Groot Bijgaarden Tulip Festival: Floralia Brussels

When you think of Belgium, tulips aren’t the first things that comes to mind. But did you know that Belgium has it’s very own tulip gardens?

The Groot Bijgaarden Castle gardens hosts their annual tulip festival in the spring and its so amazing! We normally associate tulips with the Netherlands, and the Keukenhof Gardens.

But if you’re planning a trip to Europe in the spring, take a day trip to Brussels and visit the Groot Bijgaarden Tulip Festival. The Floralia Brussels tulip festival is one of the best places to see tulips outside of the Netherlands!

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Read about visiting Keukenhof Gardens here. I share some tips on how to make the most of your time seeing the amazing tulip gardens in the Netherlands.

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The Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

Located just outside of Brussels is the 12th century Groot-Bijgaarden castle gardens. 

The castle was built in the Flemish renaissance style for Almaric Bigard, the first lord of Bigard, and has been restored in the early 20th century.

Surrounded by a large moat, the bridge that gives access to the fortified entrance is flanked by two heraldic lions from the 17th century, it was quite an entrance!

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Once you pass through the gates, you are greeted with a beautiful medieval castle with its colorful tulip gardens and a 14th century dungeon tower.

It was such a breathtaking sight to see the castle surrounded by all the colorful and bright tulips!

Sadly the Castle is not open for tours, but it does provide a gorgeous backdrop to these beautiful tulips.

Groot Bijgaarden Tulip Festival

Floralia Brussels

In the spring the Groot Bijgaarden castle gardens opens to the public for about a month for an international flower exhibition with tulips from the Netherlands, called Floralia Brussels.

*2021 UPDATE: The Floralia Brussels Tulip Show goes from April 3-May 2 for 2021, (10:00-6:00). Be aware that because of the pandemic, event dates may be canceled. Visit the website here for more information, and to keep up to date with opening times.

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This Tulip show was so amazing and it reminded me of the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands.

The castle grounds are covered with all these colorful tulips and beautifully manicured gardens which was so spectacular!

There are also a few indoor flower exhibitions showcasing various flower arrangements and sculptures, it was so beautiful!

 For the kiddos there is a small little play area, as if the gardens aren’t enough to entertain them.

You will also find a small cafe here when your in need of some refreshments, or you can pack a lunch and have a picnic amongst the gorgeous tulips.

If you happen to be in Belgium during the spring, make sure to visit the castle gardens!

Some practical information on Floralia Brussels

Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, ticket desk closes at 5:30.

If you’re driving, parking can be found across the street from the Castle.

You can purchase your tickets online or at the event, tickets prices are below:

Groot Bijgaarden Castle is located at: Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5,
1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

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