Kraainem Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kraainem with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Kraainem

Kraainem is a small, peaceful town located in Flemish Brabant, in the northern part of Belgium. It is famed for its beautiful nature, lush greenery, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors to Kraainem will find plenty of things to see and do, from exploring its museums and historical landmarks to hiking and biking through its scenic trails.

List of Places to Visit in Kraainem

If you are planning to visit Kraainem, here are some of the must-see destinations that you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Musee de la Pharmacie et de la Medecine
  • Atomium
  • Museum of the Belgian Brewers
  • Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
  • Autoworld Brussels
  • Horta Museum

Natural Attractions of Kraainem: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tervuren Park
  • Sonian Forest
  • Laeken Park
  • Parc du Wolvendael

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kraainem

Kraainem offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails that are perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • The Sonian Forest Trail
  • Zoniënwoud Route
  • The Meerdaalwoud Nature Reserve
  • The Phillippeville Forest and the Valley of the Houyoux

Best Things to Do in Kraainem: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in Kraainem. Here are some of the top activities and tours that you should try out:

  • Enjoy a beer tasting tour at one of Kraainem’s renowned breweries
  • Take in the stunning views of the city atop the Atomium
  • Learn about the history and culture of the town at the Musee de la Pharmacie et de la Medecine
  • Visit the iconic Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kraainem

If you have a week to explore Kraainem, here’s a sample itinerary to follow:

Day 1: Visit the Atomium and take a tour of Autoworld Brussels Day 2: Explore the captivating displays at Musee de la Pharmacie et de la Medecine Day 3: Hike through the magical Sonian Forest Day 4: Visit the Museum of the Belgian Brewers and the Horta Museum Day 5: Enjoy a beer tasting tour at one of Kraainem’s renowned breweries Day 6: Discover the stunning beauty of Tervuren Park and Parc du Wolvendael. Day 7: Take a trip to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

Food and Drink Scene of Kraainem

No visit to Kraainem is complete without enjoying some of its traditional cuisine and local beverages. Here are some dishes and drinks that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mussels with Fries
  • Flemish Stew
  • Belgian Waffles
  • Chocolate

Local Beverages

  • Belgian Beer
  • Jenever

Where to Stay in Kraainem: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kraainem has a range of options when it comes to accommodation, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Tangla Hotel Brussels
  • Martin’s Brugge
  • Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel
  • Hostel Bruegel

What to Buy in Kraainem: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take home unique souvenirs and local products from Kraainem, here are some items that you should look out for:

  • Chocolates
  • Beer
  • Lace
  • Crystal

Local Culture and Customs of Kraainem

Kraainem has a rich culture marked by a blend of traditions from different regions of Belgium. Some of the most prominent customs include:

  • Christian Festivals
  • Multilingualism
  • Culinary traditions

Best Time to Visit Kraainem

The best time to visit Kraainem is between April and September. During this time, the weather is hot and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kraainem

When visiting Kraainem, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

  • Try the traditional local cuisine
  • Respect the locals and their customs

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces
  • Make too much noise after dark

Safety and Health

Safety in Kraainem

Kraainem is a very safe town to visit. However, it’s always advisable to keep your valuables safe and secure when out and about.

Health in Kraainem

Belgium has excellent medical facilities, and Kraainem has several hospitals and clinics that offer quality healthcare services.

Getting to Kraainem: Transportation Options and Logistics

If you’re planning to visit Kraainem, here are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near Kraainem

  • Brussels Airport
  • Antwerp International Airport
  • Liege Airport

Bus Stations Near Kraainem

  • Brussels North
  • Brussels South
  • Brussels Central

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Rental cars
  • Trains

How to Get Around in Kraainem

Kraainem has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can also explore the town by bike or on foot.

Where to Go Next from Kraainem: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Belgium, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you should consider visiting:

  • Brussels
  • Antwerp
  • Ghent
  • Bruges

Conclusion

Kraainem may be a small town, but it packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this charming town has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Kraainem!

Pre-urbanised north Kraainem in 1836, with Low Kraainem around the Jozef van Hove Str. on the left and High Kraainem around the church (black building) on the right. Pre-urbanised north Kraainem in 1836, with Low Kraainem around the Jozef van Hove Str. on the left and High Kraainem around the church (black building) on the right. Southern Kraainem in winter: residential neighbourhoods decorated with a thin layer of snow Southern Kraainem in winter: residential neighbourhoods decorated with a thin layer of snow A dedicated bicycle road along the Hebronlaan. A dedicated bicycle road along the Hebronlaan. The 12th century Saint Pancras Church after the 2012 restoration. The 12th century Saint Pancras Church after the 2012 restoration. Historic residential area of High Kraainem, with characteristic low houses with white painted walls. Historic residential area of High Kraainem, with characteristic low houses with white painted walls. Well preserved historic buildings in characteristic red bricks in High Kraainem. Well preserved historic buildings in characteristic red bricks in High Kraainem. Old vicarage in Jourdain park, next to the Jourdain castle. Old vicarage in Jourdain park, next to the Jourdain castle. Salesian Monastery, a design by religious architect Paul Bellot in 1928. Salesian Monastery, a design by religious architect Paul Bellot in 1928. The Peace Monument, in memoriam of Kraainem's World War victims. The Peace Monument, in memoriam of Kraainem's World War victims. 18th century farmstead in the Jozef van Hovestraat no. 90, dated 1749. 18th century farmstead in the Jozef van Hovestraat no. 90, dated 1749. Farmhouse from 1727 in Low Kraainem. Farmhouse from 1727 in Low Kraainem. Old Lease house in Low Kraainem. Old Lease house in Low Kraainem. Industrial Heritage Monument. Industrial Heritage Monument. Interbellum era social housing in the Korenbloemstraat, meant for World War I veterans. Interbellum era social housing in the Korenbloemstraat, meant for World War I veterans. The Jourdain park in High Kraainem. The Jourdain park in High Kraainem. Eclair park near Low Kraainem. Eclair park near Low Kraainem.