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Municipality in Flanders, Belgium
Photo: EmDee, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kraainem is a municipality on the outskirts of the Brussels Capital Region, administratively belonging to Flemish Brabant. It began as a rural village, but the expansion of Brussels has led to a fast-paced urbanization of Kraainem throughout the 20th century, and the municipality has become a popular residence for Eurocrats and expats alike.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Sint-Pancratiuskerk
The oldest building in Kraainem, the Saint Pancras Church has its origins in the 12th century. The massive Roman tower with walls up to 1.7 meters thick most likely had a military function. Initially, the church was added to the tower and had a simple rectangular shape. In the 13th and 14th century, the northern wing was added to the church. With financial help of the Affligem abbey, the small choir was transformed in the 16th century into the Gothic choir that remains. Until the 18th century, the entrance to the church was a small door in the south wall, the side that now faces the Kraainem town hall. Around 1720, the entrance was moved to the current baroque gate in the tower. From 1170 onwards, the church underwent significant changes: the asymmetric layout was abandoned, and a third section was added under the same saddle roof. The current sacristy, pulpit and two confessionals were also added. The interior was enhanced with furniture that was not originally intended for the church: the origin of the organ is still a mystery, and in 1873 two altars were purchased for 100 francs each from a Brussels church. At the end of the 19th century, the church escaped a complete transformation in Neo-Romanian style, and a more humble design of Jules Van Ysendyck was chosen instead, which preserved much of the antique interior. In 1984, pastor Vanzulpele observed a depression in the archway above the choir, which started a sequence of restorations finally completed in 2012. The current interior is based on the interior after the renovations of 1770. The graveyard around the church is no longer in use and only serves to preserve the historic image of the building. Religious ceremonies are still being held on Saturday and Sunday, when the church can be visited.
Hoog-Kraainem
Well preserved remains of the first residential activities in High Kraainem, dating from a Frankish settlement in the 9th century. The complex of interlocked houses and farmsteads, erected in the local sandstone but painted with white walls, is situated between the Saint Pancras Church and Jourdain castle. There is evidence of a stronghold historically situated west of the current location of the church, but it was demolished by the end of the 14th century because it lost its strategic importance. A map of 1397 only reports the location of the moats (fossa castri), which were eventually backfilled and repurposed. No visible evidence remains of the stronghold's existence. From the 14th century to the 19th century, High Kraainem remained a small settlement: at the time of the Belgian independence in 1830, only 15 houses were counted in High Kraainem.
Oude Pastorie
A vicarage built in 1652 with a foundation of sandstone and red bricks. The characteristic arc door and slate roof, typical for the era it was built in, have survived restoration efforts. It remained in use as vicarage until 1906, when a new vicarage was built next to the current town hall at Arthur Dezangré Avenue. The building was recognised as architectural heritage in 1976 and restored in 1990. One of the curiosities of the vicarage is a small mechanical single person elevator hidden in the tower under the saddle roof, but it has been out of service for years. The building hosts a restaurant by Maxime Collin.
Jourdainkasteel
The castle was built as a farmstead with a U-shape surrounded by multiple vegetable gardens, as documented in 1771. In 1846, the farmstead was expanded, surrounded by a brick wall, and transformed into a closed farmstead (vierkantshoeve). A barn was also added, but demolished in the late 20th century. It was purchased by doctor Delphin Gaillard in 1883 together with the surrounding park. He gave the 18th century farmstead its current castle appearance, with emphasis on traditional style elements: brick masonry, corners of white sandstone, stepped gables, small towers and a roof resembling a Chinese pagoda. The castle and park were then sold to Victor Jourdain who gave his name to the castle, and in 1980 the property was transferred to the Kraainem municipality which restored the building and used it as community center. The last restoration dates from 2003, when a lift was added. The castle is occasionally opened to the public for cultural events, and is classified as Flemish Architectural Heritage. It hosted a florist until late 1990s, which occupied the large veranda. Recreation grounds with a children's farm make the castle a popular attraction for local families with kids.
Klooster van de Visitatie
The order of the Salesians was founded in 1610 close to Annecy in France by Jeanne de Chantal and Francis of Sales, who gave his name to the order. On 12 February 1667, a monastery was founded in Brussels -- then part of the Southern Netherlands -- but the success of the order was strongly variable in time and by the first half of the 19th century it was nearly extinct in Brussels. A second start on 21 November 1845 had more success, and not even a century later the original location was too small to house the order. Architect Paul Bellot, born in 1876 and specialised in religious architecture, was tasked with the design of a new monastery located outside Brussels. Then still rural Kraainem was chosen because of its remote location, at the time there were no other buildings on the hill, and the closest settlement was Low Kraainem which was only accessible by a narrow unpaved road (now the Kapellelaan). Construction started in 1928, and by the end of 1930 when it was finished, the monastery had become a popular pilgrim destination. Unlike similar monasteries in Belgium, which started out small and were gradually expanded, the availability of sufficient space and budget allowed the entire site to be built at once between 1928 and 1930. All buildings thus show the same style elements, many of which were typical for the designs of Paul Bellot: polychrome bricks from Zandvoorde (a municipality close to Oostende near the Belgian coast) and extensive use of concrete for structural and decorative purposes. Art deco and brick modernism influences can be observed in all aspects of construction. Only the building sides facing the streets (Kapellelaan and Hebronlaan) are decorated (for example, a Madonna sculpture above the entrance), the sides facing the inner sanctum, gardens and orchards do not have any decoration. The architecture and degree of decoration reveals the originally intended purpose of the rooms in the buildings, a feature called architecture parlante. The facades are also hierarchically decorated, with the chapel as most important and thus most extensively decorated part of the structure. The interior resembles a Medieval monastery, with style elements of the Arabic and Mozarabic arts. Illumination was considered paramount by Paul Bellot, and windows are consequently large enough to illuminate the rooms they are intended for, without penalizing decoration. Much of the original woodworking, both indoor and outdoor, has been preserved, as evidenced by the oak inner doors and staircases. The monastery is still in use, and remains the only Salesian monastery in Belgium. It is not normally opened to visitors, reservations are mandatory. The monastery can be reached from Low Kraainem by following the Jozef van Hovestraat and afterwards the Kappellelaan up the hill.
The chapel referred to as 't kapelleke by local residents (literally, the chapel) is located at the intersection point of the Jozef van Hovestraat, the Lijsterbessenbomenlaan, the Bossstraat and the Kapellelaan. At the time of its construction in 1932, there were no buildings around its current site, and with the exception of the Jozef van Hovestraat, all streets were unpaved roads. By 1932 however, the crossing became increasingly important because of the expansion of the Laag Kraainem residential area, and the construction of the Salesian Monastery along the Kapellelaan 1 km further between 1928 and 1930. As more streets were added in later years, a roundabout was constructed to divert traffic away from the immediate surroundings of the chapel and preserve the original roads. The chapel is one of the most iconic landmarks of Kraainem, and known by local children because of the adjacent kindergarten and primary school. The chapel is completely surrounded by buildings, and therefor lost most of its authentic outlook. Can be easily reached from Low Kraainem by following the Jozef van Hovestraat up the hill, around a 5-min walk.
Joods kerkhof
Before 1930, the area of the current cemetery existed as garden for the castle park of Edward De Burbure of Wezembeek. With the rapid expansion of Kraainem in the first half of the 20th century, the cemetery around the Saint Pancras Church lacked the necessary capacity, and the need for a larger cemetery became evident. The area was purchased by the Kraainem municipality in 1933, and it was turned into a cemetery the next year with the construction of 2 service buildings. At the southern entrance of the cemetery, a small area is dedicated to war casualties and veterans. The larger section is reserved for the Jewish community, with was constructed in 1946 and later expanded in 1959. Many graves are victims from the Breendonk concentration camp. A memorial monument for unidentified Nazi victims is overlooking the area. The cemetery is a 15-min walk away from High Kraainem.
Vredesmonument
Memorial site for the local casualties of the two world wars. The square and its monument were constructed in 1930 when the adjacent Queen Astrid Avenue was conceived as the connection between High Kraainem and Stokkel. Before 1930, there were no buildings or roads at the current location. The monument is signed by Victor Demanet who led its construction. Later, inscriptions in memorial of the Second World War were added along with the text gij hebt den dank verdiend van 't vaderland (you have deserved the gratitude of the fatherland). The monument was inaugurated by King Albert I.
Laag-Kraainem
Low Kraainem is in the valley of the Woluwe river, a side river from the Senne, and found its origin at the point where the Kleine Maalbeek (consisting of the Wezembeek and the Sterrebeek) merge into the Woluwe. The historic trajectories of the Woluwe and the Kleine Maalbeek were characterised by many ponds and marshes, but these have gradually disappeared in the 19th and 20th century. The residential centre of Low Kraainem primarily consisted of the Jozef Van Hovestraat (previously Kerreweg, Steenstraete and Crainhemstraete, but in 1914 renamed after Jozef Van Hove who was major of Kraainem), Molenstraat and Jef. Thumasstraat. With the construction of the E40 viaduct and Woluwe Avenue, much of the historic centre have been destroyed, and the Jozef Van Hovestraat was cut in two halves. Many historic buildings have been preserved however: an 18th-century traditional farmstead at nr. 90-92 and a farmhouse from 1739 at nr. 86. Both are evidence of early residential development in the area, encouraged by the tram line that existed at the time (Statieplaats means station square in Dutch). Other historic architecture can be found at nr. 1, 5, 7B, 20, 15-21, 37, 78-82 and 115.
Oud Pachthof
Situated along the route of the tram line that used to connect Low Kraainem with High Kraainem and Sterrebeek, the Lease house is assumed to have served as the central registrar of agricultural properties in Low Kraainem and High Kraainem. The function dates back from before the 19th century, when almost all farmland was property of large land owners, and farmers could only lease the land in exchange for a portion of the crops it yielded. The building dates from late 17th century, but it has been renovated multiple times. Kraainem's council meetings presumably took place at this location until the current town hall was constructed in 1867-1868. A lounge bar is housed in the building.
Evenwicht
The monument consists of three giant splinters, one wooden and two aluminum, commemorating the rich industrial legacy of Kraainem in the 19th and 20th century. Paper mills in particular have been historically important for employment in Low Kraainem, which was ideally located because of the water supply from the Woluwe and Kleine Maalbeek, and the supply of wood from the nearby Sonian Forest. From the extensive industrial complexes with paper mills, grain mills and brewery, nothing remains. The monument was designed by Rainer Gross and inaugurated in 2000. Easily reachable from either High and Low Kraainem with a 15- to 20-min walk up the hill towards Stokkel. Alternatively, take bus 352 and get off at Koningin Astrid.
Bouvier-Washerwijk
The Cité, built between 1920 and 1923, was envisioned as a social residential complex for veterans from the First World War who returned from the front line with disabilities. The chlorine gas used as chemical weapon in the early stages of the war in particular turned out to be rarely deadly because it was dispersed in the air, but caused irreversible damage to the lungs of many unprepared soldiers. For the first time in history, large numbers of veterans thus returned home with permanent breathing problems, a disability preventing reintegration in the labour market. At the end of the First World War in 1918, Belgian social security was unprepared to cope with this new phenomenon, and the Association sans but lucratif au profit des mutiléls de guerre (Association for the benevolence of war mutilated individuals) was founded to construct cheap social housing for the victims. Many such social cités were constructed in Kraainem, the Bouvier-Washer Cité was among the first. The architecture is typically regional: red brick facades alternating with brightly painted surfaces, abutments to the corners of walls, anchors and plaits, etc. The neighbouring Korenbloemstraat served the same purpose but was added 10 years later between 1930 and 1932. Many buildings have been modified, but the authentic looks were preserved in Korenbloemstraat no. 28. The Cité is still used as a residential area, as houses were sold or passed on to heirs after the original veteran inhabitants died. A 20- to 25-min walk from High Kraainem, follow Koningin Astridlaan direction Stokkel until the crossing with the Wezembeeklaan, then take left. Alternatively, take bus 352 direction Kraainem Metro and get off at stop Koningin Astrid.
Jourdainpark
The area east of the High Kraainem residential complex, at the time along the curvy road that connected Kraainem with Wezembeek, was purchased in 1883 by doctor Delphin Gaillard. The park only came to existence in 1899 when successive owner Victor Jourdain, who gave his name to the park, added 8.5 ha of marsh and woodland to the area before the start of the First World War in 1914. After his death in 1918, his heirs added the large ponds along the Kleine Maalbeek to the park, an addition of 4 ha. This included a watermill, which used the largest of the two ponds as a reservoir. The park consisted of the current ponds, but also a vegetable garden and orchard. A large portion of the park was sacrificed for the construction of highway R0 in 1973. From then on, the park was governed by the Kraainem municipality. The park hosts a large variety of rare and exotic plants and trees, including Platanus x hispanica, Tilia platyphyllos, T. tomentosa, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Sequoiadendron giganteum.
Eclairpark
A small park in Low Kraainem, the counterpart of the Jourdain park in High Kraainem. Willow trees are the symbol of Kraainem, and the willow tree of the Eclair park is one of the last remaining, after the iconic willow tree in front of the Saint Pancras Church was chopped during the renovation of the church in 2011. The pond is fed by a small spring, which used to be a source of fresh water for the inhabitants of Low Kraainem, but due to ground water contamination, the spring water is no longer suitable for human consumption. The pond drains into the Kleine Maalbeek, which in turns merges into the Woluwe 200 m further. The pond is a rich biome, as evidenced by the countless water plants in and around it. The pond also functions as flood water storage. A small recreation area makes the park a popular destination for families with young kids in Low Kraainem.
Oud tramspoortje
Trajectory of a historic tram track connecting the royal palace in Laken with the king's summer residence in Tervuren (now it's the Africa museum). Only a fraction of the historic track is in use, the remainder converted into a long stretched park reaching from Kraainem to Oudergem. Used by students of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as bicycle highway to reach the Etterbeek campus. Beautiful trajectory, crossing the border between Flanders and Brussels. Approximate length is 8 km. To return by metro, take line 5 in Oudergem towards Erasmus/Erasme and change for line 1 towards Stokkel/Stockel at Merode. Not recommendable in rainy weather.
Zoniënwoud
The Sonian Forest, covering an area of ca. 4400 ha, is the largest and best preserved remnant of the historical Silva Carbonaria, commonly known as the charcoal forest, that in the 4th century still stretched from Thuin to Brussels. It has a large geomorphological value because significant sections on the Loess plateau had never been felled in history, thus retaining the characteristics of a primeval forest. The highest point reaches 133 m above sea level. The source of the IJse is in the centre of the Sonian Forest, and its trajectory spawned countless ponds, creeks and marshes. Archaeological evidence of human activity in the Sonian Forest has been traced back to neolithic remains over 5000 years old. Remains of iron ore smelters from the Carolingian era have also been found. It is presumably under the reign of Charles the Great (768-814) that the Sonian Forest got split off from the Silva Carbonaria and developed an independent fauna and flora. Under Austrian reign in the 18th century, thousands of beech trees were planted, which is still visible. From the 18th century onwards, the forest saw increasing economic importance: several monasteries and priories were built in and around it, and the countless ponds served to provide them with a supply of fish whereas the forest itself had a hunting ground function. Nearly nothing of these buildings remains, but the intense network of droveways reveals their historic locations and importance. Under French rule, from 1794 to 1814, the Sonian Forest was nationalised, and large areas were felled for economic reasons. After the Belgian independence of 1830, parts of the forest were sold off to individuals to fill the new country's treasury, but in 1843 it became property of the state. The first half of the 19th century brought new disaster to the forest, however, when in 1832 the General Society (Société Generale) started the construction of roads that cut the forest in smaller pieces. A railway connection between Brussels and Terhulpen was constructed in 1854, further dividing the forest. After the Second World War, the roads were significantly widened and paved, then later upgraded to the highways that still exist, and are part of the Brussels Ringway R0. The lack of tunnels or bridges make them a significant barrier for the fauna in the forest: foxes, boars, frogs, toads, deer, and budgerigars. Although only a tiny fraction of the Sonian forest is in Kraainem, the forest has become very popular with locals for recreation purposes. The Sonian Forest is a . The forest offers excellent opportunities for hiking, Nordic walking, jogging and cycling. Fishing or camping are not allowed, however. The forest can be reached from the Kraainem centre with bus 316 direction Leuven (get off at Middenlaan) or explored by Villo bike (see Get around).
A small park near the geographic centre of Kraainem, hence its name. Adjacent to the famous Bouvier-Washer Cité, it offers visitors benches to rest and a calm environment to enjoy the surroundings. The park is maintained as a natural habitat for local fauna, by keeping grass mowing to a strict minimum. In the early morning or late evening, encounters with wildlife are likely, and visitors can enjoy observing rabbits, weasels and even foxes in the wild. It is formally prohibited to feed wildlife, and visitors should refrain from taking out food around animals, foxes in particular.
Cultureel Centrum
A modern theater hall, grown into the cultural centre of Kraainem. New shows on a weekly basis. An opportunity for tourists to get a taste of Flemish culture and lifestyle. Don't forget to have a drink at the bar afterwards, where local residents hang out for smalltalk.
Kraainem Football
The football club of Kraainem is known for its multiculturalism, uniting over 300 players from 40 countries in sports. Aside from 2 senior teams, the club is carried by youngsters between 6 and 21 years old. Football courses are available to children in that age range in Dutch, English and French. Matches are played in the stadium at the Bosstraat, which has a rich history on its own. Entering the stadium is free, even during matches, only seats must be paid for. The cantina serves drinks and snacks, and hosts occasional cultural events.
Sporthal
The sports centre of Kraainem is located between the historic centre of High Kraainem and the E40 highway in the valley of the Kleine Maalbeek. The centre is a multifunctional complex for tennis, acrobatics, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, futsal, judo and mini football. Facilities are available for indoor and outdoor tennis, on a 5 minute walking distance from High Kraainem centre. In winter, ice skating on the natural ice of the nearby pond is a popular attraction for locals.
Openbare bibliotheek
Public library, offering a collection of novels, comic books, CDs and DVDs, primarily in Dutch and English.
Watching landing aircraft is a popular hobby in Kraainem due to its location in the vicinity of the Brussels Airport. Areas east of Kraainem are under a runway flight route, enabling viewers to spot landing aircraft if wind direction and weather permits it.
Small restaurant in the Cultural Centre in the Kraainem town center. It specializes in traditional Flemish dishes (paling in 't groen, stoofvlees, tomate crevette, and many others). Ask for the dish of the day (dagschotel) for €12. Mostly visited by locals, and a great opportunity to get to know local residents and initiate smalltalk with them. Very kids friendly. Reservations are mandatory in the weekend.
A traditional Flemish fritkot serving fries, among many other types of fast food. Ask for home made fries, or you may be adversely served the industrial, frozen variant, with less flavor.
Prepared sandwiches and salads, energy and candy bars, and assorted foods. Expensive, but open until 22:00. Most food items are available at Carrefour 300 m further for a lower price.
A fine dining Italian restaurant, specializing in pasta dishes and antipasti. They don't serve pizza, and the owner will gladly explain to you the logic behind that decision if you ask for it. A romantic setting, 15-minute walk from the Kraainem town centre. Not suitable for families with kids. The restaurant is almost always fully booked, so reservations are mandatory.
Take-away Italian food on a walking distance from Central Park and the historic Bouvier-Washer Cité.
Asian cuisine in a relaxing setting. Fairly priced. The large aquariums with countless exotic fish next to the tables are a popular attraction for kids.
A Chinese self-service restaurant with a massive buffet including warm and cold appetizers, sushi, dim-sums, soup, salad bar, wok and desserts. On Sundays and holidays, teppanyaki is also served at an additional cost. Good choice for family events and large groups, or for dining or dinner with kids. Can be reached easily with bus 358, 351, 410, 359 or 318. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservation is usually not necessary. Prices range from €10.90 for lunch during the week to €22.50 for lunch and dinner during the weekends, including teppanyaki. Reduction for children.
Chinese restaurant right across Eclair park, a few minutes walking from Low Kraainem. Mid-range, good value. Accommodation for larger groups, for example family celebration events. Kids friendly. Reservations are recommended.
Cozy Thai restaurant with limited seating, but excellent food for those appreciating the oriental cuisine. Reservation is recommended. Most of their offers are also available as take away.
Trendy bar associated with the community centre with the same name, located in a modern glass building on a 5-min walk from the High Kraainem historic center. Large selection of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea. Also serves a warm lunch, see "Eat". Small snacks are available throughout the day. Very popular with locals, government officials working at the nearby town hall, and retired elderly. The best place in Kraainem to meet locals and have a chat about nearly any topic, if you're not under time pressure at least.
A traditional Flemish bar (café or kroeg), one of the last remaining in Kraainem. Bars like De Ronne Hoeck (Flemish dialect for the round corner, referring to its location) used to play an important role in Flemish social life until the early 2000s, because they served as meeting points for locals of all social classes and ranks. For many commoners it used to be a daily routine to pass through the local bar on their way home from work, to discuss politics, sports and assorted topics while beers helped to forget the burdens of work. Traditional bars like De Ronne Hoeck are characterised by the lack of proper illumination and dark coloured wooden furniture, leading to the name bruine kroeg (literally brown bar). From the 21st century the popularity of traditional bars declined sharply under pressure of the expensive euro, the ban on indoor smoking, and competition with more trendy lounge bars. Not the most inviting to tourists, but an interesting place for those looking to experience Flemish social history.
A small bar in the historic centre of High Kraainem, in front of the town hall and next to the road leading to the Saint Pancras Church. Their terrace gives a beautiful view over the old town and the church in particular. Focuses on local and international alcoholic drinks, primarily beers.
A bar in the Carrefour Planet shopping centre, near the western exit. A convenient place to enjoy Belgian beer and rest after an exhausting shopping experience. Small cuisine (soup and snacks) also available on request.
A B&B a 15-min walk from the historic town center, in the famous Jozef van Hovestraat where many 17th- and 18th-century farmsteads are located.
A small B&B at 300 m from the Sonian Forest. A direct tram connection leads visitors to the Kraainem city centre and to the Brussels city centre.
A B&B run by an elderly couple, just across the border with neighbouring commune Wezembeek-Oppem. It is in a residential neighbourhood away from the street side, very quiet, and a good night rest is guaranteed here. Breakfast is optional for €5. Walking from Kraainem Central Park takes 25 - 30 minutes.
A guest house in the neighbouring municipality Wezembeek-Oppem. Not easily reachable by public transport, a car or taxi is required to connect to the Kraainem town centre.
Located in an apartment building in the centre of Kraainem, 2 minutes away from the Bouvier-Washer Cité and 5 minutes from the Kraainem Shopping Center on Wezembeek Avenue. The Kraainem metro station is 8 minutes walking away, permitting easy access into the Brussels city.
A small house with 3 rooms that can be rented individually or together, close to the International German School of Brussels, and on walking distance from the tram to Kraainem City Centre and Brussels.
A camping in the neighbouring municipality of Wezembeek-Oppem. A 25-min walk away from the Kraainem town center.
Van Biesen
Bank office with ATM, helpful and friendly service.
Office of a large French bank, more likely to accept and exchange foreign currencies.
Numerous shops spread along the streets of the historic centre of Kraainem. Large variety of premises, but does not offer the best opportunities to fashionistas.
Largest shopping centre in Kraainem, with nearly all commodities available. Notable shops include a Leonidas (Belgian chocolates), Carrefour Planet (hypermarket), Delhaize (groceries) and Brico (leisure and construction related items). Too far out of the town centre to walk, but easily reachable with bus 316 or 352 (get off at Konigin Astrid).
Historic farmstead, selling a variety of local organic food. Located in the Molenstraat, the historic connection between Low and High Kraainem before the Arthur Dezangrélaan relieved traffic from this narrow street. A 5-minute walk away from the historic Jozef Van Hovestraat in Low Kraainem.
French hypermarkt chain, and largest store in Kraainem with a variety of food and drinks, including prepared meals to go. They also carry other items that may come in handy: prepaid SIM cards, post cards and stamps, and in the summer season a range of camping items such as tents and backpacks.
Belgian discount supermarket based in Halle, offering the lowest prices on branded foods. Smaller selection than Carrefour, but a bit cheaper. A great place to shop for snacks!
Since 2011 the largest store for organic food in Kraainem, with a selection of daily fresh bread, vegetables, and groceries. A wide range of drinks, milk (almond milk, rice, coconut, ...), fruit and vegetable juices. They also have a selection of organic wines, as well as gluten free products such as bread, baguettes and cake. Strong emphasis on locally produced goods.
Small supermarket in High Kraainem, more expensive than Carrefour or Colruyt, but one of the few that are open on Sundays.
Supermarket specialised in fine foods and luxury products. Too expensive for general grocery shopping, but a great place to search for Belgian specialties (chocolate, Speculoos spread, beers), souvenirs, and presents for family when you return home.
By tram
Tram operated by the Brussels transport company MIVB traverses Central Kraainem from west to east, get off at station {{station|Wilderozen}}.
By plane
Kraainem also shares an airport (BRU) with Brussels, located to the north. A taxi from Brussels National Airport to Kraainem will cost about €22.
By bus
Numerous bus lines and a tram line cross Kraainem. Keep an eye on the logo on the vehicles, as there are 3 companies operating buses in Kraainem, and their tickets are incompatible.
By car
Proximity to the highways (E40 and R0) make it easily reachable by car if you choose to rent one, but during rush hour (07:00–09:30 and 16:00–18:00), massive traffic jams daily paralyze most of the…
On foot
8 km², only the northern half and centre are of touristic value, the south being residential areas without significant points of interest.
By public transport
Kraainem is crossed by bus lines (316 and 352 from De Lijn), tram line passing through Stokkel, and metro line connecting Stokkel and Kraainem with Brussels.
By bicycle
Kraainem has a hilly topography, with the lowest point in the Maalbeek valley slightly below 40 m above sea level, the highest point is 120 m.
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