Coloma rose garden: Visit the biggest rose garden of Europe!

Coloma Rose Garden, located in Jozef De Pauwstraat 25, 1600, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium, is a vast and impressive rose garden covering 15 hectares with over 3,000 rose varieties. It is situated on the grounds of Coloma Castle, offering a stunning display of colorful roses in bloom from May to September. The garden is one of the largest rose gardens in Europe. The history of the Coloma Rose Garden dates back to the mid-1990s when the Flemish government decided to establish it as a major rose attraction on the castle’s estate. Initially focusing on red and white roses, it gradually expanded over the years to become a prominent European rose garden.

The Coloma rose garden is open from May to September, with varying hours from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free. The best time to visit is during the peak blooming season in June and July, but the garden remains beautiful throughout August and September. Coloma Rose Garden is easily accessible by car, train, and bus, making it a convenient destination for visitors. House rules include staying on marked paths, no picking of flowers, no littering, and no pets allowed.

Visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the garden, but there is no time limit, and you can stay as long as you like. The garden is praised for its visual appeal and accessibility, making it a hidden treasure for rose enthusiasts and nature lovers. The garden is considered absolutely worth visiting, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of thousands of rose varieties in one location. Guided tours are available with advance reservation. Other attractions in the area include Coloma Castle, the Rose Museum, Vrijbroek Park, kayaking on the Zenne River, traditional lace demonstrations, and local beer tastings, making it a diverse and culturally rich destination.

What does WonderfulWanderings think of Coloma rose garden?

It was a rough day. Work wasn’t coming along as I’d planned and I felt anxious, stressed. The weather was lovely though and so I decided to visit the Coloma rose garden in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, outside of Brussels. My visit took place on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 and I had such an amazing time time! I found the entrance to the parking in the Colomalaan, which is located on the other side of the park from the Joseph Depauwstraat. If you want to go by public transport, there are buses running to Coloma rose garden from the Ruisbook railway station, the Brussels-South station, and the Halle station. To make sure you have the up-to-date bus schedule, please check the website of the MIVB (buses in Brussels) and De Lijn (buses in Flanders). As I strolled along the walking paths, I was surrounded by the heavenly aroma of over 3,000 rose varieties from around the world, each section devoted to roses from different countries and continents. I was astonished by the sheer number and diversity of roses — I never imagined there could be so many! Some of my favorites were the Japanese and Chinese sections located near the beautiful 17th century castle on the grounds. I also enjoyed wandering through the rose garden displaying varieties from Europe and around the globe. This magnificent rose garden is clearly one of the best in Europe. I found it to be such a peaceful, relaxing setting as I explored the grounds. It was a joy getting lost amidst the roses and taking in the floral splendor all around. I cannot wait to return soon during peak bloom to again experience the magic of Coloma rose garden!

What is the Coloma Rose Garden?

Coloma Rose Garden is a vast rose garden located in Jozef De Pauwstraat 25, 1600 , Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, near Brussels, Belgium. Coloma Rose Garden covers 15 hectares (37 acres) and features over 3,000 rose varieties from around the world. It is one of Europe’s largest rose gardens and is situated on the grounds of Coloma Castle. The garden is known for its stunning display of colorful roses in bloom from May to September.

The Coloma Rose garden’s history dates back to the mid-1990s when the Flemish government decided to establish a major rose garden on the castle’s estate. It initially focused on red and white roses, expanding over the years to become a prominent rose attraction in Europe.

Coloma Rose Garden is open from May to September, with varying hours from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free, and guided tours can be arranged for groups. The best time to visit is during the peak blooming season in June and July. Visitors can spend as much time as they want exploring the garden, with the average visit lasting 1-2 hours. The proximity to Brussels offers opportunities for urban exploration as well.

What is the Coloma Castle?

Coloma Castle is a 16th century moated castle located in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium. The castle was originally built around 1515 as a fortress with square corner turrets and a pear-shaped roof surrounded by ponds. In the 18th century, it was remodeled into a luxurious country house. Coloma Castle has been fully restored and now serves as a municipal cultural center. The history of Coloma Castle begins in the 16th century when it was constructed as a moated fortress. In the 18th century, the castle came into the possession of Charles de Coloma through his marriage to Baroness Eugenia Roose. Charles had the building completely renovated from a fortified castle to an elegant 18th century style chateau, while retaining the protective water features. The castle remained in the Coloma family until the 20th century when it passed to the municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. After falling into disrepair, the dilapidated Coloma Castle was purchased by the municipality and underwent restoration to serve as a cultural center.

The castle itself, which serves as a municipal cultural center, can be visited without an entrance fee. There are occasional events, exhibitions or tours that may have a cost associated with them. But the castle park and rose garden can be enjoyed free of charge for visitors.

Where is the Coloma Rose Garden?

Coloma Rose Garden is located in Jozef De Pauwstraat 25, 1600, town of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, just outside of Brussels, Belgium. The garden sits on the grounds of Coloma Castle in the center of the town of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, which itself is situated about 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Brussels. Coloma rose garden is over 15 hectares (37 acres), it contains a collection of over 3,000 rose varieties from around the world, making it one of the largest rose gardens in Europe. Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is in the Dutch-speaking Flemish Region of Belgium, specifically the province of Flemish Brabant. The garden erupts in a vivid display of colorful roses in bloom that fill the air with their sweet fragrance. The Coloma Rose Garden provides a floral spectacle for rose enthusiasts and garden lovers.

When was the Coloma Rose Garden been Opened to Public?

Coloma Rose Garden has been accessible to the public since 1990, right after Coloma Castle existed for centuries. At that time, the Flemish government decided to establish a major rose garden at the site as an attraction for visitors to Coloma Castle and the town of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. The roses have been present at Coloma for hundreds of years and the contemporary rose garden as it exists today, is opened to the public. It has now become one of the foremost rose attractions in Europe, drawing visitors from across Belgium and beyond. Its creation opened up the historic castle grounds to become an expansive home for rose cultivation and appreciation.

What is the history of the Coloma Rose Garden?

The grounds of Coloma Castle have contained roses since the Middle Ages, but the origins of the contemporary rose garden can be traced to 1994. That year, the Flemish government decided to establish an expansive rose garden on the estate as a tourist attraction. The initial garden focused on red and white roses matching Sint-Pieters-Leeuw’s heraldry. Over the next decade, the garden was gradually expanded section by section into the 15 hectare display seen today.

The antique rose garden and an international rose garden had been established in 2000. A rose tree section followed in 2004 along with Japanese and Chinese gardens by 2009 and 2012, respectively. So while roses have existed for centuries at Coloma, the ambitious project to create a world-class rose garden opened in phases starting in the 1990s. The steady expansion over the years has allowed Coloma to grow into one of the biggest rose gardens in Europe. With its roses featuring over 3,000 varieties, Coloma Rose Garden has become a top floral attraction to the vision that began transforming the site over 25 years ago.

What are the visiting hours of Coloma Rose Garden?

Coloma Rose Garden is open 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday-Friday, and extends until 20:00 on weekends, inviting guests to linger in the evening glow. It is open from May until the close of September’s golden days each year. Every Monday is typically a day of rest for the garden, it makes an exception on Belgian national holidays, remaining open from 10am to 6pm for those special days of commemoration.

When is the best time to visit Coloma Rose Garden?

The best time to visit Coloma Rose Garden is between June and July, where it is the peak blooming season every. These months allow you to see the 3,000 rose varieties in full vibrant bloom. Even in August and September, it still provides a delightful display and stands resilient in bloom. An annual highlight is the Rose Festival, in which it is the harvesting ritual and the parade along the streets of the town. The festival falls in June or July, where visitors can immerse themselves in a celebratory atmosphere filled with concerts, activities, and a shared community admiration for roses. Those planning a visit should take note of the garden’s seasonal closure. April is the last month of hibernation for the garden, and from October through to April, the gates are closed, with the roses retreating from view for the winter season.

Is it safe to visit the Coloma Rose Garden?

Yes, Coloma Rose Garden is safe to visit. The garden has dedicated staff and volunteers who provide a secure environment for guests. There are no significant safety issues noted at the garden. Coloma Rose Garden is a very safe place to savor the sights and scents of thousands of beautiful roses.

How much is the Entrance Fee for Coloma rose garden?

There is no entrance fee to visit Coloma Rose Garden. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the 15 hectares (37 acres) of rose gardens at no cost. There are also no fees for accessing Coloma Castle, the rose pavilion, orchard or other attractions on the estate. The free entry makes Coloma Rose Garden an appealing destination for tourists on a budget. Visitors only need to pay for any incidentals beyond seeing the gardens themselves.

How long is the typical visit time in Coloma rose garden?

Visitors to Coloma Rose Garden typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring. This is enough time to enjoy the major areas of the garden at a leisurely pace. Coloma rose garden has over 3,000 rose varieties, it is impossible to see the entire garden in depth in just one visit. But in an hour or two, you can wander through the different sections, stop and admire the roses, and take plenty of photos. Visitors who want to stay for short or long visits can spend as little as 30 minutes focused just on the red and white roses or stay most of the day picnicking and revisiting favorite sections.

How long can you stay in the Coloma rose garden?

There is no time limit for how long visitors can stay in Coloma Rose Garden. As a public park, visitors are welcome to spend as much time as they want exploring the various rose gardens and grounds of the castle estate. Visitors spend 1-2 hours strolling through the gardens and many visitors make an afternoon of it, bringing along a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy on the benches scattered throughout the park. Coloma Rose Garden is an oasis of floral beauty that you can relax and linger in as long as you like while the gates are open. Whether you stay for an hour or an entire day, the only real time limit is how long you can smell so many roses.

How to get to the Coloma rose garden?

Here are some of the best ways to get there:

• By Car: Visitors can reach the garden by driving south on highway N6 from Brussels toward Halle for approximately 10 miles (16 km). By taking the exit at Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and follow the signs to the town center.
• By Train: To reach the garden by train, one can take a train from either Brussels Central or South Station to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw Station. Upon arriving at Sint-Pieters-Leeuw Station, buses 144, 145, or 170 provide convenient stops in close proximity to the garden
• By Bus: Multiple De Lijn buses (144, 145, 170) offer direct service to the Coloma bus stop from Brussels and surrounding towns.

What are the house rules of the Coloma rose garden?

Find below the most important house rules of the Coloma rose garden.:

• Stay on marked paths only. Do not step in flower beds or lawns.
• No picking flowers. Leave the gardens unchange to avoid damaging vegetation.
• No littering. Dispose waste in bins.
• No pets allowed. Pets are unfortunately not allowed.
• Monitor children. Supervise children closely near water features
• Discipline is a must. No excessive noise or disruptive behavior
• Follow rules accordingly. Follow staff instructions and signage
• No photography. Photography allowed for personal use only
• No climbing. Do not climb on statues, fountains, etc.

What do visitors say about the Coloma rose garden?

Coloma Rose Garden receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors. They often express that the garden is among the finest rose gardens they’ve encountered in Europe, emphasizing its visual appeal. Many describe the Coloma Rose Garden as a hidden treasure, acknowledging its well-maintained grounds that contribute to its overall charm and appeal. Visitors often highlight its accessibility, as it’s a free attraction that offers something special to enjoy in every season. The diversity of plants and layout of the gardens draw consistent praise. Coloma as a floral oasis offering a scenic escape from daily life into a fragrant world of roses.

Is it worth it to visit the Coloma rose garden?

Yes, visiting the Coloma Rose Garden is absolutely worth it. A visit to Coloma offers the chance to immerse yourself in the sights, scents, and colors of thousands of roses from around the world all in one location. The ability to see different rose species side-by-side for comparison is valuable for any student of roses. For any lover of roses or impressive gardens, an excursion to experience Coloma Rose Garden promises to be a fulfilling and rewarding day.

Are there any guided tours to the Coloma rose garden?

Yes, guided tours of Coloma Rose Garden are available with advance reservation. Tours need to be booked through the Sint-Pieters-Leeuw tourist office. Tours typically last 1-2 hours per group. Guides can accommodate groups of up to 25 people. Tours can be conducted in Dutch, French, English or German. Self-guided visits are still worthwhile for individual guests or families. But scheduled, narrated tours add an extra educational dimension for groups seeking to maximize insight into rose cultivation at Coloma’s impressive gardens.

What are the best attractions to visit near Coloma Gardens?

Listed below are the nearest attractions to visit near Coloma Gardens.

• Coloma Castle: Coloma Castle is located in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, just south of Brussels, is a 16th-century castle surrounded by a moat. It has been repurposed as a cultural center and is intimately connected with the Coloma Rose Garden. The castle hosts various cultural events, exhibitions, and activities, making it a vibrant hub for visitors interested in both history and contemporary arts.
• Rose Museum: Rose Museum is located within the Coloma Rose Garden in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. The Rose Museum is dedicated to the fascinating history and world of roses. It showcases different rose varieties, their cultural significance, and the art of rose cultivation. The museum is a perfect complement to the beautiful rose gardens surrounding it.
• Vrijbroek Park: Vrijbroek Park is located in Mechelen, not far from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. It is a large, forested park offering a serene escape into nature. While it’s not directly connected to Coloma Rose Garden, it provides a tranquil setting for those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities, making it an excellent option for a day trip.
• Kayaking on the Zenne River: The Zenne River runs through various Belgian towns, including Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, where the Coloma Rose Garden is located. Kayaking on the Zenne River allows you to enjoy a unique perspective of the town and its surroundings, making it a recreational option to consider after visiting the rose garden.
• Traditional lace demonstrations: The lace-making demonstrations are organized within or close to the Coloma Rose Garden in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. They provide an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship of lace-making and learn about this traditional art form, adding an extra layer of cultural exploration to your visit to the garden.
• Local beer tastings: The local beer tasting in Flanders is known for its beer culture, and you can experience it at various local establishments near Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, including some within the vicinity of the Coloma Rose Garden. Sample a diverse range of Belgian beers, which is a delightful way to conclude your visit to the garden.

What are the biggest rose gardens in Europe?

Find below the biggest rose gardens in Europe.

• The Coloma Rose Garden. The Coloma Rose Garden is located in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium, just outside of Brussels. With over 200,000 rose bushes spanning 37 acres (15 hectares) and containing more than 3,000 varieties from 26 different countries, Coloma is one of the most extensive rose gardens in Europe. The garden is divided into sections displaying roses by country of origin, type, and breeder. It also has areas devoted to climbing roses and long-stemmed varieties. The garden was established in the 1990s on the grounds of the 16th century Coloma Castle
• The Europa-Rosarium. The Europa-Rosarium rose garden is in Sangerhausen, Germany. The garden spans 13 acres (5 hectares) and boasts the world’s largest rose collection, with about 8,600 varieties from various regions and eras. The site features approximately 80,000 rose bushes. Preservation of historic and rare roses is a focus, with unique roses such as the green rose. Additionally, 850 climbing rose types bloom on pyramids and columns within the garden. The World Federation of Rose Societies has honored Europa-Rosarium with the Award of Garden Excellence.
• Keukenhof. Keukenhof, a public garden near Lisse, Netherlands, spans 79 acres (32 hectares) and specializes in displaying flowering bulbs. The garden has more than 7 million bulbs planted each year, featuring 800 tulip varieties as the main attraction. During the tulip season, which lasts 8 weeks from mid-March to mid-May, millions visit. Keukenhof is recognized for its tulips but also includes rose gardens and displays. A variety of modern and historical rose types are interspersed throughout the park’s rose garden.
• The rose garden of Versailles. The rose garden of Versailles in France occupies part of the Palace of Versailles grounds, extending nearly 2,000 acres (800 hectares). The intricately structured gardens comprise numerous elements such as 50 fountains, a grand canal, parterres, sculptures, and many statues. Roses adorn pathways, arches, and trellises. Various rose garden areas offer calm retreats within the splendor of Versailles.
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Sissinghurst Castle Garden in England features extensive rose gardens within its 550-acre (220 hectare) estate in Kent. Vita Sackville-West, a dedicated gardener, played a key role in shaping the rose garden areas in the 1930s. The gardens house a White Garden with roses and flowers in shades of white and gray, alongside a Pink & Purple Cut Flower Garden. Climbing roses adorn the brick walls surrounding the gardens. Sissinghurst stands out as a romantic garden in Europe.

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