Go back into time on the former royal estate 'Pietersheim' (covering 76 ha!) that features the 12th-century ‘Waterburcht’ (water castle). In the visitors’ lounge, you'll learn all about the estate’s glorious history. The petting zoo with playground is great fun for the little ones.
Pietersheim water castle
Soak up the historic past of the medieval Water Castle.
Via the floating walkway, you will travel back in time of knights and damsels. Moreover, upon entering the courtyard, you will be treated to the beautiful green view offered by Pietersheim Domain.
Visit
Visit the moated castle individually or in a group. The floating walkway also makes this ruin accessible to less mobile visitors. In the visitor centre, you can learn all about the history of the knights and damsels who used to live there. Young visitors have fun with various interactive games. Finish your visit in the shop where both children and adults can get their own souvenir. How about your own knight's helmet or sword? The comic strip of ‘Jan van Pietersheim’ is also sure to be a lasting reminder of your visit.
Please note: from the autumn to the Easter holidays, the Castle of Water is only accessible with a guide. Outside this period, you are free to visit the Castle of Water during opening hours.
Group visits
Want to give your visit to the moated castle an extra historical touch? Then follow a guided tour with a guide. He or she will be happy to tell you the wonderful stories of this noble site. We divide the groups up to a maximum of 25 people per guide. For larger groups, we deploy several guides at the same time. Non-native speakers are also welcome. The tour is also available in French, German and English.
A guided tour is possible at any time of day, any day of the week. However, reservations must be made in good time. On average, a guided tour lasts 1.30 hours, but it can also be shortened.
You can book your group visit by calling +32 89 712 120 or .
Practical
Price:
Entry to the Moated Castle is free.
Guided tour is €60 for the guide.
Parking:
You can easily park in the visitor car park just a 5-minute walk from the Castle of Water.
Range of hikes
The 'Pietersheim' hiking area boasts eight signposted hiking loops, four of which start at the entrance gate ('Waterburcht' (water castle)), while the others are accessible from pick-up places nearby.
In a nutshell:
- beech tree-lined avenues
- ‘Waterburcht’ (water castle)
- myrtle
- stream valleys
- steep slopes
- wet heathland
Hiking trails in Pietersheim
View all our hiking routes on Komoot's map. You can also use this app to navigate hiking routes on the spot. Learn more about Komoot, and the maps worth €8.99 you receive free from us.
Petting Zoo
For more than 25 years, the petting zoo has been one of the most enjoyable day attractions in Belgian Limburg. It offers a combination of educational and recreational opportunities for both young and old.
Farm animals
Cosy strolls among the many farm animals ... an experience for every child. In the meeting meadow, you can get to know some of our four-legged residents up close. The children's farm also has horses, pigs, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, deer, ducks, geese and cows.
The House of Lotte & Giel
Don't forget to visit the House of Lotte & Giel, a small livestock house for rabbits and poultry. You can admire different breeds there while various info panels and interactive games provide more interpretation.
Feeding and care
With good intentions, many petting zoo visitors bring old bread or kitchen table scraps to feed to the animals. Alone, however, this does not benefit the farm animals.
Wrong food
Often this includes food that is not suitable for them such as: biscuits, crackers, (mouldy) bread, ... This can make them very sick. In addition, it can cause annoying behavioural changes. Moreover, all that extra food attracts unwanted guests such as pests.
All their own diet
All animals at the petting zoo follow an adapted diet that is tailored exactly to what the animal needs. Also in terms of portions, we make sure they eat in moderation. This ensures that we can monitor their health perfectly and prevent them from getting sick. After all, fat animals are not healthy animals. Moreover, it is forbidden by law to feed them kitchen scraps because it can promote disease.
What is allowed?
Enjoy their presence, take a nice selfie with them. But leave the grooming to us.
Veterinarian
The welfare of our animals is paramount, so we surround the petting zoo residents with the best possible care.
All animals - from large to small - are supervised by Daniel Steffens. He examines and treats the animals preventively every three months. If an animal is sick in the meantime or we notice a problem, the vet comes as soon as possible to administer the appropriate care as soon as possible.
Do you notice a problem in an animal during your visit? Or do you have a question? Then speak to one of our staff or e-mail us at .
Accommodation and catering
- Café-restaurant Hoeve ‘Pietersheim’ (at the playground).
www.traiteurjaco.be - T: +32 89 72 14 61 - Group accommodation: groups of 20 up to 68 people can stay at the lodging house cheaply, either on a self-catering or full-board basis.
T: +32 89 71 21 20 - E: - Pietersheim Castle
www.pietersheim.com - T: +32 89 217 207
Bike rental
Information and reservation T: +32 89 71 21 20 (during office hours)
‘Pietersheim’ is between junctions 131 and 140
Practical Information
‘Waterburcht’ (water castle)
Check the opening hours of the moated castle at this link: www.visitlanaken.be/waterburcht
Petting zoo and playground
Check opening hours via this link
- Admission is free
- T: +32 89 71 21 20 - E: visit@lanaken.be
Location
Car park ‘Waterburcht’ (water castle): Waterstraat, 3620 Lanaken
Petting zoo car park: Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken
Nearest busstop: Lanaken Wijngaardstraat
Lotte and Giel’s House
Playground
