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Brussels, Belgium

5 green spaces to walk in Brussels

08 December 2021

Brussels, the Belgian and European capital, is also the greenest capital in Europe with its 8,000 hectares of green spaces. We went to explore these unexpected and unusual green spaces near our home.


Here are some ideas for walking in the heart of nature in Brussels.

Green spaces map of Brussels

The Stuyvenberg Florist Gardens

Between the Atomium and Laeken Park are the Stuyvenberg Florist Gardens. Little known to Brussels residents, these are experimental gardens maintained by Brussels Environment. We visited them this summer and the gardens, built around two ponds, were adorned with a thousand colours attracting diverse wildlife.

 

For a beautiful panorama, we recommend climbing to the top of the wooden tower.

Gardens of the florist of Stuyvenberg in Brussels
Gardens of the florist of Stuyvenberg in Brussels
Gardens of the florist of Stuyvenberg in Brussels
Gardens of the florist of Stuyvenberg in Brussels

The Cinquantenaire Park

Near the European district and blooming every season, Parc du Cinquantenaire is Brussels' second largest park. Its 35 hectares are spread around the famous Cinquantenaire Arches, an arch with 3 doors built for Belgium's 50th anniversary. Next to it are the Military, Art & History, and Autoworld museums.  It's also a magical place to watch the sunrise or sunset in Brussels.

Arcades of the Cinquantenaire

The Cinquantenaire Park is alive all year round. You can take yoga or fitness classes, read a book, have a picnic with your family, or have a drink at the Guinguette Maurice. It hosts some Brussels events like Bright Brussels where you could find 2 light installations. The next edition of the latter is scheduled from February 10th to 13th, 2022.

Tulip rose in the park of the Cinquantenaire in Brussels
Park of the Cinquantenaire under the snow
Arcades of the Cinquantenaire at night

You can also find more unusual places like the miniature of the Tour de Tournai for a moment in Raiponce's world or the Grand Mosque of Brussels for a trip to the Middle East.

The tower of Tournai in the park of the Cinquantenaire
The Great Mosque of Brussels under the snow

Leopold Park

With its almost 7 hectares, Leopold Park is a small green oasis in the heart of the European district. Its pond is the legacy of the former Maelbeek valley. Close to the European institutions, it is popular with students who want to enjoy its peace and quiet during their lunch break.

 

At the edge of the park, you will find the Natural Sciences Museum: a great activity idea for children of all ages.

Leopold Park in Brussels

The Rouge-Cloître Estate

The Rouge-Cloître estate is the perfect place to escape the city. It is located at the entrance to Brussels, in the municipality of Auderghem and just a few meters from the ring. Yet when you enter the estate, time stops and nature unfolds before us.

Abbey of the Red Cloister in Auderghem

In the heart of the ancient Abbey and around the ponds that shelter exceptional fauna and flora. These make this place a nature reserve classified on the same level as the Soignes Forest and the happiness of hikers like us! Here are 2 walking ideas below to discover the Rouge-Cloître and its surroundings.

Practical Information

Itineraries
10 kilometers exploring Auderghem departing from the Rouge-Cloître • GPX track

4.30 kilometer walk in the heart of the Rouge-Cloître domain • GPX track
 

Parking options available under the E411 bridge and along the football stadium.

The Soignes Forest

The Soignes Forest is located southeast of Brussels and, with its 5,000 hectares of area, constitutes the green lung of the city. An ideal playground for cyclists, hikers, or Sunday family walks.

Aerial view of the Soignes Forest

Today, we take you to Watermael-Boitsfort for a walk immersed in the Soignes Forest. The route of the walk passes in front of the horseshoe pond (which has the shape of one) and the pond of the drowned children.

Forest of Soignes
Grey heron on the pond of the drowned children
Grey heron
Pond of the horseshoe

A few meters from the parking lot is the Uccle-Boitsfort racetrack, whose last horse races were held in 1987. Today, it has become a leisure and relaxation park open to everyone. You can find a golf course, walkers, scouts on weekends, and photographers who use the renovated stands as a giant fashion studio. It is also a perfect place to admire the sunset on hot summer days.

End of day at the golf course in the Boisfort Racecourse

Practical Information

Itinerary • Downloadable GPX track of our walk here

Parking • Google Maps location to find here

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