The castle park of Groot-Bijgaarden, on the outskirts of Brussels, will be opened to public in the first months of 2022. From January to March, Nature Illuminated lights up this beautiful place and in April, the annual edition of Floralia Brussels is planned. In this article, I will give you some sneak peeks and I will list the most important information regarding these events.
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is protected as a monument and is only ten kilometers away from the city center of Brussels. The stone bridge leading to the fortified entrance gate with drawbridge is guarded by two stone lions. Somewhat further in the castle park is the main building located. The castle dates from the 17th century, but there are also some older parts. Just think of the castle tower, which is 30 meters high. You can organize private events in the castle, from receptions to weddings and other festivities. But unfortunately, as an individual visitor, it’s not possible to visit the castle.
Nature Illuminated: 21 January – 20 March 2022
Recently, an immersive light show has started on the castle grounds. Nature Illuminated is a luminous journey which guides you through the four seasons during an enchanting evening walk. The light projections and sound effects that have been installed in the park are simply amazing. Falling leaves are projected on the ground to represent autumn as colder tones refer to winter time. In spring, blossoms start popping in the orchard, making the apple trees sing. Can you hear it? It’s not easy to capture this experience with the camera so just go and check it out yourself!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION. Nature Illuminated is open every week from Wednesday to Sunday (in the period as mentioned above). Please keep in mind that it is recommended to buy a ticket in advance. You can buy tickets on the website of the organizer, Fever. Please note that you must have a Covid Safe Ticket to get access to this event.
Floralia Brussels: 2 April – 3 May 2022
More than one million (!) flower bulbs are planted by hand every year in the castle park of Groot-Bijgaarden. And the result is impressive: seas of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths give color to the park during spring time. The annual flower exhibition ‘Floralia Brussels’ gives visitors the opportunity to come and see this flower power by themselves. Trust me, you just have to see this when you’re in Belgium in April. Visitors must show respect for nature at all times, off course.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION. Floralia Brussels is open between 2 April and 3 May from 10 am to 6 pm. Online ticket sales will start on January 31, 2022. Click here to go directly to the website. A standard ticket costs 15 euros.
How can I reach Groot-Bijgaarden Castle?
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is easy accessible by car, as it is located pretty close to the highway (E19) and there is a large parking lot opposite to the castle. But you can also choose for public transport. There is a bus stop near the castle. Moreover, the train station of Groot-Bijgaarden is only a kilometer away. Plan your trip immediately by using the route planner of the transport companies NMBS and De Lijn.
