Bjorn Snelders

Castles and Gardens: Brussels and its green surroundings

Bustling Brussels boasts a rich history that stretches back for centuries. Long before Belgium existed, it served as the capital of the Duchy of Brabant. As a centre of power and prestige, the city needed protection, so impressive castles were built around it.

Follow in the footsteps of two historical fgures

During your stay in Brussels, retrace the footsteps of Count Lamoral of Egmont and Everard t'Serclaes. Their stories take you from the heart of the city to the grand castles and lush gardens along the green belt in Flemish Brabant. Take some time out from the hectic pace of city life, and unwind on foot or by bike amidst nature and history.

Erwin Olaf, De laatste hulde aan de graven van Egmond en Hoorn

Who was Count Egmont?

Many places in Brussels and its green outskirts, including Gaasbeek Castle, tell the story of the Count of Egmont.

Visit Brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Who was Everard t’Serclaes?

Every day, tourists visit his statue in Brussels. The castles in the green outskirts of Brussels tell the story of Everard t’Serclaes.

Explore the castles in the green outskirts of Brussels

Count Egmont and Everard t'Serclaes will be your guides through a treasure trove of stories. Retrace their footsteps to the green outskirts in Flemish Brabant. Marvel at the annual floral splendour at Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, take in the view from the tower at Bouchout Castle in Meise Botanic Garden, and listen to the ancient tales hidden behind the thick stone walls of Gaasbeek Castle and Beersel Castles.

Gaasbeek Castle

Gaasbeek Castle is a romantic fortress with stories that stretch back for centuries. An art collection nestles among the greenery surrounding the castle.

Plantentuin Meise

Bouchout Castle in Meise Botanic Garden

Step into a world where ancient history and natural beauty come together; Meise Botanic Garden Bouchout Castle proudly rises above the landscape.

Bjorn Snelders

Beersel Castle

Step into the Middle Ages at Beersel Castle Discover for yourself how people lived day-to-day in a 15th-century moated fortress.

Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant - Lander Loeckx

Coloma Castle

Coloma Castle is a moated manor house nestled in the heart of a lush, scenic paradise for walkers. Its rose garden is home to more than 3,000 rose varieties.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

This moated castle, set in a lush park, is the enchanting backdrop for Floralia Brussels, the famous flower show amazes visitors year after year.

Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant - Lander Loeckx

Huizingen Castle

Huizingen Castle is nestled in a lush paradise teeming with flora and fauna. It was first mentioned in historical records back in 1491.

Lander Loeckx

AfricaMuseum and the Africa Palace in Tervuren

If you go to Tervuren Park in Tervuren, you can admire two impressive neoclassical buildings: the AfricaMuseum and the Africa Palace.

Stay overnight in the green outskirts

The green belt of Brussels is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can stay in charming hotels and B&Bs housed in castles and ancient buildings, ideal for a peaceful getaway steeped in historical elegance.

Barons House

Barons house

De Pastorie

De Pastorie Alsemberg

Park7

B&B Sterckxhof Meise

Sterckxhof

Villa Servais

Thermae Boetfort

Visit Brussels’ city palaces

Count Egmont and Everard t'Serclaes played key roles in Brussels’ past, and their legacy can still be felt across the city. The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart and soul of Brussels. Step into the city’s past at the King's House museum, then admire the splendour of the City Hall across the square. Don’t forget to touch the statue of t’Serclaes, as it brings good luck according to the local legend!

From Egmont Park, enjoy views of stately Egmont Palace, once home to the Count himself. He also frequently visited Coudenberg Palace, one of Europe’s most splendid royal residences, whose stories still echo in the ruins of its underground passages and vaulted cellars.

Be sure to catch the Ommegang during your visit to Brussels! This colourful pageant winds through the city streets every summer, celebrating folklore and history. It’s officially recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

Historic accommodation in the city