
La Louvière
La Louvière is an industrial city in the Hainaut province.
Sint-Niklaas — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Dendermonde — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Lokeren — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.
Heist-op-den-berg — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Heist-op-den-berg
Heist-op-den-Berg is a municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on a 48-meter high hill.

More places

Town Hall — Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)
Town Hall
The Town Hall of Leuven is one of the most famous late Gothic buildings in the world.