A water castle, a protected mill complex and trails with different focuses give Ternat a distinctive cultural and landscape profile. When planning, it is worth keeping these themes separate: Kruikenburg tells the story of the former lordship, De Mot and the Klapscheutmolen represent other types of buildings and monuments, while the routes take you beyond individual buildings. This makes it possible to choose according to your interests without assuming a set order of visits.
Water Castle and Protected Buildings
Kasteel Kruikenburg was the seat of the Kruikenburg lordship. The water castle consists of three wings arranged in an almost U-shaped layout around a courtyard, which is enclosed by broad moats. The arrangement of the wings, courtyard and moats makes the complex a particularly clear example of this type of architecture. The surroundings are also part of the protected landscape area, including the grounds around the castle and the avenue connecting Kruikenburg with Sint-Gertrudiskerk.
Kasteel De Mot offers a different perspective on Ternat’s architectural history. The old town hall is a former castle that was once surrounded by water and built in the traditional brick-and-sandstone style. It was designated a protected monument by Royal Decree on 5 March 1958. At Kruikenburg, the wings around the courtyard are the main feature; at De Mot, the building’s former castle character and combination of construction materials shape its appearance.
Mill and Railway Station Architecture
The Klapscheutmolen is a grain watermill dating from 1572. The mill complex includes the mill building, milling equipment, millpond, distribution works and millrace. As a protected townscape, the complex encompasses more than just the mill building. It was designated on 10 June 1992, with individual components additionally listed on 9 July 1996. Those interested in historic milling technology will find not only the building here, but also the associated structures around the mill.
Ternat railway station adds an example of railway architecture to the town’s architectural history. The brick building has stepped volumes and a prominent tower dating from 1856. The station also belongs to a type designed by architect J.P. Cluysenaer in the mid-19th century for the Dender/Waas railway line. Ternat thus brings together different types of buildings: the castle complex, mill and railway station each reflect a different use and period of construction.
Trails Between Ternat and Kouterbroeken
There are several different options for outdoor activities. The Kastelenwandeling in Ternat is 8.8 kilometres long and starts at the sports centre. You can cycle, walk or jog along the GEN route, which follows the Brussels–Ghent railway line through Ternat. The Pol De Montwandeling passes through the Kouterbroeken nature area. The options therefore differ in length and starting point, the activities they are intended for, and their connection to the landscape.
If you would rather spend your time visiting protected buildings, Kruikenburg, De Mot and the Klapscheutmolen offer different architectural and historical points of interest. If you want to focus on outdoor activities, you can choose a route based on the activity or landscape. Route details may change, so check the latest information before setting out. When looking for a holiday apartment in Ternat, it helps to first decide whether architectural history or the routes described here better suit your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Wambeek, Tienen, Wijgmaal, Bekkevoort, Braine-L'alleud, Rebecq, Glabbeek, Corbais
For the broader travel guide: Brabant.
