Bois de la Cambre Travel Guide

Bois de la Cambre, also known as Ter Kamerenbos, is a 1.23 km2 urban park located in the City of Brussels, serving as a green lung for the capital. Designed in 1861 by German architect Edouard Keilig, the park was inspired by English landscaping and quickly became a popular recreational area for Brussels residents, reminiscent of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.The park's landscape is characterized by irregular plantations and roads, alternating between wooded areas and open spaces, creating picturesque scenes. The northern part is heavily wooded, featuring 19th-century buildings, while the southern part boasts a 6-hectare artificial lake with Robinson Island at its center, accessible by ferry and home to the Chalet Robinson restaurant.Throughout its history, Bois de la Cambre has been a focal point for recreation and leisure. Once home to a cycling track, trotting track, and even a dairy farm, today it offers paths for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and spaces for picnics and relaxation. The park also hosts various events and festivals, adding to its appeal.Key features include the Pelouse des Anglais, a lawn where English soldiers played cricket on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and a rustic bridge spanning a ravine. The park is a natural extension of the Sonian Forest, providing a vital green space within the urban environment.