Arboretum Wespelaar, Flemish Brabant Travel Guide

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Discover a world of trees and shrubs at Arboretum Wespelaar, a tranquil 20-hectare arboretum in the heart of Belgium.

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Arboretum Wespelaar

Arboretum Wespelaar is a 20-hectare arboretum located in Wespelaar, Belgium, south of Haacht. Originally a private collection started in the 1970s by dendrologist Philippe de Spoelberch, it was opened to the public in 2011 and now houses over 2,000 different species and cultivated varieties of trees and shrubs from around the world.

A brief summary to Arboretum Wespelaar

Grote Baan 63, Haacht, Wespelaar, 3150, BE
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Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arboretum Wespelaar.

Wear appropriate footwear, as the arboretum does not have hard-surfaced paths.
Visit during spring to see the magnolias, rhododendrons, and camellias in full bloom.
Check the Arboretum Wespelaar website for information on guided tours and special events.

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Explore Arboretum Wespelaar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Arboretum Wespelaar, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Brussels, take a train to Leuven. From Leuven, take the train to Wespelaar-Tildonk station. The arboretum is a short walk (approximately 200 meters) from the station. Alternatively, take bus 21 from Leuven to the Wespelaar Weg Nr. Wakkerzeel stop, which is a short walk to the arboretum. A single bus or train fare from Leuven is approximately €3. From Brussels to Haacht by bus is approximately €3.
Car

Arboretum Wespelaar is located at Grote Baan 63, 3150 Haacht. From Brussels, take the E314 towards Leuven and then follow signs to Haacht. Parking is available via the Elisabeth Willemslaan (green gate). If that parking is full, additional parking is available on Grote Baan in front of the church. Parking is free. Note that there are roadworks in Haacht until the end of 2025, which may cause local detours.
Walking

From Wespelaar-Tildonk train station, exit the station and walk approximately 200 meters along Grote Baan to the entrance of the arboretum. The entrance is located across from the church.

Discover more about Arboretum Wespelaar

Arboretum Wespelaar offers a tranquil escape into a world of trees and shrubs. Located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, south of Haacht, this 20-hectare arboretum showcases a diverse collection of woody plants from across the globe.The arboretum's story began in the 1970s when Philippe de Spoelberch, a passionate dendrologist, started a private botanical collection. Over time, the collection expanded, leading to the creation of Arboretum Wespelaar. In 2007, the arboretum and its collections were donated to the Foundation Arboretum Wespelaar, ensuring its preservation and opening to the public in 2011.Visitors can explore over 2,000 different species and cultivated varieties, including both common and rare specimens. The arboretum is particularly known for its collections of Acer (maples), Magnolia, Rhododendron, and Stewartia. Many trees and shrubs in the arboretum are listed on the IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered, contributing to the conservation of these species.The grounds also feature the "Rode Poort" (red gate), the oldest building in the Arboretum, which serves as the visitor center. Originally a farm, it later functioned as a tavern, disco, and office space. The park of Wespelaar includes an orangery, dating back to 1796, and a temple of Flora.Arboretum Wespelaar has been awarded Level 4 Accreditation by ArbNet, recognizing it as one of the top arboreta worldwide. Visitors can explore the grounds on Wednesdays and Sundays from April 1st to November 15th.