Parc de la Serna

Parc de la Serna is a compact but surprisingly varied urban park in the Jumet district of Charleroi, in Wallonia, Belgium. It sits right at the edge of an industrial zone and next to Charleroi-Brussels South Airport, acting as a green buffer between built-up areas and the airfield. Despite this unusual neighborhood, the park has kept a semi-wild, quiet character where locals come to walk, jog, and unwind beneath the trees.

Where does the name come from?

The land now occupied by the park was historically known as Hoodierbois (or Hodiarbois). From the 18th through the 20th century it belonged to the Spanish de la Serna family, whose name stuck to the site. The city of Charleroi purchased the land in 1990 and turned it into a public park, keeping much of the original natural landscape intact rather than redesigning it from scratch.

How big is the park and what can you see there?

Parc de la Serna covers roughly 16 hectares. Its layout is deliberately informal — paths wind through meadows, groves, and water features, giving the impression of a semi-wild landscape rather than a classically designed garden.

At the heart of the park is an arboretum: an educational circuit made up of 30 stations that showcase the main tree species found on site. It's a good stop for anyone interested in trees and forestry, but also simply a pleasant, shaded route for casual walkers.

Does the park have any water features?

Yes, there are three ponds within the park. One of them was restocked in 2001 and is now home to swans. Beyond their visual appeal, these water bodies support birdlife and other species tied to wetland habitats, adding another layer of biodiversity to the site.

What else does the park offer visitors?

Dog owners will find a dedicated dog agility trail (parcours canin) — a course with obstacles and training elements that's relatively unusual for a park of this size. This makes Parc de la Serna a draw not just for casual strollers but for people actively training their dogs.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is especially striking in spring, particularly from late April to early May, when the forest floor becomes covered in blooming bluebells. It's a short but spectacular window that draws photographers and nature lovers from across the Charleroi area.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes — Parc de la Serna is open to the public free of charge, year-round.

Is the park suitable for a walk with children? Yes, the terrain is flat and easy to access, and the mix of landscapes — meadows, ponds, and the arboretum — turns a simple walk into a small nature lesson.

Can dogs run off-leash in the park? There's a dedicated dog training trail, but it's worth checking local signage for the specific rules on leashes and off-leash areas elsewhere in the park.

How do you get to Parc de la Serna? The park is located in the Jumet district, right at the edge of the industrial zone near Charleroi-Brussels South Airport, making it accessible from both central Charleroi and surrounding towns.

Parc de la Serna combines local history (the former de la Serna estate), nature education (the arboretum), and everyday recreation for Jumet residents — all packed into a relatively modest but richly landscaped 16-hectare site.