Royal Greenhouses Laeken

The Royal Greenhouses, located in Laeken, Brussels, are a magnificent complex of greenhouses that have been a source of fascination for visitors from all over the world. Here are practical tips to plan ahead your visit with the family, kids-friendly restaurants and more family activities nearby.

History

The Castle of Schonenberg was built on the initiative of the Austrian Archdukes and Governors-General of the Netherlands, Maria-Christina of Austria and Albrecht of Saxony-Teschen, designeded by French architect Charles de Wailly and executed by architect-contractor Louis Montoyer between 1781 and 1785. The castle gardens were designed in accordance with the instructions of well-known English landscape designer Lancelot (Capability) Brown

Designed in 1873 for King Leopold II by Alphonse Balat, the glass palace is open to the public once a year in spring for three weeks

The Greenhouses

The following greenhouses are open to the public:
*the Embarcadère Greenhouse, the reception area for guests in the past
*the square Congo Greenhouse with subtropical plants
*the domed Winter Garden with palm trees and tree ferns, among other things
*the Orangery, the overwintering location for the orange trees, laurel trees and camellias which are now arranged on the esplanade in front of the Orangery

The Winter Garden

Among the various sections of the greenhouses, one that stands out is the Winter Garden. This section is particularly noteworthy due to its grand size which allowed for the inclusion of tall palm trees, making it a popular venue for royal receptions.

The Winter Garden is a sight to behold, with its high ceilings and lush greenery creating a serene and calming environment. The design of the garden is such that it is perfect for hosting events and receptions, and the space can accommodate a large number of guests. The garden’s size is such that even tall palm trees can be accommodated, lending the space a regal and majestic feel.

The Pier

Another interesting feature of the Royal Greenhouses is the Pier, which was designed to receive guests. The Pier is a stunning section of the greenhouses that is home to medinillas from the Philippines.

These exotic plants are known for their vibrant pink and purple colors, and their presence in the Pier adds to the already impressive beauty of the Royal Greenhouses.

The Ponds

You pass by temple ruins at the edge of one of the ponds

Fun fact: Some of the plants belonging to King Leopold II’s original collections still exist

Overall, the Royal Greenhouses are a testament to the architectural and horticultural prowess of the people of Belgium. The Winter Garden and the Pier are just two examples of the stunning features that make up this awe-inspiring complex. A visit to the Royal Greenhouses is a must for anyone who loves nature, architecture, or just wants to experience the beauty of one of Europe’s most impressive attractions.

Practical Stuff

*Cost: EUR 5 for 12+ year olds
*You can book tickets here
*You can buy bottles of water and soft drinks at the end of the walk, also a shop with a few items to buy
*Stroller not-so-unfriendly 🙂 There are about 15 steps – but if you can carry the stroller for the steps, then you get to use the stroller for the rest of the walk!
*Dogs are not allowed
*Parking is available opposite of the entrance. Plan ahead for a bit of extra time in case the parking is full and they close it, you might need to park elsewhere
*Picnic is not allowed during the visit

Address

About 15 minutes drive from Schuman, Brussels (about 40 minutes by public transport)

You can park here (limited places, plan ahead for extra time in case the parking is full)
Avenue de la Dynastie, 1020 Bruxelles
https://goo.gl/maps/WRSAogzV3ocL3idJ6

And then you walk just to the opposite side of the street to enter:
Royal Greenhouses – Entrance2021
Avenue du Parc Royal 61, 1020 Bruxelles
https://goo.gl/maps/QpbJXfYGHWuF2TX49

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Kids-friendly Restaurants Nearby

At Laerbeek, there is a brasserie with a terrasse and a small playground next to it. There is also a much bigger playground near the brasserie and forest to walk around

You can find a great pop up summer bar nearby at Guinguette Andre with drinks and burgers. The exact location is here

There is a small park nearby where the Museum of Far East is located (the museum is closed) and you could have a picnic there at the grass. The exact location is here

Nearby

Meise Botanical Garden

Also great terrasse (paid entrance) at the Meise Botanic Garden – there is also a barefoot path and a pullable platform in the lake by the castle!

Laerbeek

At Laerbeek, there is a great playground there and a terrasse with a smaller playground next to it, also forest to walk around

Drie Fonteinen

Drie Fonteinen, a domain with a nice playground and a brasserie with a terrasse near the playground. It is perdect for a stroller friendly walk or kids cycling. Also ideal for picnic!

Ferme Nos Pilifs

You can also combine it with Ferme Nos Pilifs, there is also a terrasse there, a small sandpit and farm animals

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