Arenberg Castle: A Blend of History and Learning

Discover the historical grandeur of Arenberg Castle in Leuven, a stunning blend of Flemish Renaissance architecture and serene parklands, now a vibrant KU Leuven campus.

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Arenberg Castle

Nestled in Heverlee, just outside Leuven, Arenberg Castle is a captivating blend of architectural styles and historical significance. Originally built in the 14th century and significantly expanded in the 16th, it showcases Flemish Renaissance design with later neo-Gothic renovations. Once home to noble families like the Croÿs and Arenbergs, the castle was gifted to Leuven University (KU Leuven) in the early 20th century and now serves as a prominent science and technology campus. Visitors can explore the surrounding Arenberg Park, a protected townscape, and admire the castle's exterior, reflecting centuries of history. While interior access may be limited, the castle's imposing presence and the tranquil park offer a delightful escape and a glimpse into Belgium's rich heritage, making it a worthwhile visit for history buffs and casual tourists alike. The castle is open to visitors from 7 AM to 11 PM every day except for Saturday and Sunday.

A brief summary to Arenberg Castle

Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, Leuven, Heverlee, 3001, BE
+3216322118
Visit website

Monday 7 am-11 pm
Tuesday 7 am-11 pm
Wednesday 7 am-11 pm
Thursday 7 am-11 pm
Friday 7 am-11 pm

Local tips

Explore Arenberg Park surrounding the castle for a relaxing walk and picturesque views of the Dijle River.
Check the KU Leuven website for information on guided tours of the castle interior, typically offered on weekends.
Be mindful of cyclists, as the Arenberg Park and surrounding areas are popular cycling routes for students and locals.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Leuven train station, take bus line 2 towards 'Heverlee Campus'. The bus departs frequently from platform 6 (or neighboring platforms). A single ticket costs €3 and can be purchased using a contactless card reader on the bus. Get off at the 'Kantineplein' stop. From there, Arenberg Castle is a short 100m walk. Alternatively, bus lines 12, 520, 537, 598, 79, and N8 also stop near Campus Arenberg I. Check the De Lijn app or website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis are readily available at Leuven train station. A taxi ride to Arenberg Castle typically costs between €10 and €20 and takes approximately 10 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt also operate in Leuven. Expect to pay a similar fare.
Walking

From the center of Leuven (e.g., Grote Markt), follow the Kardinaal Mercierlaan southwards. Continue for approximately one kilometer until you reach Kantineplein. Enter the park to your right. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.
Driving

From the E40 highway, follow the intersection with the E314, direction Genk/Hasselt/Leuven. Take exit 15 and follow signs for 'Leuven'. At the third traffic light, turn right towards Campus Arenberg onto Celestijnenlaan. After 500m, just before the bridge over the Dijle, you will see parking 'Arenberg - De Molen' on the left side. Parking is free in the green zone around Arenberg Castle, but spaces may be limited. Alternatively, visitors can request a code to access the 'Kapeldreef' car park.

Discover more about Arenberg Castle

Arenberg Castle, or Kasteel van Arenberg in Dutch, stands as a proud monument in Heverlee, a stone's throw from the vibrant city of Leuven. Its story is woven into the fabric of Belgian history, reflecting the changing fortunes of noble families and the enduring legacy of academic pursuit. The castle's origins trace back to the 14th century when it served as the stronghold of the lords of Heverlee. However, the castle we see today largely owes its appearance to the Croÿ family, who acquired the estate in 1445. Antoine I de Croÿ initiated a significant transformation, demolishing much of the medieval structure to make way for a more modern residence. His grandson, William de Croÿ, completed the ambitious project in 1515, crafting a castle that epitomized the Flemish Renaissance style. This architectural marvel featured a main wing constructed in the Brabant manner, characterized by alternating layers of brick and white stone. Adding to its grandeur were innovative towers adorned with octagonal roofs and onion-shaped spires, designed by the renowned Keldermans family of architects from Mechelen. The castle became a symbol of Renaissance architecture in the Low Countries, though some elements remained unfinished. In 1596, Charles III de Croÿ inherited the Duchy of Aarschot, including the castle. Under his patronage, military engineer Pierre le Poivre began work on completing the missing towers and wings. However, construction was once again interrupted when Charles III died in 1612, leaving the castle in a state of incompletion for over a century and a half. The castle then passed into the hands of the German House of Arenberg through marriage in 1612, remaining in their possession until World War I. During this period, Karel Maria Raymond of Arenberg modernized the castle in the 18th century, drawing inspiration from French fashion. He divided large rooms into smaller apartments and drawing rooms and commissioned an English landscape garden with exotic tree species around the castle. At the end of the eighteenth century, Lodewijk Engelbert of Arenberg, also known as “the blind duke” wanted to give the castle a neoclassical façade. However, the design drawn for it by the famous Parisian architect Charles de Wailly was never executed. During the nineteenth century, new living and working quarters were built around the castle's courtyard. Eventually, a fence closed off the entire courtyard. The castle also changed its appearance in another way. Even before World War I, the 8th Duke of Arenberg considered selling the castle and its grounds to the Catholic University of Leuven. Seized by the Belgian government due to the Arenberg family's German ties, the estate was eventually acquired by the university in 1921. This marked a new chapter for Arenberg Castle, transforming it into a hub for science and engineering. Since 1980, the entire Arenberg Castle has been protected and the area surrounding the castle – known today as Arenberg Park – is a protected townscape. Over the past century, KU Leuven has built a large science campus in the park, which includes research laboratories, classrooms, student housing, and sports infrastructure. Today, Arenberg Castle serves as a vibrant campus for KU Leuven, blending historical grandeur with modern academic life. While interior access may be limited to certain areas, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and admire the castle's architecture. The surrounding Arenberg Park provides a tranquil setting for a stroll, offering picturesque views of the castle and the Dijle River. The park is permanently accessible, but closed during storms and severe winds for safety reasons. Although the interior is not always accessible, guided tours are organized regularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings. These tours provide insights into the castle's history and allow visitors to appreciate the richly decorated drawing rooms. The price is € 15 per person. For groups of > 10 participants, the price is € 12 per person. For groups of < 10 participants, the price is € 120 per group. Schoolchildren and students pay € 6 per person. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Arenberg Castle offers a unique and enriching experience. Its blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural surroundings makes it a worthwhile destination for any visitor to Leuven.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Winabar

Arenberg Castle: A Blend of History and Learning

A brief summary to Arenberg Castle

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of Arenberg Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Arenberg Castle

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

BEST Leuven

The Park Playground VR OH Leuven

St. James the Apostle IOC, Leuven, Belgium

Christ Centered Church Leuven

Pater Damiaanplein

Mercurius

Sint-Antoniusberg

KU Leuven

Leuven Oude Markt

De Kotmadam Leuven

Het Besloten Land

Visit Leuven Tourist Information

De Romaanse Poort

Toerisme Leuven

M-Street art lodging

Unmissable attractions to see

Kasteelpark Arenberg

Onument Egenhoven

Spaans Kwartier

Catholic English Speaking Community of Leuven

Groot Begijnhof Leuven

Universitair Woonerf Groot Begijnhof De Kerckecamer

Mariapark

Egenhovenbos

Dijlepark

Muurschildering Frans Vermeylenstraat

Torentje

Janseniuspark

Botanical Garden

Sint Anthonius Kerk

Graftombe Pater Damiaan

Essential places to dine

Restaurant CumLaude

Arenberg

Couvert Couvert

La Filosofia

D'Artagnan

Taste

New Holy Cow

Tiflis

Raffat

De Nachtuil

Dewerf

DONKI

Brasserie Restaurant 't Oud Gasthuys

Savoury( Mu Thai LEUVEN)

Notre Dame

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

KARMA feel good store

Oxfam Bookshop Leuven

Rawette 2de Handsmerkkledij

KU Leuven University Shop

Hops 'N More

Objets Trouvés

Style Shop Leuven

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Animaux Spéciaux

Les Soeurs Store Leuven

LIV

Classix OOK Outlet

Mixte

Grasshopper

Brown Betty

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Winabar

Bar Del Sol