Schoten: Castles, Forts and Park Landscapes

Schoten combines protected cultural landscapes, historic fortifications and expansive park areas with paths that enable different ways of exploring. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can discover the town according to their own interests: an excursion might lead to a moated castle, explore the history of the Antwerp Fortress or pass through avenues and park landscapes.

Discover Castles and Fort History

Kasteel van Schoten is a special starting point for planning your trip. The estate has been designated a protected cultural-historic landscape since 11 September 1968. The castle includes a large park surrounded by a moat, with a pond, lawns, deciduous trees, a deer meadow, sports fields and a playground. Kasteeldreef connects the centre of Schoten with Kasteel van Schoten. The 700-metre-long double avenue of upright-growing beech trees gives this section a distinct landscape character.

Fort van Schoten also tells the story of the region's military past. It was built in 1885 as part of the defence system of the Antwerp Fortress, which was further expanded after 1875. The fort belongs to the “Centraal reduit” type and was intended to block the north-eastern access route to the Antwerp Fortress. Its original gun infrastructure is still largely preserved; apart from some interior walls, the fort is completely intact. For travellers interested in culture, Schoten therefore offers a different focus from a purely park-based visit.

Park Landscapes and Suitable Paths

Park Vordenstein lies on the outskirts of Schoten. The 110-hectare park area includes rare trees, broad avenues, open grassland and natural ponds. It also contains a woodland section in the French Baroque style. The Vordensteinpad offers a red, 3.5-kilometre walking route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Those who pay attention to a particular type of route when planning their day will find a clearly described option here, while the Kastelenroute (shortened loop around Schoten) is fully signposted with thematic signs and does not use numbered junctions.

Another aspect of the landscape is the location of Herenhoeve De List, which has been part of the Bonte Hannek nature area since 2019. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore take different holiday ideas into account: historic sites, designed parks, open landscapes or signposted paths. Above all, the holiday apartment or holiday home should suit your preferred daily rhythm and planned focuses.

Folklore as a Cultural Highlight

Hello!Schoten complements the cultural and historical themes with a lively tradition. The week-long folklore festival presents international dance ensembles that showcase culture and traditions through dance and music. Hello!Schoten was founded in 1959 in Schoten by members of a folklore group and the local tourist office. Those interested in regional customs and international encounters can include this focus in their personal travel planning without limiting their stay to a single experience.

More Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

For additional ideas of places to visit, you can also include Willebroek, Bonheiden, Lint, Baarle-Hertog, Retie, Ranst, Vorselaar and Zoersel in your research.

For the overarching travel overview: Province of Antwerp.