Laeken: royal history and special experiences

Laeken combines royal history, striking architecture and a diverse park landscape. Between the neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady, the Château de Laeken, the Royal Greenhouses and the Atomium, completely different kinds of holiday days unfold: one day shaped by Belgian dynastic history, the next by plants, landscaped paths or a sweeping 360° view. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Laeken can therefore choose their accommodation according to their own interests and the desired rhythm of their trip.

Royal places steeped in history

A particular attraction is the Royal Crypt of Laeken in the Church of Our Lady of Laeken. It is the burial place of all reigning Belgian sovereigns and their wives, as well as several other members of the Belgian royal family. The crypt is located in a neo-Gothic church that also includes a Royal Chapel. The church was put into use in 1872 and completed in 1907. For visitors interested in architecture, sacred spaces and the history of Belgium, this site offers an unusually concentrated insight into the country’s national past.

The Château de Laeken, also known as Château de Schonenberg, is likewise part of the area’s historical identity. It was built between 1781 and 1785 on the initiative of the Austrian archdukes and governors-general of the Netherlands, Marie Christine of Austria and Albert of Saxe-Teschen. Leopold I moved into the Château de Laeken in 1831. The park also contains a 43-metre-high neo-Gothic monument to the dynasty, designed as a memorial erected in memory of Leopold I.

Greenhouses and parkland

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken add an impressive botanical dimension to the historical picture. Alphonse Balat designed them in 1873 as a glass complex to complement the Château de Laeken. The greenhouses continue to house numerous rare and valuable plants. Those who enjoy combining architecture and nature while travelling will find a distinctive focus here, beyond classic city sightseeing.

Laeken Park is laid out in the French style. Avenues, winding paths, lawns and groups of trees define its character. This design makes the park an interesting contrast to the historic buildings and adds a more peaceful note to the itinerary. When planning your trip, you can therefore alternate between days focused on architectural history and days with more room for landscapes and plants.

Panoramas and unusual discoveries

The Atomium’s main panorama is located in the building’s upper sphere, 92 metres above ground, and offers a 360° view. It is accessible by lift. Admission to the Design Museum Brussels, located 150 metres away, is also automatically included with the visit. This makes it possible to combine a spectacular panorama with an additional perspective on design, without limiting the experience to a single exhibition topic.

Another unusual discovery awaits you at Laeken Cemetery: one of the original statues of Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” adorns Joseph Dillen’s grave. Details like these complement the major sights with smaller, surprising cultural moments. For families and other travellers looking for special details alongside well-known buildings, this combination may be exactly what makes Laeken appealing.

Choosing Laeken as a suitable base

When looking for a holiday apartment in Laeken, it makes sense to first determine the desired character of your holiday days. If you are primarily interested in the Belgian monarchy and neo-Gothic architecture, the crypt, church, château and dynasty monument take centre stage. Those who prefer plants and landscaped surroundings can focus their stay more strongly on the greenhouses and the French-style park. The Atomium and the Design Museum, in turn, add a modern, panorama- and design-oriented accent.

Further destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to compare other places at this level in addition to Laeken, you can extend your search to Etterbeek, Brussels, Uccle/Ukkel, Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre/Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, Ganshoren, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean or Saint-Josse-ten-Noode/Sint-Joost-ten-Node. Laeken is particularly suitable for travellers who would like to include historic sites, garden architecture, park designs and a striking panorama in their holiday plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brussels-Capital Region.