Bouillon Castle
Château de Bouillon
Belgium's oldest and best-preserved feudal castle. Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the Crusades, once held it as lord, and its walls, dungeons and birds-of-prey shows are all highlights.
The castle sits on a narrow rocky ridge encircled by the Semois River and is first recorded in the 10th century. In 1096, Godfrey of Bouillon sold the castle to fund the First Crusade. Inside are winding tunnels, dungeons, halls and 17th-century bastions reinforced by Vauban, and torch-lit night tours are held from time to time. In summer, birds-of-prey flying shows take place in the castle courtyard several times a day, with eagles, falcons and vultures swooping over visitors' heads. Admission is about 12–15 euros. The small town below is built along the river, where you can take a boat trip or visit the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the castle. Bouillon is about 60 km from Dinant, roughly 1 hour by car.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Redu Book Village
- Euro Space Center
- Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne
- Caves of Han-sur-Lesse & Wildlife Park
- Rochefort & Grotte de Lorette
- Château de Vêves
- Furfooz Nature Park
- Celles