"Laken or Laeken (Dutch or the French spelling)" Laeken by irisbe

Laeken Travel Guide: 49 reviews and 111 photos

The royal domain at Laken

The story goes that during the 11th century, Laken became famous after the virgin Maria has apppeared there. It became a favorite place for pelgrimages.
Since the 19th century it became the residential place of the royal family.

Here was built the official residency Belvédère of the King in the midst of a royal garden.
In the middle of the park a memorial tower was build in remembrance of King Leopold I. The style is neogotic.

King Leopold II, a melomane King, wanted to turn this domain into a small "architectonic trip around the world".
He only succeeded in the erection of the Japanese tower and the Chinese pavilion.

The royal palace was renovated in 1890. Architect Poelaert (see my Brussels page about the Palace of Justice) has designed a new front that was built against the original 18th century one.

Royal stables at Laken

royal carriages

Since a couple of years you can also visit the Royal stables.
At every coach is a short description of who has been sitting in which one.
Unfortunately I didn't had anything to write with me so I will keep that info to add next year `-)

Royal greenhouse

Royal Greenhouse of Laken

From the 16th April till 4th of May the Royal greenhouses are opened to the public.
Entrance fee is only 2 Euro, kids under 18 don't have to pay.
There is a special day for disabled persons to visit.
On some of the days the gardens are opened during the evening.
I hope next time, after two day visits, 4th of May 2002 and 17th of April 2003, next year I can go visit it when it is lightened.

More info about the green house in my tips.

More info about the royal family at :http://www.monarchie.be/
More info about the greenhouses :
http://www.monarchie.be/site/nl/visites_serres.html
Although the text is in Duch/French and German, you still can enjoy clicking on the images and they will give you a 360 degree view! Just do it!

Pros and Cons

Pros:magnificient and a place to visit if you are around
Cons:only temporary opened: 16th of April till 4th of May
In a nutshell:if you are around, take that bus and visit! you will not regret!

Last visit to Laeken: May 2002
Intro Updated Apr 22, 2003
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Reviews (66)

crossing the street Warnings and Dangers (1)

Whether you parked your car or you came by bus, don't just cross the street but wait for the local police to help you... more travel advice

to get there Transportation (2)

There are several means of public transportation to get to Laeken: bus 53 tram 19 and 94 Metro Heizel, Royal... more travel advice

ice cream man! ring your bell ! ring! rrrring! - Laeken

very mobile shopping! Shopping (1)

It is yellow, it has 4 wheels and it is waiting for you at the parking space :-) It is called the icecream... more travel advice

To get there Transportation (2)

If you drive there by car, then you can park your car on the large parking lot just across the Royal Palace. Local... more travel advice

Favorites (6)
See All Another detail of the fence
Things to Do (48)
See All the walk back to the entry

Off The Beaten Path (8)
See All painted flowers
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Comments (15)

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el_ruso Aug 2, 2007 at 3:11 PM

Thank you for such a detailed response to my forum question. I also really enjoyed your travel pages. You have put so much thought into them. Thank you for sharing your experience and for helping me.
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breughel Mar 30, 2007 at 11:12 AM

Dag Iris. Nice page on Laeken. I slept at the Kings palace, long time ago. Was not invited anymore. See you in Ieper.
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Goldenboy Jun 23, 2005 at 3:33 PM

hey dannie, up late? just have exams in brussels, stil. id like to join you next week, is that ok?
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DaDrifter Jun 11, 2005 at 3:51 AM

Great virtual tour of Laeken Dannie ! This place looks quite unreal ... lovely pictures of the flowers.
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Toyin Dec 30, 2004 at 8:16 PM

Nice page of Laeken Danny, thanks for sharing. Regards.
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benidormone Apr 26, 2004 at 9:07 PM

Ik ben zondag geweest echt de moeite! een aanrader! Binnenkort te zien op Vt Groetjes
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belgianchocolate Apr 21, 2004 at 3:33 PM

Ik hoop dat ik zelf nog eens een kijkje kan gaan nemen dit jaar. ECHT heel lang geleden.Het lijkt of jij er helemaal alleen was. Royal connections? ;-) Mooie foto's.
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Norali Feb 1, 2004 at 2:52 PM

It can be in usual newspapers, no?... Moniteur is, as far as I know, for sthg related to Law..etc. --> I didn't know ad about Opendoors in Laeken is published in Moniteur belge. Why?
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filipdebont Jan 10, 2004 at 2:49 AM

Leuk optrekje daar in Laken. Voor mij ene met twee bollen, ene vanille en de andere chocolat, alstemblieft
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shrimp56 Sep 14, 2003 at 6:29 AM

Gorgeous gardens -- I'll be back for more:)