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Castle of La Hulpe

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Castle of La Hulpe, also known as Solvay Castle, is situated in the heart of a magnificent 227-hectare park near Brussels. It was built in 1842 for the Marquis de Béthune in a neoclassical style with Flemish architectural influences. In 1893, the renowned industrialist Ernest Solvay purchased the estate and commissioned its remodeling and expansion to suit his tastes. The castle is distinguished by its architectural harmony and its integration into the rolling landscape of the Soignes Forest. The surrounding park, which is now classified as a national heritage site of Wallonia, features expansive lawns, ponds, and rare tree species. In 1968, the estate was bequeathed to the Belgian state on the condition that it be used for cultural purposes. Today, the former castle farm houses the Folon Foundation, dedicated to the works of the artist Jean-Michel Folon.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Ancien château Castaigne · Église Saint-Nicolas · Château de La Hulpe
Nearby: Rixensart (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	9	13	16	18	18	14	11	6	3
Rain mm	70	63	59	42	61	65	72	78	53	62	70	79

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Castle of La Hulpe is surrounded by a vast park that is freely accessible all year round. The castle itself can only be visited on specific occasions or through guided tours, often held in summer.

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Typical hours

The park of Castle La Hulpe has no fixed opening hours; it is typically open from sunrise to sunset. The castle opens during events usually from 10 AM to 6 PM, but varies widely.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time in the park of Castle La Hulpe, with the French gardens offering welcoming subjects. Indoors, photography is usually permitted during events but without flash or tripod.

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Time needed

A walk through the park of Castle La Hulpe takes about an hour, depending on how far you go. If you also want to tour the castle, allow an additional 45 minutes for a guided visit.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art in La Hulpe. The Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud) also invites long walks and bike rides right next to the park.

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Getting there

Castle La Hulpe is reachable by car via the E411 and exit 4 (La Hulpe); there is a large car park. Bus lines from Brussels (line 366) and from Waterloo stop near the park.

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Insider tip

Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the park meadows, which are especially inviting on sunny days. The park is also popular among joggers and dog walkers, so come early for peace.

Geography

Coordinates

50.73000, 4.48000

Facts

The castle was originally completed in the year 1842.
Ernest Solvay purchased the estate in 1893 for his family.
The park covers a total area of 227 hectares.
The estate was officially bequeathed to the Belgian state in 1968.
The Folon Foundation was opened on the grounds in the year 2000.
The castle is officially listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Genval3 km · NEExplore →

Rixensart4 km · EExplore →

Groenendaal Arboretum5 km · NExplore →

Sonian Forest6 km · NWExplore →

Forest of Soignes7 km · NWExplore →

Wavre Biotech Hub8 km · EExplore →

Waterloo Battlefield8 km · SWExplore →

Wavre9 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Castle of La Hulpe (10)

Ancien château Castaigne🏰 castle

Former castle in La Hulpe, partially preserved, surrounded by a park.

Église Saint-Nicolas

Church in La Hulpe, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

🌐 saintnicolaslahulpe.org

Château de La Hulpe

Manor house in Wallonia, set within the Solvay park, built in the 19th century.

🌐 chateaudelahulpe.be

Fondation Folon🏛 museum

Belgian museum featuring works by artist Jean-Michel Folon, housed in a historic building.

🌐 fondationfolon.be

Ponton

Viewpoint by the lake in the Solvay estate, overlooking the water.

Domaine régional Solvay🌳 park

Regional park in La Hulpe, featuring woodlands, meadows, and a lake.

Centre Culturel de Rixensart

Cultural centre in Rixensart, hosting concerts and exhibitions.

Château du Lac🏰 castle

Castle by the lake in La Hulpe, now a hotel and restaurant.

Le Carpu

Nature reserve in La Hulpe, a wetland area with rare vegetation.

Musée du Tir à l'Arc🏛 museum

Museum in La Hulpe dedicated to archery and its history.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in the La Hulpe park?

You can hike, jog, or visit the Fondation Folon.

Can La Hulpe Castle be visited inside?

The castle itself is usually closed to the public and used for events.

Is entry to the park free?

Yes, entry to the extensive Solvay Park is usually free of charge.

Where is the Fondation Folon located?

It is located in the former farm of the castle on the park grounds.

Is there parking on-site?

Yes, there are several parking lots at the various entrances to the park.

Castle of La Hulpe: where is it located?

Castle of La Hulpe is located in Belgium.

Castle of La Hulpe: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ancien château Castaigne, Église Saint-Nicolas, Château de La Hulpe.

Castle of La Hulpe: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Castle of La Hulpe: why is it worth visiting?

The Castle of La Hulpe, also known as Solvay Castle, is situated in the heart of a magnificent 227-hectare park near Brussels.

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