Love strolling through nature? Antwerp is home to a surprising number of castle parks, where you can enjoy tranquillity, greenery, and heritage. From stately castles and an ecological swimming pond to international sculptures and historic graves: these parks offer the perfect urban retreat.
Middelheimmuseum
Art and nature
The Middelheimmuseum is a unique combination of park and open-air museum. Stroll along winding paths and across charming bridges and discover more than 200 sculptures by artists like Rodin, Panamarenko and De Bruyckere. Pack a picnic and find a shady spot to relax and unwind.
Tip: Stop by museum café MIKA in the castle for a drink and a bite to eat.
Nachtegalenpark
Three parks in one
Nachtegalenpark is a vast green space in the south of Antwerp. It’s made up of three interconnected parks, including the Middelheimmuseum. In Park Vogelenzang, you can stroll around a scenic pond and admire the deer in the small animal park. Children will love the playground with climbing frames and the family-friendly restaurant De Melkerij. Park Den Brandt is a beautifully maintained castle park with grassy lawns that are perfect for picnics.
Tip: The castle in Park Den Brandt forms the fairytale setting for the annual music festival Jazz Middelheim.
Rivierenhof
The largest park in Antwerp
Rivierenhof in Deurne is the city’s biggest park and is perfect for a long walk. Along the way, you’ll find a beautiful rose garden, an arboretum, a maze, a mini-golf course, a petting zoo, playgrounds, several sports fields, and a restaurant (Kasteel Rivierenhof). The park is also popular with runners.
Tip: Catch a concert at OLT, one of the country’s most picturesque outdoor concert venues.
Schoonselhof
Strolling through history
Located on the border of the Hoboken and Wilrijk districts, Schoonselhof is considered the country’s most beautiful park cemetery, often referred to as Antwerp’s own Père-Lachaise. Protected both as a landscape and a monument, visitors can stroll past the historic graves of famous Antwerp and Belgium figures, such as Paul van Ostaijen, Ferre Grignard, and Peter Benoit. You’ll also find majestic old trees, carefully maintained gardens, and a castle.
Tip: Looking for a specific grave? Stop by the reception desk for a free brochure.
Boekenbergpark
Castle park with ecological swimming pond
The undisputed hotspot of Boekenbergpark in Deurne is the ecological swimming pond – the biggest in Belgium. Here, you can swim for free from mid-May to the end of September. Wander through the park and admire the old tower ruins, the eighteenth-century cave complex, the Chinese tower, and Kasteel Boekenberg – a stunning castle in Rococo style.
Tip: Admire the beautiful architecture of the Unitaswijk, a residential neighbourhood located at the edge of the park.
Te Boelaerpark
Shady and cool in Borgerhout
Te Boelaerpark in Borgerhout is a popular park with locals and visitors alike, especially in summer. Cool off under one of the many shade trees or splash around in the fountain. Wander among majestic cedars, horse chestnuts, oaks, and an impressive tulip tree in this centuries-old park. Children will love the spacious playground. Though the castle itself is gone, the former orangery and coach house have been converted into a school.
Tip: Want to unwind after your walk? Stop by Bar Brul – a cosy café at the edge of the park.
Pick your perfect castle park
- Middelheimmuseum: stroll among world-class sculptures
- Nachtegalenpark: wander through three parks in one
- Rivierenhof: play, relax, and enjoy an open-air concert
- Schoonselhof: explore historic graves
- Boekenbergpark: swim in an ecological pond
- Te Boelaerpark: cool off and run wild