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Belgium

Flanders

Antwerp

Turnhout

Westerlo

De Merode Castle

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Places to see

Castles

Belgium

Flanders

Antwerp

Turnhout

Westerlo

De Merode Castle

Recommended by 224 hikers out of 226

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Location: Westerlo, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to De Merode Castle

4.5

(91)

547

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1. Westerlo: Walking between castles and water

6.98km

01:46

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.7

(52)

335

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2. Rietvijver – Averbode Abbey loop from Westerlo

26.4km

06:43

80m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

4.6

(21)

150

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3. De Merode Castle – Meanders of the Grote Nete loop from Tongerlo

19.7km

05:00

50m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

May 21, 2020

The name De Merode has been linked to the history of the municipality of Westerlo for more than five centuries.

The Kasteel de Merode is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes de Merode. The current resident of the castle is the young Simon de Merode. There are annual castle parties and events that attract a huge crowd.

Westerlo is not called "The pearl of the Kempen" for nothing.

Translated by Google •

Dirk V 🚲 🚶📷

April 8, 2023

For more than five centuries, the name de Merode has been linked to the history of the municipality of Westerlo, and yet ... the de Merode family has not always been in possession of the castle. The first Lord of Westerlo known by name is Count Ansfried, who lived in the second half of the tenth century. In 1482, the castle came into the hands of the de Merode family, after which they bought off the ownership rights in 1620. The domain has been in their possession ever since. Jan-Philips-Eugeen de Merode (1674-1732), Grande of Spain, Knight of the Golden Fleece and Field Marshal General of the Imperial Armies of Austria, had a network of roads built through his domain and embellished the castle. The family slogan "plus d'honneur que d'honneurs" certainly applied to him. The Castle of Merode is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes of Merode.

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Els

April 6, 2021

This massive structure owes its picturesque appearance to the four bay turrets at the corners. A castle is said to have stood here as early as 1066 and the oldest part, the castle tower with 2.5 m thick walls, dates from around 1300 when the lords of Wezemaal laid the foundations for the current castle. The 60-hectare park with a pond is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Kempen. The castle, which is still inhabited by the princely family, can only be visited during the annual Castle Feasts, in July.

source: hiking guide - GR5/E2 'North Sea - Riviera' Low Countries Route

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Elevation 50 m

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Tuesday 16 September

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Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Location: Westerlo, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

De Merode Castle

1. Westerlo: Walking between castles and water

2. Rietvijver – Averbode Abbey loop from Westerlo

3. De Merode Castle – Meanders of the Grote Nete loop from Tongerlo

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