Gravensteen
Ghent, Belgium
A moated medieval castle right in the middle of Ghent, with towers, a keep and a walkable rampart above the rooftops. Combine it with a stroll along the nearby canals, and arrive early to avoid queues.
The Gravensteen was built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace and replaced a castle that had burned down around 1176. At its heart is a mighty keep, surrounded by an oval curtain wall with 24 small turrets and a moat fed by the River Lys. The Counts of Flanders lived here until 1353; afterwards the complex served as a mint, later as a court and prison, and in the 19th century as a cotton mill.
Between 1893 and 1907 Joseph De Waele restored the castle in the neo-Gothic style, and some of his additions are not historically documented. Allow roughly one to two hours for a visit, and come early in the day to avoid queues. The castle stands in the middle of the old town and combines well with a stroll along the nearby canals.
- Nearest town
- Ghent, Belgium
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 51.0573, 3.7208
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Belgium: No motorway tolls for cars. Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent; register foreign vehicles. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Ghent: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping GroeneveldCampsite12 km from GravensteenTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camperplek GavereMotorhome stopover15 km from Gravensteen · 9 pitchesMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposalFree
- Camping BosrandCampsite15 km from GravensteenTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- 't HoutlandCampsite18 km from Gravensteen · 8 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Kampeerautoterrein Leihoek - MachelenMotorhome stopover20 km from Gravensteen · 8 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Bij de BieleputMotorhome stopover24 km from GravensteenMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Belgium · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gravensteen?
Gravensteen is in Ghent, Belgium, at GPS 51.0573, 3.7208. It is about 37 km from Damme.
Can you camp near Gravensteen?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Urban Gardens, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Gravensteen?
Places worth a stop nearby: Markt, Bruges (39 km), Zwin Nature Park (42 km), Atomium (47 km) and Grote Markt, Antwerp (51 km).
When is the best time to visit Gravensteen?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)