Castle Horst, Vlooyenbergtoren and Gempermolen

Castle of Horst , https://www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/producten/bezoeken/bezienswaardigheden/kasteel-van-horst/

Attention! The castle will undergo a thorough renovation in 2020. In preparation for this renovation, the construction of a dam around the castle will start on 15 June.
Brasserie Wagenhuys will remain open during the works. From 2 July, the visitor centre at the castle will also be open again.

The castle is temporarily closed due to restoration.

This moated castle is located in the green valley of the Wingebeek, between the hills of the Hageland.

The Lords of Horst already lived here in the 13th century, the characteristic square keep dates from the 15th century.

In the 17th century, the noble resident, Maria-Anna van den Tympel, had two wings built around the courtyard and carried out important beautification works.

She also had the wagon house built, which now houses the visitor centre with heritage shop and a cosy regional hospital.

The castle, with its large pond annex moat, is home to cartoon character The Red Knight by Willy Vandersteen.

Around the castle stretches a beautiful castle domain, which is owned by the Agency for Nature and Forest.

Vlooyenberg tower https://www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/producten/bezoeken/bezienswaardigheden/vlooybergtoren/index.html

Our famous staircase, known from the series 'Callboys'

The floating staircase is made of stainless Corten steel, with a color that refers to the iron sandstone heritage.

The Vlooyberg tower is over 20 m long and 11 m high.

The viewing staircase is located at one of the highest locations, about 80 m, of the Hageland.

In clear weather you can see the cooling towers of Electrabel in Vilvoorde and the shafts of the Limburg coal mines in the east from the tower in the west.

Done on 29 August 2015 , And re-edited after the fire and adjustment knots !! Uploaded 2 February 2020 . Partially re-driven from Leuven https://www.routeyou.com/nl-be/route/view/9518972/recreatieve-fietsroute/kasteel-van-horst-en-vlooienbergtoren-vanuit-leuven on 22 August 2021