Kasteel van Beersel

About the museum

The Kasteel van Beersel is a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture: the castle still looks as it did at the end of the 15th century. Around 1300 Godfried van Hellebeke received permission from the Duke of Brabant to build a fortified castle on his land; ten years later the ring castle stood. Together with, among others, Gaasbeek Castle, Beersel formed a defensive belt around Brussels against enemies from Flanders and Hainaut.

In the third quarter of the 14th century the castle passed by marriage to the Van Witthem family, who gave the fortress its present appearance. At the end of the 15th century the castle was taken by rebellious Brussels citizens with French support, and burned down; it was rebuilt between 1491 and 1506. Later it came into the hands of, among others, the Arenberg and Merode families.

From 1796 the fortress stood empty, and in the 19th century it became a cotton factory; afterwards it fell into decline as a romantic ruin that attracted artists and writers, including Victor Hugo. In 1927 the owners gave the castle to the Friends of Beersel Castle; a restoration followed in 1928–1939. In 2001 the municipality of Beersel took the fortress on a long lease (erfpacht), and more recently Herita has taken over its management, restoration and opening to the public. For the general public the castle is linked to Suske en Wiske: Willy Vandersteen immortalised it in the album De schat van Beersel.

Highlights

• Medieval moated castle with a moat, drawbridge and three towers
• Castle as it looked at the end of the 15th century
• Setting for the Suske en Wiske album De schat van Beersel
• Treasure hunt with a bingo card for children aged 5 to 12
• Brasserie next to the castle
• The castle can be hired for events and filming

Permanent exhibition

• Kasteel van Beersel – Tour of the medieval moated castle with halls, towers, moat and drawbridge.

Operated by

Herita

Admission & discounts

Herita members and holders of a teacher's card enter free. The castle park is not freely accessible. Fishing in the castle pond is possible during the castle's opening hours with a day ticket (€15 for non-residents aged 14 and over) or an annual subscription; a fishing permit (visverlof) is required.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is a real medieval fortress with many stairs, uneven floors and wide openings. Pets are not allowed in the monument; dogs on a lead are allowed on the picnic meadow and the castle grounds. There are toilets on the estate.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Young sleuths aged 5 to 12 can use a bingo card to search for the treasure of Vlieg. Because of the many stairs and uneven floors the castle is less suitable for pushchairs; children under 3 are advised against visiting. Children should always be accompanied.

Getting there & parking

There are cycle routes from Brussels to the castle along the cycle node network.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Brasserie Kasteel van Beersel next to the castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–22:00. There is a picnic meadow.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The castle, or parts of the site, can be hired for events, concerts and presentations, and for photo and film shoots.

Plan your visit