Belgium is home to more than three hundred castles, and happily more and more owners and managers have invested in accessibility in recent years. Where historic buildings once went hand in hand with stairs, gravel and narrow doorways, today every province has at least one castle that welcomes wheelchair users with open arms. From baroque to Renaissance, from medieval fort to French garden: we take you along the most accessible castles in the country.
Hainaut: baroque splendour around Beloeil
Anyone who loves sweeping gardens and historic grandeur should definitely visit Château de Beloeil. This "Belgian Versailles" of the de Ligne family has wide, paved paths through its famous French gardens. The main floor of the castle is reachable via a ramped side entrance, and adapted toilets are available near the entrance. Disabled parking spaces are a short distance from the reception building.
Less well known but just as impressive is Château de Seneffe, an eighteenth-century country house that now serves as a museum of silverware. The ground floor is fully wheelchair-accessible, and the gardens include paved walking paths along the orangery and the ice house.
Flanders: from Gaasbeek to Ooidonk
Just south of Brussels, Kasteel van Gaasbeek towers over the hilly Pajottenland. Following a thorough renovation, the park and the ground floor of the castle are reachable via an adapted entrance. A free wheelchair shuttle connects the disabled car park with the castle itself, a handy solution for anyone wanting to avoid the long driveway.
In East Flanders you will find Kasteel van Ooidonk, a fairytale moated castle that originally dates from the twelfth century. The castle gardens are accessible via paved paths, and the ground floor of the castle is reachable via a ramp. The castle park invites a peaceful stroll around the moat.
East of Ghent lies Kasteel van Laarne, an exceptionally well-preserved medieval moated castle. The main floor is reachable by lift, and an adapted toilet is provided in the castle farmstead. The bridge over the moat has recently been fitted with level planks, making the crossing comfortable by wheelchair.
Wallonia: the Meuse valley and the Ardennes
Château de Modave clings to a rocky point like an eagle's nest, high above the Hoyoux valley. Despite the spectacular setting, the owners have made the ground floor very accessible: the renowned state rooms with their stucco ceilings can be visited without thresholds. There is a disabled car park on the forecourt and an adapted toilet in the welcome building.
On the banks of the Lesse stands Kasteel van Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, a picturesque moated castle with three round corner towers. The castle houses three museums (hunting, nature and rural life), of which the ground floor is fully wheelchair-accessible. A nature reserve surrounds the castle with wooden boardwalks that are also usable by wheelchair.
In the Ardennes, Château de Bouillon rises on a rocky spur above the Semois river. This medieval fortress of Godfrey of Bouillon is challenging because of its topography, but certain zones (the reception, the museum and the viewpoint) have been made accessible with ramps and lifts. The map at the entrance shows exactly which parts of the route are feasible by wheelchair.
Liège and Namur: jewels between the Meuse and the Ourthe
North of Liège lies Château de Jehay, a Renaissance castle with a striking black-and-white chequerboard facade. After the recent restoration, the ground floor is reachable via a ramped side entrance, and the gardens with their ponds and sculptures have paved main paths. A free wheelchair loan is available at reception.
In the province of Namur you will finally find Château de Vêves, a fairytale castle with five pointed towers. Although not all floors are reachable, the ground-floor reception room with its historic furniture has been made accessible by a ramp. The surrounding garden and picnic area are completely level and fitted with an adapted toilet.
Practical tips for a visit by wheelchair
Book your visit in advance where possible — many castle museums require you to request the adapted entrance or lift specifically. Also enquire about a possible wheelchair shuttle between car park and castle, as historic driveways with gravel surfaces can be challenging.
For longer outings it is wise to check the opening hours of adapted toilets: some castles close the reception building (with the only disabled toilet) during the lunch break. When in doubt, feel free to contact the front-desk staff — they know their building best and can guide you via the most comfortable route.
Many castles also offer free admission for companions of people with disabilities. Ask about this when booking your tickets so you can enjoy the Belgian castle heritage to the full.