FAQ
Feel the heartbeat of historyHere you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions from our visitors.
Can't find an answer to your question? Then contact us by phone on +32 (0)2 531 01 30 or by mail.
1. Accessibility
How far is the walk to the castle?
From the (bicycle) car park, the Entrance Building or the bus stop, it's about a 600-meter walk to Gaasbeek Castle. The main driveway consists of small pebbles and is easily passable.
Are you unsteady on your feet?
Then we can allow you to drive your car, at walking pace, through the park to drop someone off and pick them up at the castle gate. You may not leave your car at the castle during your visit. So you must return it immediately to the car park at the Entrance Building. Please let us know in advance, by phone or email.
Are you unsteady on your feet and visiting on your own? On weekdays, a castle staff member can take you from the Entrance Building to the castle entrance by golf buggy. Please let us know in advance by phone or email.
Are there wheelchairs?
There are currently no wheelchairs available at Gaasbeek Castle. In the reception area of the castle, folding chairs are provided; you can take these with you during your visit.
2. What's on offer at Gaasbeek Castle?
For families and children?
Inside the castle, families and children can go on adventures with Mouse Arnoldus, the castle's little guardian. In this exciting quest with fun tasks, you can help mouse Arnoldus earn his knight's diploma.
During the main holidays, in the castle park and Inner Garden, there is the Treasures of Fly quest (only available in Dutch and French).
Both quests are geared toward children aged 6-12.
In the castle Stable, children can have fun with colouring pages and other creative materials in a beautiful setting.
In the Museum Garden, you can search together for Tilia the bee, who has fun tasks for you. Ask for the brochure from the supervisor in the Museum Garden.
For adults?
At the castle, under the heading 'Rebel echoes - 800 years of stories, 100 years of museum', you can learn about the castle, its residents and the castle collection. After a thorough restoration, the castle is once again shining, in all its glory. With a new backdrop, the castle collection enters into dialogue with contemporary works of art. The visitors' guide includes fictional letter excerpts from former castle residents, written by author and art historian Leen Huet, and a folder with a floor plan and information on contemporary reflections.
From 1 April to 3 November, visit Caffè Carletto in the castle's Inner Garden for a drink and cake.
The castle is the centre of a 49-acre park that lends itself to unwinding and enjoying relaxing walks.
Every first Sunday of the month between 1 and 5pm, you can visit the park buildings free of charge. Only at these times can you admire the altarpiece by Flemish Master Gerard Seghers (temporarily a reproduction) and the stained glass window by contemporary artist Ben Sledsens in Saint Gertrude's Chapel or the lush stucco ceiling of the Gloriette from the inside.
You can also visit the Museum Garden, a fantastic example of living heritage.
For groups?
You can request a tour (min. four weeks in advance). During the tour, a guide will take you through the castle and tell you about its history, its intriguing residents and contemporary works of art.
Groups consist of a maximum of 15 people per guide and the tour lasts an hour and a half. The cost per guide is 80 euros. In addition, every visitor over 18 years old pays the 8 euros entrance fee to the castle. Discount cards and Museum passes are not valid on group visits. A request can be made by emailing bezoek.gaasbeek@vlaanderen.be.
3. Facilities
Can your baby buggy be safely stored during the museum visit?
Yes, that's fine. A baby buggy or stroller is not allowed inside the castle but can be safely left at the castle reception. Here, there is always a guard keeping an eye on things. It is also best to bring a baby carrier when visiting with a baby.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed in the Castle, Inner Garden or Museum Garden. Dogs are allowed in the park on a lead. However, assistance dogs are allowed to accompany their owner anywhere during their visit.
Is there somewhere to eat nearby?
At Klein Nederlo (closed from 21/08 to 12/09)
At D'Act (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
At Molensteen (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
At Land van Gaasbeek (closed Saturday and Sunday)
At Krijmerie van Gaasbeek (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Where can you have a drink?
From 1 April to 3 November, visit Caffè Carletto in the castle's courtyard garden. Here you can enjoy a drink or cake. Those with bigger appetites should look for a nearby brasserie or restaurant.
Work on the Brasserie in the Park is in full swing. Completion is scheduled for 2025.
Can you have a picnic?
Yes, in the park. Some picnic tables are provided next to Sint-Gertrudisvijver (Saint Gertrude Pond). You are not allowed to picnic in the castle's Inner Garden.
Is there somewhere to stay nearby?
We can recommend the following places to stay overnight:
Klein Nederlo, B&B St-Hubert, Trionfo and De Windheer.
What is there to do in the area?
There is a lot to discover and experience near the castle and, by extension, the Pajottenland and the Green Belt. Take a look at the Tourism Flemish Brabant website. The region is especially good for long and challenging hiking and biking tours.
For more inspiration:
» Municipality of Lennik website
» Brewery Lindemans
» Rozentuin
» Walking
» Cycling
Are you allowed inside with backpacks and coats?
Works of art are fragile. To prevent damage, please do not bring coats, larger bags, backpacks or umbrellas into the museum. A limited number of lockers are provided in the castle reception area to store your belongings. Lockers are available from 10am to 5.45pm.
We are not liable for loss, damage or theft of personal property.
How long does a visit last?
Of course, that's entirely up to you but it's best to allow about an hour and a half for a castle visit. A visit to the museum garden lasts about an hour.
It is about a 7-10 minute walk (600 meters) from the car park/bus stop/entrance building to the castle.
At what time do admissions stop?
The last admission to the castle and Inner Garden is at 5pm. Visitors are asked to leave the castle 15 minutes before closing time. If you have purchased a combination ticket, make sure you allow enough time to visit both the castle and the Museum Garden. You choose the order, but don't forget the last admission time.
What are the busiest times?
Weekends - especially Sundays - are the busiest, especially in the afternoon. Groups tend to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays are Family Days, so if you're not keen on noisy children, you'd be better off visiting the castle at another time.
On Friday morning, we take it easy. During Slow Mornings, the music is turned off and we do not host groups. Ideal for those who like to visit the castle in peace and quiet.
Is there a shop?
Yes, you can find the museum shop in the Entrance Building at the park entrance. You can browse through (children's) books, gadgets, gardening supplies and toys before or after your visit. The shop is open until 5pm (from October until 4pm).
Is the Museum Pass valid?
Yes, both for the castle and the Museum Garden. Please note: the Museum Pass is not valid for guided tours. The standard group rate of €8 per participant applies here.
Don't have a Museum Pass yet but would like one? We sell them in the Entrance Building.
Can the castle be used as a photo or video location?
No permission is required for short photo and film shoots, as long as they are intended for non-commercial, private purposes. This means all shots without professional framing (use of tripod, additional lighting, flash, selfie sticks, drones, extras, models, scenery, etc.) that do not involve staff or other visitors.
Wedding or communion photos may be taken in the Inner Garden on weekdays, when it is not too crowded.
Permission is required for all other photo and film shoots. Please contact zaalverhuur.gaasbeek@vlaanderen.be
Want to use the park as a photo or video location? Then you can turn to the Agency for Nature and Forests.
Anything missing? Let us know.
Are you missing certain information? Does anything remain unclear? Do you still have questions? Feel free to notify us by sending an email to kasteelvangaasbeek@vlaanderen.be.
We hope you enjoy your visit!