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Ooidonk Castle

4.4
·2k reviews·Deinze, Belgium

A magnificent moated medieval castle, rebuilt in the Renaissance, offering stunning grounds and engaging guided tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Sundays

Castle is open for visits

CrowdMedium
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Vista Aerea

Ooidonk Castle

Best Time

Summer Sundays

Castle is open for visits

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent moated medieval castle, rebuilt in the Renaissance, offering stunning grounds and engaging guided tours.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A beautifully underrated castle that provides a walking path around the moat that provides amazing views."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Affordable Grounds Access

Enjoy the stunning exterior and gardens for a very reasonable fee of €3 per adult. A great value for the views!

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Moat Walk

The 30-minute walk around the moat offers incredible photo opportunities of the castle and grounds. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moated Castle Views

Moated Castle Views

Castle grounds

Stroll the path around the moat for breathtaking views of the castle's architecture and gardens.

Guided Interior Tour

Guided Interior Tour

Castle interior

Discover the history and beauty within the castle walls with an engaging and knowledgeable guide.

Renaissance Gardens

Renaissance Gardens

Castle gardens

Explore the meticulously maintained gardens, a perfect complement to the castle's historic charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Summer Sunday Visits

Ooidonk Castle is only open for visits on summer Sundays and holidays. Plan your trip accordingly to catch this magnificent moated medieval gem. Check their official schedule before you go!

Grounds Access & Interior Tours

While walking the grounds around the moat is accessible for a small fee, interior visits require a guided tour. These tours are highly praised for their knowledgeable guides and engaging content.

Best Times

When
Summer Sundays
Why
Castle is open for visits
Crowd
Medium
When
Holidays (Summer)
Why
Extended visiting hours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👇Here is how you visit👇 . . . . 📍Kasteel Ooidonk ✨ Most Beautiful Castle in Belgium ✨ Kasteel Ooidonk is my absolute favorite castle in Belgium. It’s still privately owned and until recently only the gardens were open to the public. ❣️ 🫶 These days the interior of the castle can now also be visited on select days of the week! 🕰️ WHEN TO VISIT 🕰️ 🍀 Gardens: Tuesday to Sunday from 09.30 to 18.00 🏰...
@veggiewayfarer
8.4K likes • 166.7K views

💰 Affordable Grounds Access

Enjoy the stunning exterior and gardens for a very reasonable fee of €3 per adult. A great value for the views! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Moat Walk

The 30-minute walk around the moat offers incredible photo opportunities of the castle and grounds. :camerawithflash:

One of the most beautiful places in Belgium. The Castle of Ooidonk 🏰 #visitflanders
improductions.be
157 likes • 8.6K views
✨ What is your favourite castle in Belgium?✨ Kasteel Ooidonk is my absolute favorite castle in Belgium. It’s still privately owned and until recently only the gardens were open to the public. ❣️ 🫶 These days the interior of the castle can now also be visited on select days of the week! 🕰️ WHEN TO VISIT 🕰️ 🍀 Gardens: Tuesday to Sunday from 09.30 to 18.00 🏰 Interior: From April first to Novem...
veggiewayfarer
985 likes • 29.9K views

🗣️ Highly Recommended Tours

Don't miss the guided interior tours; guides are praised for being knowledgeable and engaging. :informationdeskperson:

🚗 Parking Advice

Parking is available outside the main gate or further down the road near the soccer field. :car:

Come with me to another castle in Belgium. This time we are going to Ooidonk Castle (Kasteel van Ooidonk) in Deinze. The castle is actually a residence of a real Count but the gardens are open in summer for the general public to visit. It was first mentioned in 13th century but was destroyed a couple of centuries later and rebuilt afterwards in a Renaissance style. It is currently a protected land...
sunnyweekendvibes
265 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Affordable Grounds Access

Enjoy the stunning exterior and gardens for a very reasonable fee of €3 per adult. A great value for the views! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Moat Walk

The 30-minute walk around the moat offers incredible photo opportunities of the castle and grounds. :camerawithflash:

🗣️ Highly Recommended Tours

Don't miss the guided interior tours; guides are praised for being knowledgeable and engaging. :informationdeskperson:

🚗 Parking Advice

Parking is available outside the main gate or further down the road near the soccer field. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ooidonk Castle for its stunning beauty, particularly the picturesque moat and well-maintained gardens. The affordable grounds access is a major draw, offering great value. Many highlight the knowledgeable and engaging guides for interior tours, making it a historically rich experience. Some visitors express a desire for more frequent interior tour availability.

"Kasteel van Ooidonk is a gorgeous estate and worth the visit. A beautifully underrated castle that provides a walking path around the moat that provides amazing views of both the architecture and garden. Parking can be found outside the gate or back down the road nearby the soccer field. It cost €3 per adult to walk the property and the path takes approximately 30 minutes to complete (stopping to take pictures included). Highly recommend this unique and magnificent location for your trip!"

Tyler Johnson

"Beautiful castle and grounds. You can only visit inside with a guide. The guide we got was excellent. Still privately owned"

Marianne Clark Hattingh

"Lovely stop off on our journey. Had a walk around the gardens in the sun."

emma sanford

What People Like

Gorgeous castle and grounds
Affordable grounds access
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Limited interior tour days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ooidonk Castle is located in Bachte-Maria-Leerne, near Deinze. While public transport options might be limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach it. Parking is available outside the main gate or a short walk away near the local soccer field. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to Ooidonk Castle is scarce. It's best to check local bus routes in the Deinze area or consider a taxi if you are not driving.

From Ghent, driving is recommended. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Deinze and then arrange local transport or a taxi to the castle.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ooidonk Castle is typically open for visits on summer Sundays and holidays. It's crucial to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times and dates before your visit.

Access to the castle grounds and moat walk is very affordable, costing around €3 per adult. Reddit Interior guided tours may have a separate fee, so it's best to confirm pricing on their official channels.

Yes, you can visit the interior of Ooidonk Castle, but only as part of a guided tour. These tours are highly recommended for their informative content. Reddit

For the grounds access, advance booking is usually not required. However, for guided interior tours, especially during peak season, it's advisable to check if reservations are recommended or necessary.

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. However, the grounds access fee is already very reasonable, making it an accessible attraction for most visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed on the castle grounds and for exterior shots. For interior photography during guided tours, it's best to ask your guide for permission, as rules can vary.

The path around the moat offers stunning perspectives of the entire castle. The gardens also provide beautiful backdrops. Capture the reflection of the castle in the water for a classic shot. :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and private estates like Ooidonk Castle to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within Ooidonk Castle. Visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments or plan to eat in the nearby town of Deinze.

Picnicking on the castle grounds might be permitted in designated areas, but it's best to confirm with the staff upon arrival. Please be respectful of the grounds and dispose of any waste properly.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ooidonk Castle offers a pleasant outdoor experience for families. The walking path around the moat is safe and engaging for children, allowing them to explore and burn off energy while enjoying the impressive castle views. The gardens provide a lovely space for a family stroll or a simple picnic. Reddit

While interior tours might be less engaging for very young children, older kids can benefit from the historical insights provided by the knowledgeable guides. The manageable size of the grounds means it won't be an overwhelming outing, making it a good option for a relaxed family excursion during the summer months.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Ooidonk Castle is an excellent choice. The primary attraction, the walk around the moated grounds, is incredibly affordable at just €3 per adult. Reddit This fee grants access to stunning views and a peaceful environment, offering significant value for money. Reddit

While interior tours come with an additional cost, the experience of exploring the exterior and gardens alone is highly rewarding. You can easily spend an enjoyable hour or two here without breaking the bank. Packing your own snacks or a picnic can further enhance the budget-friendly aspect of your visit.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Ooidonk Castle, a magnificent moated medieval castle, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. While its origins trace back to the medieval period, the castle as it stands today is largely a Renaissance reconstruction. This blend of architectural styles offers a unique visual narrative of its past. The castle remains privately owned, adding to its allure and exclusivity. Reddit

Visitors can explore the castle grounds and gardens, which are beautifully maintained and offer picturesque views. The walking path around the moat is a particular highlight, providing ample opportunities for photography and appreciating the castle's grandeur from various angles. The relatively low entry fee for grounds access makes it an accessible historical experience. Reddit

For those seeking a deeper understanding, the guided interior tours are highly recommended. These tours offer insights into the castle's history, architecture, and the lives of its former inhabitants. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and engaging presentation, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. Reddit

Experiencing the Grounds

The primary way most visitors experience Ooidonk Castle is by exploring its extensive grounds. For a modest fee of €3 per adult, you gain access to a walking path that encircles the entire castle, offering stunning, unobstructed views of its facade and the tranquil moat. This path is approximately 30 minutes long at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time for photos and soaking in the atmosphere. Reddit

The castle's gardens are another significant draw. They are meticulously kept and provide a beautiful contrast to the imposing stone structure of the castle. Whether you're a garden enthusiast or simply appreciate natural beauty, the manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and mature trees offer a serene environment to wander through. Reddit

Parking is conveniently located either just outside the main gate or a short distance down the road near a local soccer field, ensuring easy access for those arriving by car. This accessibility, combined with the scenic beauty, makes the grounds a worthwhile visit even if you don't opt for an interior tour.

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