Domain Solvay and the Castle of La Hulpe is without doubt one of our favorite places around Brussels. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a long walk. In the middle of the Park stands a beautiful castle built in French style.
In this post, you will find everything you need to know for a visit to Domain Solvay and the Castle of La Hulpe.
How to get there
We got there by bus from Brussels which took around 40 minutes. You can take the TEC bus 366 and stop at La Hulpe – Etangs Solvay. Other options are by train. Take the train to La Hulpe and from there it’s a 2-kilometer walk to the castle.
Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe
Domain Solvay
Castle of La Hulpe
In the middle of the parks stands the beautiful Castle of la Hulpe. It looks like it’s been airlifted in from the Loire Valley, but was actually built here by the Marquis of Bethune in 1842. At the end of the 19th century, wealthy Belgian industrialist Ernest Solvay acquired the property. In 1968 the Solvay family donated the domain and castle to the Belgian government.
It is not possible to visit the castle on the inside unless you book it for a special event but admiring the castle from the outside is more than enough. We especially loved the four ivy-covered towers and the beautiful French garden!
The French-style garden of the castle includes large statues of Mars, the God of war, and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and the crafts; and smaller ones representing the four seasons.
We visited the castle 2 times this year. The last time we visited (during summer) the garden was full of flowers.
There is also a nice little restaurant in the park “The Taverne de l’homme blue”. Right in front of Taverne de l’Homme blue is an exposition of the works of Jean-Michel Folon, a popular illustrator and poster designer of the late 20th century.
You can also bring your own picnic with you.
If you like spending time outside this is the perfect place for you!
