Walk as you gawk in the Arboretum; an 18 hectare woodland with a unique collection of plants, trees and bushes. Among others, you will encounter holly, magnolia, rhododendron and a splendid collection of oak and beech trees. Plus, there are numerous ferns and bamboo species to admire. Many of these plants are threatened with extinction or are fast disappearing from their natural habitats.
The Arboretum is open daily, free of charge. A signposted, 2 km one-directional walking path leads you past the highlights.
The Arboretum at Bokrijk comprises a landscaped area, kitchen garden and woodland arboretum where climax vegetation predominates. These areas represent habitats that could occur across the globe, and where, among others, a specific flora in the form of ferns, woody plants and herbs could flourish.
The Arboretum at Bokrijk first came into being in the 1960s. It comprised a collaboration between a number of scientific institutes based in Limburg (Organic Forest Centre), the political provincial administrations and a handful of keen enthusiasts. Initially, planting occurred in a strictly systematic and sequenced basis, in line with the taxonomical insights of the time. Its development was therefore highly scientific. It wasn’t until 1983 that a new vision came into play: an arboretum or botanical garden that also catered to ordinary people. From that point on the collection gradually transformed into a beautiful, landscaped garden that is a joy to spend time in.
Digital park map
Navigating your own way around our park? If so, take a look at our digital park plan that shows all the park highlights. <download the plan here>