Two Pearls of Hageland

Horst castle and the town of Aarschot

Hageland, as the eastern part of the province of Flemish Brabant is commonly called, is a place full of natural beauty, which spoils you with choice to cherish its rich cultural and historical heritage. Horst Castle and the city of Aarschot will undoubtedly bear witness to this.

Horst Castle is a moated castle nestled in the green valley of the Wingebeek, between the Hageland hills. The Lords of Horst lived there until the 13th century and the characteristic keep dates from the 15th century. In the 17th century, Countess Maria-Anna van den Tympel not only commissioned the construction of 2 wings around the courtyard, but also carried out important decorative works. She also arranged the construction of the coach house, now a visitors and heritage centre and a cosy local café.

Did you know that the castle is home to the “Rode Ridder”, a famous Flemish comic strip by Willy Vandersteen.

Castle of Horst

The castle is currently undergoing restoration, mainly to improve and ensure the stability and solidity of the masonry and timber structures. These works started in 2020; they will last until 2026 and concern both the exterior and the interior.

After our visit to the Hofkamer in Antwerp and the warm welcome that Herita, the Flemish Heritage Foundation, offered us on the occasion of our 2024 end-of-year meeting, we will have the special privilege of seeing for ourselves, through a guided tour, what the restoration and renovation of historical sites means in practice.

Aarschot (upon Demer) is undoubtedly a city that offers visitors a range of cultural and historical highlights. The place is also known as the “sculpture city of the Hageland”. Indeed, sculptures – some real masterpieces – can be found all over the city, telling us fascinating stories about the rich cultural and economic heritage. During a guided “sculpture walk” in the city centre, we are taken along all the highlights of the city, the beguinage, the Church of Our Lady with the Peace Carillon, the large market square with its stately house facades, the ducal mills and the old guesthouse pharmacy. Finally, we are introduced to the rich history of local breweries and beers such as the typical “Aarschotse Bruine”.

Aarschot beguinage

Programme and practical arrangements

• 10:30-11.00: welcome coffee /tea in brasserie “ Wagenhuys”.
• 11:00-12.30: guided tour in English and Dutch of the castle and the restoration works in the presence of Herita officials and representatives of the contractor.
• 12:30- 14.15: lunch in brasserie “ Wagenhuys”. Lunch will consist of 2 courses including a glass of wine/beer/soft drink/water plus coffee or tea. Vegetarian or gluten free meals will be served to participants who indicated this at registration.
• 14:30- 15.00: departure to Aarschot (+/- 10 km or 15m ride via the N223 ).  The “Demervallei” parking offers ample parking space. From there it is a short walk to the  Grote Markt  where we will meet our guide at the “Demerwachter” sculpture.
• 15:00- 17.00: guided sculpture walk in city centre.

How to get there:

• By car: from Brussels take the E40 to Leuven/Luik-Liège . After about 14 km take the E314 to Genk/Leuven. After +/- 19km take exit 22 to N223 direction Aarschot/ Tielt-Winge. Then to the right to Luttelkolen and to the right again to the Horststraat. As parking of the castle is currently not available because of the renovation works, participants are advised to park along the Horststraat.
• By public transport: Since it is not self-evident to arrive at Kasteel Horst on time by public transport, the organizer would greatly appreciate it if members/participants declare themselves willing to carpool as much as possible or to indicate their willingness to offer a lift to less mobile participants.