Vrijbroekpark

Vrijbroekpark is a provincial green domain on the edge of Mechelen, in the Belgian province of Antwerp, covering roughly 65 hectares. The area sits in a natural low-lying basin once shaped by the Zenne river, which left the ground wet and marshy — the name "broek" is an old word for marshland. Unsuitable for growing crops, the land was traditionally used as meadow and hayfields, a history that still shapes the park's character today.

How did the park come to be?

In 1929, the province of Antwerp purchased part of this marshland and began transforming it into a park forest. A dense network of walking paths and drainage channels was laid out, giving the park its distinctive, winding structure. Over time, carefully designed plant collections were added, and the park opened to the public as a place of rest and recreation, freely accessible every day of the year.

What can you see in Vrijbroekpark?

The park's main highlight is its rose gardens — one designed in the English style, the other a more recent addition bordering a dahlia garden. In 2003, the World Federation of Rose Societies awarded the park its "Award of Garden Excellence," recognizing the exceptional quality of its plant design and upkeep.

Wandering the park's avenues leads visitors to a scenic pond surrounded by greenery, as well as to one of its more unusual attractions: the ruins of the so-called "ghost hotel." These are the remains of an ambitious hotel complex that was never finished or opened. Today, a wooden boardwalk leads visitors up to the first floor of the ruin, offering views over the surrounding willow-birch forest.

What events take place in the park?

Vrijbroekpark is more than a quiet green space for walking — it regularly hosts cultural and recreational events. Themed days include a dedicated Park Day, rose festivals, and autumn harvest celebrations. In summer, the park is known for its Highland Games, drawing both local residents and visitors looking for outdoor entertainment.

Who is this park for?

With its varied landscape — from marshy woodland to meticulously maintained gardens — the park appeals to visitors seeking peace and nature as much as to families with children or photographers drawn to the striking contrast between the rose gardens and the hotel ruins.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Vrijbroekpark free? Yes, the park is open to the public and free to enter every day.

What is the "ghost hotel" in the park? It refers to the ruins of an unfinished, once-ambitious hotel complex located at the heart of the park, accessible via a wooden boardwalk.

When is the best time to visit? The rose-blooming season is ideal for seeing the gardens at their best, while summer is the time to catch events such as the Highland Games.

How big is Vrijbroekpark? The park covers an area of approximately 65 hectares.