Vrieselhof

Vrieselhof is a provincial green domain in Oelegem, a village within the municipality of Ranst, sitting on the border between the Antwerp region and the Kempen. The estate stretches through the valley of the Groot Schijn river and combines a historic castle, an extensive landscaped park, and woodland and grassland areas open to walkers and cyclists.

Where does the name Vrieselhof come from?

The name dates back to the 14th century, when the nobleman Jan van Vriesele bought a piece of land here for his daughter. The estate changed hands several times over the centuries but remarkably kept its original name throughout.

How did the van Halmale family shape the park?

For a long stretch of its history the estate belonged to the van Halmale family, whose members served as mayors of Antwerp. Around 1750, Alphons-Ignace van Halmale had the park redesigned into a layout that has largely survived to this day, featuring tree-lined avenues, wooded sections, and a romantic pond. He died without children, and after the French Revolution the estate was sold.

What happened to the castle during the First World War?

The castle of the Vrieselhof domain was completely destroyed during the First World War. It was rebuilt afterward by Count de Brouckhoven de Bergeyck in a style inspired by the neo-Flemish Renaissance.

When did Vrieselhof become a public domain?

In 1974 the province of Antwerp purchased the estate from Count Daniël de Brouckhoven de Bergeyck and two unmarried sisters from his family. The park opened to the public on 1 May 1975, though the count and his family were allowed to keep living on the site until the end of that year. The province was drawn to the scenic setting and natural beauty of this unique corner of the Schijn valley and wanted to turn it into a public domain for walkers and cyclists.

What is the castle building used for today?

After the province took over, the castle building served several purposes over time, housing a Textile Museum and later a Centre for Library Studies. Today it is home to organizations focused on nature conservation and heritage. In 2020, large-scale nature development works were carried out with European and Flemish support to turn the domain into a natural water buffer.

What walking routes does the park offer?

The domain has three marked walking routes of 1.5 km, 2 km, and 3 km, identifiable by colored trail markers on wooden posts. The terrain combines forest, grassland, and heathland, and its position at the meeting point of the Antwerp region and the Kempen gives it a varied natural landscape.

What is there for children visiting the domain?

Families with children can choose from several options: the adventurous Oelepad trail, the discovery tour "Heroes of the Animal Woods," a dice game, and a play forest. In the Sterbos, just behind the castle, children can play freely among the trees.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Vrieselhof located? The domain is located at Schildesteenweg 95 in Oelegem, a village that is part of the municipality of Ranst, in the province of Antwerp.

Are there picnic spots or food facilities in the park? Yes, the domain has food and drink facilities as well as designated picnic spots spread across different areas of the park.

Is entry to the park free? The domain is open from sunrise to sunset; for details on any charges for specific activities, it's best to contact the domain directly by phone at +32 3 312 98 78 or by email at [email protected].

What makes Vrieselhof different from other castle parks in the Antwerp region? Its history stretches back to the 14th century and includes centuries under the van Halmale family, the complete destruction of the castle during the First World War, and its postwar reconstruction in neo-Flemish Renaissance style — combining a layered historical background with the role of a modern nature and recreation area.