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Tenbosch Park: An Urban Oasis in Ixelles

Discover Tenbosch Park in Ixelles, Brussels: a serene urban oasis with a rich botanical history, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers and families alike.

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Tenbosch Park, nestled in the heart of Ixelles, Brussels, offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Once a private dendrological garden owned by Jean-Louis Semet, this 2-hectare green space boasts a remarkable collection of trees and plants, with over 70 species listed as remarkable by the Brussels region. Transformed into a public park in 1986, Tenbosch provides a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by a wall, the park features winding paths, a playground, a sports area, and even two ponds, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, a family outing, or simply a moment of respite, Tenbosch Park offers a delightful experience for all. Its rich botanical heritage and thoughtful landscaping make it a unique and cherished green space in Brussels, a testament to the vision of its creator and the community's dedication to preserving its natural beauty. The park's convenient location, close to Avenue Louise and other attractions, makes it easily accessible and a worthwhile addition to any Brussels itinerary.

A brief summary to Tenbosch park

  • Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the park's flowers in full bloom and enjoy the lush greenery.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing lunch on the park's grassy areas.
  • Take a stroll along the winding paths and discover the park's diverse collection of trees and plants.
  • Bring your children to enjoy the park's playground, which offers a variety of equipment for different age groups.
  • Check the park's opening hours before you go, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Brussels Central Station, take bus line 38 towards Héros and alight at the Van Eyck stop. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs €3 for a single ticket. From the Van Eyck stop, walk across Chaussée de Vleurgat; the park entrance is directly opposite the bus stop. Alternatively, take bus line 60 towards Uccle Calevoet and alight at the Washington stop. The journey takes approximately 29 minutes and costs €3 for a single ticket. From the Washington stop, walk along Rue de Tenbosch to Rue des Mélèzes; the park entrance is at the corner of these streets.

  • Walking

    From Avenue Louise, walk along Chaussée de Vleurgat in the direction of Place Eugène Flagey. Tenbosch Park is located on the right-hand side of Chaussée de Vleurgat, approximately 15 minutes from Avenue Louise. The entrance is located at the corner of Rue des Mélèzes and Rue Hector Denis. Note that the walk from Brussels Central Station is approximately 40 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Brussels Central Station to Tenbosch Park will take approximately 7 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €13 and €16. Ask the driver to take you to the entrance at Rue des Mélèzes 52, 1050 Ixelles.

  • Driving

    Driving to Tenbosch Park is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging. Limited on-street parking is available on Rue de Tenbosch and surrounding streets, with rates of €3.50 per hour. Several paid parking garages are located within a 5-10 minute walk of the park, including Parking Flagey (Place Eugène Flagey) and Parking Ixelles Washington (Rue de Tenbosch). Expect to pay around €2-3 per hour or €15-20 per day at these garages.

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Discover more about Tenbosch park

Tenbosch Park, a hidden gem in the Ixelles district of Brussels, offers a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. This 2-hectare park, whose name translates to "Park in the Woods", boasts a rich history and a diverse collection of flora, making it a unique and cherished green space. Originally a private dendrological garden, Tenbosch Park was the vision of Jean-Louis Semet, a passionate botanist who acquired the land in 1885. Semet dedicated himself to transforming the grounds into a botanical paradise, cultivating rare and interesting tree species sourced from around the world, including the renowned Hillier nurseries in England. His intention was to create a collection, rather than an aesthetically refined garden. In the 1950s, Semet, with the help of gardener Hector Noyer, transformed the space into a botanical garden with an arboretum. The Semet family owned the park until 1982 when the Brussels-Capital Region purchased the estate. Following a community-led effort to prevent its development into luxury accommodations, the park was opened to the public in 1986, four years after the purchase. Landscape architects R. Pechère + Partners were entrusted with preserving the spirit of the Semet-Solvay garden while adapting it for public use. Today, Tenbosch Park retains its unique character, offering visitors a chance to wander through winding paths and discover a remarkable variety of trees and plants. Over 70 trees within the park are recognized as remarkable by the Brussels region, with some species being unique to Belgium. Among these botanical treasures are the Hovenia dulcis (raisin tree), Catalpa fargesii "Duclouxii" (Chinese bean tree), Magnolia x loebneri (Loebner magnolia), Tilia mongolica (Mongolian lime), Stewartia pseudocamelia (Korean stewartia), and Zanthoxylum planipes (Japanese pepper tree). The park's layout includes open grassy areas, perfect for picnics and relaxation, as well as a playground for children. Two ponds add to the park's serene atmosphere, attracting a variety of birds and other wildlife. The park is enclosed by a wall, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility amidst the surrounding urban environment. Tenbosch Park is more than just a green space; it's a place of community and connection. Locals gather here to stroll, read, play, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. The park's convenient location, within walking distance of Avenue Louise, the Ixelles Ponds, and La Cambre Abbey, makes it easily accessible and a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The park is open daily, with varying hours depending on the season. From October 1st to March 31st, the park is open from 8:00 to 17:30. From April 1st to April 30th, the hours are 8:00 to 18:30. During the summer months, May 1st to August 31st, the park is open from 8:00 to 20:30. And from September 1st to September 30th, the hours are 8:00 to 19:30. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Tenbosch Park offers a delightful experience for all. Its rich botanical heritage, thoughtful landscaping, and welcoming atmosphere make it a true gem in the heart of Brussels. Tenbosch Park stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving green spaces in urban environments. Its transformation from a private garden to a public park is a story of dedication, collaboration, and a shared love for nature. Today, it continues to thrive as a vital part of the Ixelles community, providing a place of beauty, tranquility, and connection for generations to come. Visiting Tenbosch Park is like stepping into a secret garden, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a stroll along its winding paths, discover the unique trees and plants, and breathe in the fresh air. Whether you're seeking a moment of solitude or a place to connect with friends and family, Tenbosch Park offers a welcoming and enriching experience for all.

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