Frequently asked questions

The Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, is a moated medieval stone castle in the centre of Ghent, built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. It is the most complete castle of its kind in Flanders, with curtain walls, a central keep and ramparts you can walk, all rising straight out of the water in the heart of the old city.

Yes — the audioguide is included with every ticket and is never a paid add-on. It is voiced by the Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez, who tells the castle's history of knights, sieges and beheadings with humour, and it is the highlight of the visit for most people.

Wouter Deprez is a well-known Flemish comedian. He narrates the Gravensteen audioguide, turning the castle's grim medieval history into something genuinely funny — visitors of all ages tend to come down the ramparts laughing. The comedic tour is included free with your ticket.

On the Sint-Veerleplein, in the very heart of Ghent's medieval centre. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Korenmarkt and the canals, and an easy walk from St Bavo's Cathedral and the main squares, so it is simple to reach on foot from anywhere in the old town.

The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 16:40. It is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January. Because the slot you choose must fall within these hours, we confirm your timed entry against the current schedule when we book.

Yes. Entry is timed — you choose a day and a time slot, and your ticket reserves that window. We book your preferred slot for you so you can arrive and walk straight in rather than queue for whatever's left, which matters most on busy summer weekends.

Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for the castle and the full audioguide. You can spend longer on the ramparts and at the top of the keep, where the views over Ghent's rooftops and canals are worth lingering over.

It is a genuine medieval building, with steep, uneven stone staircases up to the ramparts and the keep and no lift. Reasonably mobile visitors of most ages manage it comfortably, but it isn't suitable for those who can't manage stairs, and good footing helps on the worn steps.

No. You receive a mobile e-ticket with a QR code that you simply show on your phone at the gate — nothing to print and nothing to collect in advance. You pick up the audioguide handset inside the castle.

Yes. There is a reduced young-adult ticket for visitors aged 19 to 25, which includes the same full access and the comedian's audioguide. Please bring photo ID showing your age, as it may be checked at the gate. Children under 12 and certain other groups have their own arrangements at the castle.

No. The Gravensteen is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ghent's medieval belfry is separately inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France, but that is a different monument. The castle is Ghent's defining medieval landmark in its own right.

Easily — it's one of the best stops on a day on foot. From the castle you're minutes from the Korenmarkt, the Graslei and Korenlei canals, St Bavo's Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, and the belfry. Booking a morning slot lets you do the castle first and wander the old town afterwards.

The audioguide is offered in several languages. The comedic version voiced by Wouter Deprez is the one most international visitors choose in English, and it is what makes the visit so memorable. You collect the handset inside the castle; there is nothing to download.