When you think of a getaway to nature, forests and botanical gardens often come to mind. Yet arboretums are just as worth a visit. True open-air museums, they bring together hundreds of species of trees and shrubs from all corners of the world, offering a different spectacle with each season. Less than two hours from Brussels, these five arboretums invite you to slow down and set out to discover landscapes that are as peaceful as they are fascinating.
Tervuren Geographical Arboretum
Just a few kilometers from Brussels,the Tervuren Geographical Arboretum is a true invitation to travel… without leaving Belgium. Created in the early 20th century at the initiative of King Leopold II, this nearly 100-hectare estate brings together more than 700 species of trees native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Unlike a traditional arboretum, the trees here are grouped by region of the world to recreate the forest landscapes of their natural habitats. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll pass from towering California redwoods to Japanese maples, traversing forests inspired by the Caucasus or the Andes. It’s a walk that’s as exotic as it is peaceful, and particularly spectacular in spring and fall.
Kalmthout Arboretum
Just over an hour from Brussels,the Kalmthout Arboretum is one of Belgium’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Founded in 1856, this 12.5-hectare estate is home to one of Europe’s most extensive collections of trees and shrubs, with more than 7,000 species and varieties from all corners of the world. Magnolias, Japanese maples, camellias, hydrangeas, and rare conifers line the paths, offering a spectacular setting that changes with the seasons. Whether you come to admire the spring blooms, the flamboyant autumn foliage, or simply to enjoy the tranquility of the grounds, every visit holds its own share of discoveries.
The Bokrijk Arboretum
In the heart of the vast Bokrijk estate, famous for its open-air museum, lies another treasure: a superb 18-hectare arboretum that brings together several hundred species of trees and shrubs from all corners of the world. Created in the 1960s, it offers a particularly pleasant stroll among majestic beech trees, magnolias, maples, rare conifers, and impressive giant sequoias. Far from the hustle and bustle, the paths invite you to take your time admiring the changing colors throughout the seasons, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in this veritable botanical museum.
The Robert Lenoir Arboretum
Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, the Robert Lenoir Arboretum is one of Belgium’s most remarkable… and yet one of its least known. Created in 1937 by botany enthusiast Robert Lenoir, this 22-hectare estate is home to more than 3,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The trail winds its way through sequoias, majestic beech trees, rare maples, and numerous conifers, all set in a particularly peaceful, rolling landscape. Unlike other, more manicured arboretums, this one retains a very natural character, making it an ideal destination for both botany enthusiasts and hikers seeking tranquility.
The Heverleebos Arboretum
Less than 40 minutes from Brussels, the Heverleebos Arboretum is one of the least-known nature trails in Flemish Brabant. Created in 1930 for scientific purposes, this 9-hectare estate was originally intended to study how many exotic species adapted to the Belgian climate. Today, it is home to more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, both native and from all corners of the world. As you stroll along the trails, you’ll discover ginkgo trees, giant sequoias, katsuras (caramel trees), rare maples, and numerous conifers—all set in a particularly peaceful forest environment. With its rest areas and unspoiled atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for a rejuvenating walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
