Walzin Castle

Nice and beautiful castle, very nice view from the viewpoint

The castle is jaw-dropping, wonderful, but the parking issue turned our visit into a bitter experience. Apparently parking is not allowed on Rue du Barrage and there were no signs. We had to pay a 125 EUR fine. There were many cars parked at the end of the road, so I think noone is aware of this, so be careful while parking.

Impressive! Around the castle, there are walking cycling paths but beware it can be muddy after rain. We saw different kinds of birds too, beautiful place!

This is absolutely one of the best castles of Belgium!! Perched at the top of a cliff, you can enjoy breathtaking views on it from below, as there is a path made for it! Just be aware that getting there by car is a o that easy as the roads are small and curved, but it's really worth it!

Haven't visited the castle but took a hiking route that led us up to this castle. Suddenly it appears high upon this rock. A beautiful site and stopped a bit further at the river and watermill to have a small picknick.

A peaceful hike round this castle in March. Not too many people. Saw a lot of birds in the trees.

Hidden less than 10 kilometers from the center of Dinant in the province Namur, district of Dréhance, the Walzin Castle (Château de Walzin) is probably the most beautiful castle in Belgium. Stands at a unique location: on top of a cliff just above the Lesse river, this Gothic-Revival castle is a classic example of a castle built on a natural feature, giving it a strategic advantage because of its overview of the surrounding terrain – recreating an actual eagle’s nest. This allowed the Walzin Castle, built in the 11th century – to be built as a residence and less as a pure fortress. Over the years, Walzin Castle was destroyed four times from land, leaving only the 11th-century watchtowers towers preserved. It survived various military attacks, such as those of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège in 1489 and the French army in 1554. The renovations started when Baron Alfred Brugmann bought the ruins in 1850. In 1881 these renovations were finished by the Spanish-Flemish architect Émile Janlet. Unfortunately, we have to consult paintings and drawings to know what the castle looked like at the time, because in 1930, Baron Frédéric Brugmann started a new round of renovations. These new renovations were led by architect Octave Flanneau, after which Walzin Castle got its current, well-known appearance in 1932. Something also worth mentioning is that the gardens of the castle were designed by architect Louis Julien Breydel, who is known for his works at the Botanical Garden in Brussels. While The Walzin Castle is – unfortunately – not open to the public, it still draws number of visitors, as the region around the Walzin Castle is known for its hiking paths, mountain bike trails, kayak trips and rope courses... Also lots of photographers travel here to to capture the castle, either from a cliff located several hundred meters next to the castle or cross the Lesse-river and photograph the castle from the field opposite the castle during the morning, which allows them to witness the fog and sunrise from a beautiful point of view. Visitors can also find some of Belgium’s most impressive castles and ruins around Dinant, such as: Castle of Vêves, Furfooz, Station Royale d’Ardenne, Rocher Bayard, Castle of Freÿr, Citadelle de Dinant, Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant, Grotte la Merveilleuse... Those would make it easy to spend a full day visiting Walzin Castle and its neighboring attractions. Just be noted: The road signs and the local population will refer to Château de Walzin instead of Walzin Castle, because it is located in Dinant - the French-speaking part of Belgium. * Some photos courtesy of Internet. Thanks!

Gorgeous castle very close to Dinant which is charming in itself. The castle itself is a private one and no entry is allowed. However, just nearby there's a beautiful little pathway to a bridge that crosses the small river to the other side. A small walk after you arrive at a gorgeous view of the castle! Definitely worth the trip. The whole area is magical.