Visit the royal greenhouses of LAEKEN 2024
Updated on July 5, 2024 by Pierre
If you appreciate natural wonders and elegant architecture, the Laeken Greenhouses are a must-see in Brussels. These royal greenhouses, located in the gardens of Laeken Castle, house an impressive collection of exotic and tropical plants, as well as beautifully preserved historic greenhouses. Open to the public for a few weeks each year, the Laeken Greenhouses offer a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore green spaces filled with captivating colors and scents. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at these botanical treasures during your visit to Brussels. Learn more in this article!
What can I discover in these royal greenhouses?
As they have every year for the past century, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Castle (also known as the Koninklijke Serres) open their doors in the spring. For approximately three weeks, the public can visit Laeken Castle , Avenue du Parc Royal – 1020 Brussels (Laeken), to explore one of its floral wonders and admire numerous rare species. They could be considered one of the most beautiful parks and gardens in the city ! Every year, more than 100.000 visitors come to see them.
Many of you have been asking about the entrance fee to visit the greenhouses, the opening hours , the history, as well as standard information such as parking and where to buy tickets online in advance for the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken. So we've written a short blog post to help you plan your 2024 visit!
We visited it in 2019 and it remains one of our favorite spring activities with the children in Brussels . In 2020, it had to close its doors. Be sure to add this to your Brussels itinerary.
You will have the opportunity to take a 3KM or 2KM walk.
What is the history of the Royal Greenhouses of LAEKEN (Brussels)?
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are among Brussels' most popular landmarks. Their construction in Belgium dates back to the 19th century. To be precise, they were built in 1873. Their creator, the architect Alphonse Balat, designed them for King Leopold II , a fervent lover of flowers and plants, particularly camellias. This plant was one of his favorites during his travels.
At the time, this metal and glass structure represented an architectural feat. Balat envisioned it as a glass city in the heart of a hilly landscape . The result is impressive pavilions, wide galleries , and glass domes crisscrossing the grounds like covered streets. A spectacular innovation, somewhat reminiscent of the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert.
The current collection of plants in the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken shines in 3 exceptional aspects:
- 🏰She conserve treasured heirloom plants some first plantations of King Leopold II, thus preserving a historic botanical heritage.
- 🌱Today’s plantations remain faithful to the very essence of the first designs, thus perpetuating the initial spirit which animated them.
- 💎Walking through the aisles of the Royal Greenhouses, we discover a profusion of rare plants, real plant gems, adding a touch of unique splendor to this exceptional environment.
Where to book your ticket to visit the royal greenhouses of LAEKEN in 2024?
The greenhouses were built in connection with Laeken Castle. For a century, they have been open to the public for a few weeks each year , always in the spring. Don't miss the opportunity to discover a monument that has left its mark on Belgian heritage. Come as a couple or with children to admire the architecture and the collections of flowers and plants. Some exotic varieties were brought back directly by King Leopold II during his expeditions to the Congo.
Importantly, due to COVID-19, only a limited number of visitors can be admitted this year. Visitors are encouraged to book their visit to the Royal Greenhouses in advance on the official website. Please note that it is not possible to book or purchase tickets on-site.
A long walk (approximately 2.5 hours) or a short walk (approximately 1.5 hours). Evening walks will take place from Friday to Sunday evening, as well as on Monday, May 20th. Only the short route will be accessible during these evening walks.
Your walk will begin with a stroll through the gardens of the Royal Estate. The route also allows visitors to discover the semicircular rose garden, Queen Elisabeth's workshop, and the ruins of a temple on the edge of one of the ponds… In short, extraordinary architectural features adorn the gardens.
Next, you will head inside. There you will be able to explore the interior of the largest greenhouses. These include:
- la Congo Greenhouse (with its subtropical plants),
- the greenhouse the Pier,
- la Winter garden (dome-shaped)
- L'Orangerie (where orange trees, laurels and camellias winter).
Information on entry prices, address and opening hours of the Serres
- Entrance prices to visit the Royal Greenhouses 2024:
Price and discount: 6 euros/person . Free for children under 12.
The money collected will be used for the Queen's Works and for restoration operations of works of art from the Royal Collection (sculptures, paintings, furniture, tableware, etc.) that adorn the Palaces. You can book for a maximum of 6 visitors at a time (including children). Large groups are not allowed.
- Visit address to Serres Royales de Laeken 2024:
The entrance and exit are located at the main gates of Laeken Castle: Laeken Castle, Avenue du Parc Royal – 1020 Brussels (Laeken)
- Serres Royales 2024 visit schedule:
You can visit the greenhouses from April 26th to May 20th, 2024. Please note that guided tours of the greenhouses are unfortunately not available. The greenhouses are not open continuously; please check the official schedule and closing times. They are generally open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Check the schedule on the official website of the Laeken greenhouses.
- Access and parking at the Serres Royales 2024
You can easily reach it by train (SNCB); Bockstael station is the closest, approximately 900 meters away. For the STIB (Brussels public transport company), the three closest stops are SCHOLA EUROPEA and SERRES ROYALES, both about 200 meters away. For VILLO bike-sharing enthusiasts, the KAREL BOGAERT station is approximately 732 meters away.
For those looking for a car park, it is just opposite the Château de Laeken, Avenue de la Dynastie.
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2024 visit plan
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
