Back To The Mapmap icon
Add to Favourites

A 13th century castle with a moat, Laarne Castle is a historic sight to see near Ghent. Pay a visit in the summer to see the inside. But just the outside is worth dropping by to capture it on camera.

Pay a visit to the water castle Laarne Castle (Kasteel van Laarne) that’s just a short drive away from Ghent. Hidden away just outside the big city, Laarne Castle is a gem of the 13th century. Drop by to see the beautiful castle and experience it's pretty unknown history on a guided tour. They’re only open to guests in the summer, but no matter the season you can always take a stroll around the outside of the castle and take a photo.

Castle Tour: the castle tour is 1 ½ hours of storytelling and history. The guide will take you through the witch trials history. Yup, supposed witches were held and burnt at the stake at the castle back in the 1600s. The tour is in Dutch, but you can get an English tour and guidebook by sending a request in advance.

Last owned by the Count of Ribaucourt, who gave it to the Royal Association of Historic Residences and Gardens of Belgium. Basically, that makes this castle a protected building. Get inside Laarne Castle to see its big silver collection. Plus, the knight’s hall, medieval kitchen, and chapel. Laarne Castle is one of the best preserved water castles in Belgium. The chapel still has parts from the 14th century!

Take the Heksenpad (Witch Path) walking and cycling trail to experience even more of Laarne’s hidden history.

Updated on 25 November 2021

Tips and Tricks

  • Visitors can only get inside in the castle in the summer
  • Limited access for those with reduced mobility
  • Request an English tour in advance
  • Photography is not allowed inside the castle

Getting There

  • By Car: parking available on site
  • By Bus: close to bus stop Laarne Kasteel. Bus 34 stops here
icon

1 Jun to Oct, Su, 13:00 to 17:00

icon

Summer, limited Spring/Autumn/Winter

icon

Adults 9€, Kids & Teens (6 - 18) 6€, Kids (under 6) free. Tours 7€ per person + 50€ for the guide.

icon

Open; national COVID guidelines apply

Related Articles
  • Visit Laarne Castle
    Get tickets to Laarne Castle on their website
Recommended Activities Nearby