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Hoogstraten

Hoogstraten Prison (Former Castle)

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Hoogstraten Prison (Former Castle)

Recommended by 36 hikers out of 38

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    Best Hikes to Hoogstraten Prison (Former Castle)

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    1. The Laermolen Watermill – 't Withof loop from Hoogstraten

    6.38km

    01:37

    10m

    10m

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

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    Easy

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Tips

    August 3, 2025

    The former castle of Hoogstraten, also known as Gelmelslot, is a castle with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Today, the castle serves as a Penitentiary School Center (PSC), a penitentiary where inmates receive vocational training.
    The castle has served various purposes over the years. Built in the 16th century by Rombout II Keldermans, a renowned architect, it originally served a defensive purpose. In the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire and later looted. After a period of decline, the castle was used as a beggar's asylum, agricultural colony, and refuge in the 19th century. Since 1931, it has been used as a Penitentiary School Center, the only penitentiary in Flanders where inmates systematically receive vocational training.

    Translated by Google •

      August 3, 2025

      The castle is surrounded by a moat and an estate of approximately 70 hectares, including meadows and farmland. The castle is not open to the public due to its function as a prison.
      In the past, the castle also played a role in the Eighty Years' War, where it played a significant role in the battle between Spanish and Dutch troops, according to BENEGO.

      Translated by Google •

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        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 20 m

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          Wednesday 29 October

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          70 %

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          Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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          Location: Hoogstraten, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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