Loppem: Castle, Labyrinth and Parkland

Loppem combines an impressive castle history with paths through a varied park and landscape setting. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for culturally rich yet active days away will find a range of options here: a neo-Gothic castle, a historic labyrinth, signposted circular trails and nature experiences for different age groups.

Loppem Castle and its history

Loppem Castle is a neo-Gothic Gesamtkunstwerk. It was built between 1858 and 1863 and houses an art collection featuring works of art from the early Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century. The castle therefore offers a special insight into architecture, art and history, without requiring your travel plans to focus on a single era.

The history of the location also extends beyond the period of construction. Towards the end of the First World War, King Albert I stayed at Loppem Castle, where the government of Loppem was formed. The surviving interior of the Sint-Martinus Church in Loppem is purely neo-Gothic. The castle and church therefore offer two different perspectives on Loppem's cultural history.

Labyrinth, circular trails and special experiences

The Loppem labyrinth was designed by Albert and Ernest van Caloen in 1873. The castle park also has three signposted circular trails ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilometres in length. You can therefore choose between different trail lengths and fit a walk into your daily schedule without having to commit to a long hike.

One hike leads through the romantic castle park of Loppem. The “Wandelen door de kasteelgeschiedenis” podwalk is permanently available and starts at the car park. Those who would like to explore the local history in a different way can include the Theaterfietsroute Loppem in their plans; it starts at the Sint-Martinus Church in Loppem.

Nature and activities with children

The Kasteeldomein van Loppem estate includes wet and dry forests, parkland forest, woodland pastures, and fertilised and unfertilised grasslands. Birds can be observed at the Watermolenvijver pond. This diversity makes Loppem appealing for holidays in which cultural sightseeing alternates with peaceful moments in nature.

There are also specific options for families. “De Doolhofmol” is an educational game for children aged 6 to 9. You can have a picnic at the De Pierlapont nature playground, where children can play. This makes it possible to combine historical impressions, exercise and a relaxing break in your plans for the day together.

Accommodation and orientation in Loppem

When looking for accommodation in Loppem, you can consider which focus best suits your trip: the castle and art collection for culturally oriented days, the labyrinth and circular trails for walks, or the parkland, birdwatching and nature playground for varied hours with children. The Sportcentrum Loppem/Strooien Hane bus stop is about a two-minute walk from the labyrinth; the safest route is via the park path.

You can find more places for planning your trip in Deerlijk, De Panne, Staden, Houthulst, Diksmuide, Beernem, Jabbeke and Vleteren.

For the broader travel overview: West Flanders.