Two days ago I wrote a little article about the natural wonder of the Hallerbos with it’s millions of blue bells, but also men can create natural beauty. Every year in spring you can admire the beauty of about 400 kinds of tulips, 28 sorts of hyacinths, 80 sorts of daffodils and also 40 varieties of other flower bulbs in the park of the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden. Thanks to the help of some major Dutch bulb producers the 14 hectare park is turned into a carpet of flowers and colors. More than 1.7 million bulbs are planted by hand every year. We went last weekend  and although it was already worthwhile a visit, the real splendor will reveal itself in the coming weeks. Besides the outdoor flower fields, you can also see some inside flower exhibits in one of the glass houses. Some lovely flower arrangements are on show here, next to some rather kitch features.

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When you finished your walk in between the flower fields, take some time to climb the enormous beautiful 12th century tower of the castle. This place has quite some history and construction of the castle started in the early 12th century by Almaric Bigard. Parts of the central gate house date back to the 14th century. In 1902, the castle was very dilapidated and Raymond Pelgrims Bigard began renovations that lasted 30 years. It’s amazing that the same noble family still lives here.

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For garden lovers there are also quite some flowers, bulbs and plants on sale as well. Don’t miss this, you still have time until 5th May 2019….and if you did miss it this year, you can take a change next year.

Castle of Groot Bijgaarden : Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden


By car

  • Coming from Mons, Charleroi, take the west ring road (Ring West) exit 11 and follow dir. Groot-Bijgaarden
  • Coming from Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, Namur, take the west ring road (Ring West) dir. Bergen-Mons, exit 11 and follow dir. Groot-Bijgaarden
  • Coming from Brussels center via the Basilica of Koekelberg, follow the avenue Charles-Quint, after the Basilix shopping center, turn right after the 2nd traffic light, follow dir. Groot-Bijgaarden.


By train/bus/tram

  • Groot-Bijgaarden station : follow  Brusselstraat towards the Gemeenteplein
  • Brussels South : bus De Lijn 136 – stop Kerk
  • Brussels North : bus De Lijn 355 – stop Kerk

Dates and hours: 3 April till 2 May 2020 / Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance Fee : 14 Euro

http://www.floralia-brussels.be/en