Brussels, Belgium
5 green spaces to walk in Brussels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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