Tourism Flanders (Toerisme Vlaanderen), Flemish Brabant Tourism (Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant) and Gaasbeek Castle launched a campaign that puts the rich range of castles on the Flemish Periphery (Vlaamse Rand) around Brussels in the spotlight – not only as cultural heritage, but also as tourist attractions for home and abroad. 

The campaign makes the link with Brussels and focuses on the unique, local character of each castle. The launch took place in Gaasbeek Castle. As part of the campaign, Toerisme Vlaanderen launched a promotional video starring the iconic Gaasbeek Castle and the medieval Brussels hero Everaard ’T Serclaes.

“Thousands of tourists line up every day on the Grand Place in Brussels in front of the statue of Everaard ’T Serclaes, but few know the story behind this medieval hero and the link with Gaasbeek Castle. With this campaign, we are bringing his legend back to life and creating a meaningful connection between the capital and the historic castles of the Green Belt (Groene Gordel)”, Peter De Wilde, CEO of Toerisme Vlaanderen, says.

This campaign fits within the broader strategy of Toerisme Vlaanderen, which focuses on the range of castles around a different Flemish art city each year. 

Ben Weyts (N-VA), Minister of the Flemish Periphery and Immovable Heritage: “We should be proud of what is here. And therefore also of the many castles that the Flemish Periphery has to offer. Gaasbeek Castle is a wonderful example of this: heritage that Flemish people can be proud of. Anyone who enters the domain immediately feels like they are in a chapter of the story of Flanders. With this tourist campaign, we want to connect this heritage asset with another strength of the Rand: our green environment. We have been focusing on this for years, with results: since 2019, more than 250,000 trees have been added.” 

Bart Temmerman, Secretary-General of the Department of Culture, Youth and Media: “Gaasbeek Castle is a place full of stories, in the shadow of the European capital. Here, as a visitor, you get to know 800 years of rich history, culture and nature and the former, somewhat rebellious, residents of the castle. They too made adventurous journeys to distant lands at the time and anchored the castle in an international context. We continue to strengthen these historical ties today, we are connected to countries such as France and Italy and to museums such as the Louvre and Musée de Cluny. We are very pleased with the attention the castle is receiving within this theme line of Tourism Flanders and are absolutely convinced that we also have a lot to offer the international visitor.”

Tom Dehaene (CD&V), Deputy for Tourism at the Province of Flemish Brabant: “The Green Belt around Brussels is known for its parks and gardens with beautiful castles. Just think of the Meise Botanical Garden with the Boechout Castle, the Tervuren Park with the Africa Museum or the Huizingen and Beersel Castles. All heritage gems surrounded by beautiful parks or walking areas. And all perfect for a day trip or more.”

Castles and gardens: Brussels and the Green Belt

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has a history that stretches back centuries. Long before Belgium became a nation, Brussels was the capital of the Duchy of Brabant. It was already a centre of power and prestige, protected by imposing castles built around the city to defend its significance.

During a visit to Brussels, travellers can trace the legacy of two key historical figures: Count Lamoraal van Egmont and Everaard t’Serclaes. Their stories guide visitors from the city to the castles and gardens of the green belt in Flemish Brabant. This area offers a welcome escape from the urban bustle, blending nature and heritage in routes suited to both walking and cycling.

Many sites in Brussels and the surrounding Green Belt, including Gaasbeek Castle, recount the life of Count Egmont, a prominent 16th-century nobleman who played a crucial role in the history of the Low Countries. 

Similarly, the story of Everaard t’Serclaes, a 14th-century Brussels alderman known for defending the city’s liberties, is remembered both in the capital—where tourists stop daily at his statue—and in the castles scattered around the city.

Following their historic paths leads visitors to a collection of castles each with its own character and story. Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is renowned for Floralia Brussels, an annual flower exhibition set in its expansive parkland. 

Bouchout Castle, located within Meise Botanical Garden, offers striking views over a landscape where nature and centuries-old history come together. 

Gaasbeek Castle presents a romantic setting rich in art and atmosphere, while Beersel Castle invites exploration of a well-preserved 15th-century fortified moated castle.

Coloma Castle, nestled in verdant surroundings, features a rose garden with over 3,000 varieties. Huizingen Castle, first mentioned in 1491, is set in a natural park teeming with flora and fauna. Tervuren Park and its historic ties further enrich the green belt’s offering of scenic beauty and cultural legacy.

Together, these castles and gardens form a living museum of the region’s past—a unique blend of history, architecture, and landscape just beyond the city limits of Brussels.

On tourism

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Exploring Brussels

• REVIEW | ‘Jules Verne 200: An Immersive Journey’ in Brussels.
• REVIEW | ‘A Century of Belgian Comics’ at the Comic(s) Art Museum Brussels by the Belgian Comic Strips Center.
• MUSEUM | House of European History in Brussels.
• Visiting the European Parliament in Brussels.
• RIDE & DINE | Brussels Tram Experience.
• REVIEW | M-Gallery Le Louise in Brussels.
• Inside the Royal Palace of Brussels.
• Brussels’ Atomium.
• REVIEW | Orient-Express exhibition at Train World, Brussels’ railway museum.
• The orange world of Design Museum Brussels.
• AfricaMuseum in Tervuren near Brussels.
• Brussels Planetarium.
• Brussels’ Gare Maritime.
• Brussels’ Pannenhuis Park and L28 Park.
• Brussels’ Senne Park.
• The Hotel. Brussels.
• REVIEW | ‘Royals & Trains’ exhibition at Train World in Brussels.
• Ducal and Imperial Palace of Coudenberg in Brussels.
• MIMA – Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art in Brussels.
• Villa Empain in Brussels.
• Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
• Autoworld automobile museum in Brussels.
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels, Belgium.
• Royal Military Museum, War Heritage Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
• PHOTOS | Train World railway museum in Brussels.
• Josaphat Park and residential Schaerbeek.
• BRUSSELS | BELvue Museum of Belgium.