Royal Greenhouses
of Laeken

Walks in and around the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

According to annual traditions, from 26 April to 20 May, the Royal Greenhouses in Laeken will be open to visitors. Starting in 1873, Alphonse Balat, architect and tutor to Victor Horta, came up with a greenhouse complex designed to complement the classical style of the Palace of Laeken. The greenhouses were designed to offer the silhouette of a glass city, nestled into the undulating park landscape.

Visits to the greenhouses are both an indoor and outdoor experience. Once on site, you will be able to choose between a short (2 km) or long (3 km) visit. During the nocturnes, it is only possible to complete the shorter of the two.

On the long route, your visit begins with a walk through the gardens of the Royal Domain. There, you will first discover the wondrous architecture of the greenhouses from afar, exploring other special spots along the way, such as the temple ruins at the edge of one of the ponds or the rose arch. Once you have completed the outdoor leg of your visit, it is time to enter the greenhouses themselves.

For the short visit, you will only tour around the greenhouses.

The greenhouse complex is made up of the following areas:

• The Palm Plateau with the Debarcadère, the Palm Greenhouse, the Azalea Greenhouse, the Geranium Gallery, the Diana Greenhouse and the Mirror Greenhouse.
• The Embarcadère, formerly used as a guest reception area.
• The square Congo Greenhouse with its subtropical plants.
• The domed Winter Garden, complete with palm trees and tree ferns, among other species.
• The Orangery, where the camelias, orange and laurel trees are kept in over the winter months, and which are currently displayed on the esplanade in front of the Orangery.

On Tuesday, 14 May, we will be offering support for individuals with reduced mobility on an adapted route (2 km), with assistance available at critical points along the route. On this day, only the modified course will be available to all visitors. Attention, there are no wheelchairs for rent.

Download a map of the route here.