Kasteel van Hoeilaart

A charming castle in a local park in Hoeilaart known for its annual festival and summer fun.

Once owned by the local lords of Hoeilaart and the mayor, the castle is now a hidden gem found in the quiet town and park. Kasteel van Hoeilaart is the highlight of a visit to the Jan van Ruusbroecpark. Though you can’t go inside the castle, it’s pretty to see and the park itself is fairly quiet apart from the locals. If you’re in Belgium to see its beautiful castles, Kasteel van Hoeilaart is a nice surprise hidden away in the Flemish Brabant.

The castle is known for its annual festival in the park at the beginning of May. With local musicians playing and local food on offer, Meifeesten is a winner if you want a taste of the local culture of the Flemish Brabant.

The park

• The park around the castle, Jan van Ruusbroecpark, is popular with locals for cycling and strolling through the park. - - The large field at the back of the castle is good for picnics in the summer.
• The park has two pounds - the small one has a wooden observation deck.
• The walking and cycling paths near Vlaanderveldaan are more like dirt roads - a bit bumpy and less accessible, but pretty. There’s more trees and nature in this part of the park.
• Kid friendly: there’s a playground at the front of the castle on the Speelplein Park

The castle

You can’t go inside the castle, sadly. It’s used as a meeting room for the local council!

The castle has been here since the 15th century, though the building we see today was made in the 1800s. The castle architecture is in Romantic style, designed by Belgian architect Jozef Claes from Antwerp, who also designed Arenberg Castle. The castle also has the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw chapel at the front which is worth a look while you’re in the park.