Robinson Island

Robinson Island is a small islet sitting in the middle of an artificial lake covering roughly 6 hectares, located in the southern part of the Bois de la Cambre in Brussels. It is one of the city's more unusual spots — a patch of greenery surrounded entirely by water, with no bridge connecting it to the shore. The only way to reach it is by a small ferry.

The island is home to the Chalet Robinson, a wooden building designed in the style of a picturesque Swiss chalet and originally built in 1877 as a tea-room café. The structure, covering about 300 m², has burned down twice over its history — first in 1896 and again in 1991. Each time it was rebuilt, though after the second fire reconstruction took considerably longer, and the chalet did not reopen to the public until September 2009.

What can visitors find at Chalet Robinson?

The ground floor of the building houses a restaurant, while the upper floor serves as a ballroom, occasionally used for events and private functions. The combination of an intimate lakeside setting with views over the water has made the spot a long-standing favorite among both Brussels residents and visitors looking for a quiet break away from the city center.

How do you get to the island?

Since the island has no pedestrian bridge linking it to the mainland, the only way across is a short ferry crossing over the lake. The crossing itself, brief as it is, is part of the experience — it creates a sense of seclusion even though the surrounding park sits just south of one of Belgium's busiest urban centers.

Where exactly is it located?

Robinson Island lies within the Bois de la Cambre, a large public park in southern Brussels that is itself a popular destination for walking, jogging, and relaxing outdoors. The lake and its island occupy the park's southern section, framed by footpaths and green lawns.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the island without a reservation? Access is by ferry during the site's opening hours; there is no fixed footbridge or other permanent land connection.

What are the opening hours? The site is generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, and on weekends (Saturday–Sunday) from 9:00 to 19:00. It may close in case of bad weather.

What is Chalet Robinson? It's a wooden building in Swiss chalet style, originally erected in 1877 as a tea-room, now housing a restaurant on the ground floor and a ballroom upstairs.

Why is the island called Robinson? The name evokes the sense of isolation associated with the Robinson Crusoe story — a small piece of land surrounded by water and reachable only by boat naturally suggests the image of a castaway's island retreat.

Is it a good spot for gatherings or events? Yes, the upstairs ballroom is sometimes used to host events, and the setting itself — in the middle of a lake surrounded by greenery — gives such occasions a distinctive character.