Kraainem je općina na periferiji Bruxelles Regija glavnog grada, administrativno pripada Flamanski Brabant. Započelo je kao ruralno selo, ali širenje Bruxellesa dovelo je do brze urbanizacije Kraainema tijekom 20. stoljeća, a općina je postala popularno prebivalište i eurokrata i iseljenika.
Shvati
Povijest
Rana povijest
O ranoj povijesti Kraainema malo se zna, osim nekoliko litičkih artefakata pronađenih tijekom poljoprivrednih aktivnosti. Tijekom urbanizacije Stokkela i Južnog Kraainema, 1928. godine otkrivena je velika koncentracija artefakata u blizini granice s St.-Pieters-Woluwe. Ovi su nalazi datirani u mezo i neolitik.
Ostaci rimskih naselja otkriveni su krajem 18. stoljeća, a na mjestu sadašnje gradske vijećnice nekoć je stajala rimska vila. Bilo je poznato kao Villa Crainham, i dao ime Kraainemu. Nažalost, nijedan od klasičnih ostataka nije sačuvan. Poznato je da Villa Crainham ostala do 11. stoljeća, od 1003. godine također je crkva zabilježena u poveljama: crainham villa cum ecclesia. The Keulsebaan prelazi kroz Kraainem, povezujući Roman Bruxelles do Köln, čiji dijelovi ostaju i danas.
Većina sadašnjeg teritorija Kraainema ostala je nenaseljena tijekom cijelog prvog tisućljeća. Sjeverno urbanizirano područje Kraainema, Visoki Kraainem, razvio se iz franačkog dvora usredotočenog oko onoga što je danas poznato kao dvorac Jourdain. Bilo je to tek nešto više od utvrde okružene s nekoliko stanova u prvoj polovici 9. stoljeća. Zemljovid iz 1771. prikazuje povijesnu podjelu Kraainema između visokog i niskog područja: na zapadu crkva izgrađena na ranijim utvrdama, a na istoku brojne gospodarske kuće i nekoliko manjih stanova. Nepoznato je kako su utvrde mogle izgledati, ali ostaci dvostrukog osmerokutnog jarka mogu se pronaći zapadno od crkve i ostali su istaknuti do 1836. Razvoj Visokog Kraainema ostao je ograničen na ovu jezgru sve do 19. stoljeća, s anketa 1830. koja broji samo 15 kuća.
Sjeverozapadno od Kraainema nalazi se druga jezgra urbanizacije, Niski Kraainem. Bila je gušće naseljena od Visoki Kraainem, ali manjeg značaja jer su mu nedostajale crkva i obrambene utvrde High Kraainems. Low Kraainem svoju je važnost dugovao ušću Maalbeeka u Woluwe. Vodenice su već izgrađene 1397. godine kako bi se iskoristila snaga vode u poljoprivredne svrhe, a oko tih mlinova izrasla je stambena jezgra. Oko 1427. godine sagrađena je kapela sv. Ante, iskorištavajući trgovce koji su prelazili područje preko Keulsebaan. Laag Kraainem ekonomski je procvjetao u 14. i 15. stoljeću, ali kapela sv. Ante ponovno je nestala do 1850. godine. Jozef Van Hovestraat i Jef. Thumasstraat su najstarije preostale ulice Low Kraainema.
Stokkel je treća jezgra staništa Kraainema, a nastao je iz malog naselja u 12. stoljeću kao dio opatije Woluwe. Opatija je osigurala plodnost tla, što je omogućilo poljoprivredu i razvoj tamošnjeg naselja. Područje južno od Stokkela, danas stambene četvrti, ostalo je pošumljeno do 19. stoljeća i izvor prihoda od lova.
U 19. stoljeću
Krajem 19. stoljeća Stokkel je stekao tramvajsku vezu sa Bruxelles, koji i danas postoji kao tramvaj 92. Poboljšana dostupnost započela je brzu urbanizaciju Stokkela, dok je sjeverni Kraainem zadržao svoja ruralna obilježja. Do kraja Drugi svjetski rat, samo su 2 neasfaltirane ceste povezivale Niski i Visoki Kraainem sa Stokkelom, a bile su korisne samo nekoliko mjeseci u godini.
Dok se urbanizirao Stokkel, sjeverni Kraainem polako se razvijao i industrijalizirao se početkom 19. stoljeća. Tvornice papira postojale su u Kraainemu od srednjeg vijeka, a važnost su stekle belgijskom neovisnošću 1830. godine za opskrbu novog glavnog grada Bruxelles s novinama. Do 1892. godine evoluirao je u veliki industrijski kompleks sa stotinu obrtnika. Mlin i pivovara također su bili dio kompleksa. Danas Kraainem još uvijek donosi plodove ove povijesti i smatra se jednom od najbogatijih belgijskih općina.
Od 1860. nadalje, monumentalni građevinski projekti u Bruxellesu tjerali su buržoaziju iz glavnog grada, a mnogi su utočište pronašli oko Stokkela, što mu je dalo poticaj za razvoj i velik dio njegovog bogatstva.
Moderni Kraainem
Poboljšanja cestovne mreže nakon Prvi svjetski rat dovelo je do postupnog pada industrijske važnosti Kraainema, a do 1932. svi su mlinovi bili zatvoreni i srušeni. Danas je ostalo vrlo malo te industrijske baštine, budući da su industrijska područja nakon Drugi svjetski rat kada su popločane veze između sjevernog Kraainema i Stokkela, a potom je i sjeverni Kraainem doživio ubrzanu urbanizaciju. Stanovništvo Kraainema povećalo se sa 1739. 1920. na 3330 stanovnika 1947. godine.
Od 1927. godine područje južno od Stokkela postalo je žarište daljnjeg stambenog razvoja. Još uvijek dio Sonijska šuma do tada su se izgrađivale ceste u južnoj polovici Kraainema, a ubrzo potom izgrađene su i prve vile. Drugi svjetski rat privremeno je zaustavio razvoj Južnog Kraainema, ali od pedesetih godina prošlog stoljeća deforestacija se ubrzala i potpuno urbanizirala područje do 1967. godine. Samo je mali dio Sonijske šume sačuvan u najjužnijoj točki Kraainema. Općinu je trajno preusmjerilo sa poljoprivrednog, šumarskog i trgovinskog na stambeni fokus. Kraainem je gotovo u potpunosti urbaniziran, iako je nekoliko livada ostalo u sjevernoj polovici Kraainema.
U drugoj polovici 20. stoljeća Kraainem se transformirao iz flamanski grad u međunarodnu zajednicu. Migracija Valonski Građani koji su se naseljavali u Kraainemu davali su mu sve miješano urbano stanovništvo, kojem su dodani i eurokrati nakon uspostave europskih institucija u obližnjem Bruxellesu.
Orijentacija
Smješteno istočno od Bruxelles i sjeverno od Tervuren, Teritorij Kraainems ima oblik pješčanog sata, sa najužom točkom širine samo 160 m. Ožiljak imaju brojne autoceste, koje sa zapadne i sjeverne strane ulaze u Kraainem. Sjever Kraainema uglavnom je ravno područje u dolini rijeke Maalbeek, prema središtu i jugu njegova topografija postaje brdovita.
Okruzi
Kraainem ima 5 okruga, svaki s izrazitom osobnošću.
| Niski Kraainem Povijesno trgovačko središte smješteno u dolini Woluwe i oko nje, gdje se Kleine Maalbeek spaja s rijekom Woluwe. Od industrijske baštine nije ostalo ništa, uključujući tvornice papira, mlin za žito ili pivovare koje su nekada donosile bogatstvo Low Kraainemu, ali danas postoje mnoge farme i kuće iz 18. i 19. stoljeća kao dokaz njegove bogate gospodarske povijesti. |
| Visoki Kraainem Povijesno središte Kraainema, osnovano u 9. stoljeću. Izgrađena je oko uporišta i poznate crkve Saint Pancras, ali ostala je samo crkva. Sadašnje je administrativno središte Kraainema s neoklasičnom gradskom vijećnicom i brojnim kulturnim zgradama. |
| Središnji Kraainemova četvrt s najbržim razvojem, s procvatima komercijalnih pothvata i visokim stambenim zgradama. Samo nekoliko livada i farmi podsjećaju na poljoprivrednu povijest Kraainema, a otvoreni se prostori brzo povlače pod pritiskom kontinuirane urbanizacije. |
| Stokkel Otmjena stambena i poslovna četvrt oko trga Dumon sa skupim stanovima i velika trgovačka četvrt s bezbrojnim buticima. |
| Jug Rezidencijalna četvrt koja zauzima gotovo polovicu teritorija Kraainema i odgovorna je za velik dio poreznih prihoda. Graniči s Sonijska šuma na jugu, a  Svjetska baština UNESCO-a. |
Jezik
Prisutnost Europske institucije u Bruxellesu doveo je do drugog vala imigracije 1980-ih i 1990-ih, a mirna stambena područja Kraainema i laka dostupnost cijenili su Europska unija i NATO službenici. Veliki priljev imigranata zamijenio je većinu izvornog flamanskog stanovništva i doveo je do toga da je Kraainem postao frankofonskiji od 1960. nadalje, a u potpunosti višejezičan od 1990-ih kao rezultat brojnih emigranata s prebivalištem u Kraainemu. Samo mali dio stanovništva još uvijek govori flamanski, a francuski je de facto lingua franca. Mnogi stanovnici, posebno mlađa generacija, također pošteno razumiju engleski jezik.
Jezik je i dalje osjetljiva tema rasprave u Kraainemu, posebno starija generacija ne prihvaća multikulturalnost i frankofonske i europske imigrante krivi za više cijene stanovanja i sve veći kriminal. Stanovnici obično izbjegavaju javno raspravljati o toj temi te je poželjno ne zauzimati stav u raspravi jer to može dovesti do pokretanja tučnjave.
Klima
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Blizina Sjevernog mora Kraainemu daje blagu morsku klimu. Temperature su veći dio godine između 4 ° C i 20 ° C.
Zimi su česta razdoblja od nekoliko uzastopnih hladnijih dana kada vjetrovi vrate Skandinavija pad temperature ispod nule. Snježne padavine su rijetke i ograničene su na najviše nekoliko cm dnevno, pa tijekom posjeta Kraainemu zimi nije potrebno nositi čizme za snijeg. Općinske službe brzo podmiruju glavne ceste, ali sporedne ceste mogu ostati skliske do kasnih poslijepodnevnih sati. Iako formalno nije zabranjeno, klizati se na ribnjacima parka Jourdain ne smije pokušavati jer je led rijetko dovoljno gust da podnosi težinu odraslih.
Ljeti se temperatura povremeno povisi od 20 ° C s vrhovima do 35 ° C. Kada temperatura poraste iznad 30 ° C, mještani će potražiti zaklon od vrućine, a društveni život obično se uspori (sporija usluga u restoranima ili barovima, nedostatak javnih usluga, itd.) Nekoliko uzastopnih vrućih dana obično završi s grmljavinom oluja i obilje kiše. Tijekom vrućih dana može se prekoračiti sigurni prag za ozon i tada se preporučuje minimalizirati fizički napor. Zaštita od sunca Factor 50 preporučuje se ljeti, a može se kupiti u bilo kojem supermarketu kao što su Carrefour Planet, Delhaize ili Colruyt. Tijekom valova vrućina i suše ograničenja u korištenju vode mogu privremeno biti na snazi kako bi obeshrabrila stanovnike da troše vodu iz slavine. Na primjer, može biti zabranjeno punjenje bazena, pranje vozila ili vodenih vrtova tijekom sušnih razdoblja. Međutim, formalno se od turista ne očekuje da znaju ove iznimne propise privremene prirode, pa stoga vjerojatno neće biti kažnjena od policije kad ih uhvate.
Klima u Kraainemu vlažna je tijekom cijele godine, a kiša se može očekivati u bilo kojem trenutku, bez obzira na doba godine. Posjetitelji bi sa sobom trebali uzeti kišobran, vodonepropusnu jaknu ili barem rezervnu odjeću u ruksaku. Vrijeme se može brzo promijeniti, nebo bez oblaka ujutro može popodne prijeći u kišu i obrnuto, zato budite spremni nositi se i s toplim i s kišnim danima tijekom posjeta. Budući da je više u unutrašnjosti od svog susjeda na istoku, Bruxelles, Kraainem je obično ljeti vruće, a zimi hladnije od Bruxelles.
Turistički ured
- 1 Turistički ured, Arthur Dezangrélaan 17, ✉[email protected]. Turistički ured u gradskoj vijećnici Kraainem. Pruža besplatne karte za šetnju i biciklizam, kao i karte za sustav javnog prijevoza. Besplatno.
Uđi
Podzemnom željeznicom
Do Kraainema je najjednostavnije doći metroom, sići na stanici 1 Kraainem 
(druga zadnja stanica na liniji 1 Weststation-Stokkel). Vrijeme putovanja je oko 20 minuta od 2 Glavni kolodvor u Bruxellesu.
Tramvajem
Tramvaj 92 kojom upravlja Bruxelles transportno poduzeće MIVB prelazi središnji Kraainem od zapada prema istoku, silazi u 3 stanica Wilderozen.
Avionom
Kraainem također dijeli zračnu luku (BRU IATA) sa Bruxelles, smješteno na sjeveru. Taksi iz 4 Nacionalna zračna luka Bruxelles do Kraainema koštat će oko 22 €.
Autobusom
Brojne autobusne linije i tramvajska linija prelaze Kraainem. Pripazite na logotip vozila, jer u Kraainemu postoje 3 tvrtke koje upravljaju autobusima i njihove su karte nespojive. Stoga svakako pribavite kartu za tvrtku s kojom putujete. Ako sumnjate, pitajte vozača autobusa za upute.
Bruxelleska transportna tvrtka MIVB ima dvije linije, 76 (smjer Oppem) i 77 (smjer Hipodroom), koji se također zaustavljaju na stanica podzemne željeznice.
Automobilom
Blizina autocesta (E40 i R0) čine je lako dostupnom automobilom ako se odlučite za najam, ali u vrijeme špice (07: 00–09: 30 i 16: 00–18: 00), velike gužve svakodnevno paraliziraju većinu autocesta koje okružuju Bruxelles, kao i međugradska linija između Bruxellesa i Leuven.
Zaobiđi se
Suvremeni Kraainem ima snažno stambeni izgled s dobro razvijenom cestovnom mrežom. Potpuno je mapiran OpenStreetMap, koji je vjerojatno ažuriraniji od službenih karata koje nudi turistički ured. Kraainem ima izvrsnu 3G pokrivenost (vidi također Spojiti), ali kako bi se spriječilo prekomjerno korištenje propusnosti i troškovi povezani sa strujanjem podataka karte, preporučljivo je prethodno preuzeti kartu Kraainem i pregledati je izvan mreže na mobilnom uređaju.
Pješice
Od ukupne površine 5,8 km², samo su sjeverna polovica i središte turističke vrijednosti, a jug su stambena područja bez značajnih zanimljivih mjesta. Uz dobru prijenosnu kartu moguće je pješice prijeći Kraainem u jednom danu. Većini posjetitelja bit će najprikladnije napraviti petlju s početnom i završnom točkom Metro stanica Kraainem. Od stanice metroa hodajte prema istoku do Grensstraata, a zatim do kraja do Kapellelaana. Na putu niz Kapellelaan naići ćete na salezijanski samostan i dalje cestom, 't Kapelleke. Nastavite niz Jozef van Hovestraat, s brojnim povijesnim salašima i seoskim kućama, sve do križanja s Jefom. Thumasstraat u Low Kraainemu gdje skrećete desno. Slijedite Jefa. Thumasstraat do Stanarske kuće na uglu, zatim skrenite desno i slijedite Oudstrijderslaan s parkom Eclair s vaše desne strane do dolaska u High Kraainem. U gradskoj vijećnici Kraainem skrenite lijevo prema crkvi Saint Pancras, a zatim desno u povijesno naselje High Kraainem. Prođite kroz vrata, skrenite lijevo na Steenweg op Zaventem i zaobiđite ribnjake parka Jourdain, prolazeći pored Stare vikarije i dvorca Jourdain. Nastavite šetnju prema Vredesplaats / Konining Astridlaan gdje ćete prijeći spomenik mira. Slijedite Koningin Astridlaan, šetajući pored spomenika industrijske baštine, do križanja s Groenstraatom. Na slijedećem raskrižju skrenite desno u Jules Adantstraat pored mjesta Bouvier-Washer Cité, a zatim na kraju na križanju s Wezembeeklaanom skrenite desno i nastavite šetnju do stanice metroa Kraainem. Čitava tura traje između 2 i 5 sati, ovisno o vremenu koje provodite na različitim znamenitostima.
Javnim prijevozom
Kraainem prelaze autobusne linije (316 i 352 od De Lijn), tramvajska linija 92 prolazeći kroz Stokkel i metro liniju 1 povezujući Stokkel i Kraainem sa Bruxelles. The 1 Podzemna željeznica Kraainem kolodvor je lokalno prometno čvorište i autobusni terminal koji služi kao tranzitna stanica između metroa i autobusnih linija od flamanski transportno poduzeće De Lijn, prijevoznička tvrtka iz Bruxellesa MIVB i valonski transportno poduzeće TEC. Svaka tvrtka ima svoje ulaznice koje druge tvrtke ne prihvaćaju. Međutim, karte za svaki autobus možete kupiti izravno od vozača, a one su samo neznatno skuplje od njihove kupnje unaprijed. Putnici su odgovorni za plaćanje cijena karte, vozači možda neće provjeriti valjanost karte, ali ako vas uhvate bez karte (zwartrijden na nizozemskom) možete očekivati velike novčane kazne do 150 €. Osim lokalnog prijevoza, brojni međugradski autobusi polaze i iz metroa Kraainem, ali za njih je potrebna prethodna rezervacija i karte.
Najlakši način planiranja putovanja javnim prijevozom je pomoću mrežnih planera ruta. Najbolji je planer onaj iz nacionalne željezničke tvrtke NMBS. Ako ste upoznati Google Maps, tranzit funkcija se također može koristiti za planiranje vašeg putovanja.
Biciklom
Kraainem ima brdsku topografiju, s najnižom točkom u dolini Maalbeek nešto ispod 40 m nadmorske visine, najviša točka je 120 m. Srećom, nagibi su rijetko strmi i omogućuju prikladan prijevoz biciklom. Za razliku od Bruxellesa, nije potrebno biciklističko iskustvo u prometnom prometu; nekoliko avenija i raskrižja s gustim prometom imaju namjenske biciklističke staze. Mnogi lokalni stanovnici posjeduju vlastiti bicikl, a to je jedan od najčešćih načina prijevoza. The 2 Sustav iznajmljivanja bicikla Villo je također dostupan u Kraainemu, sa stanicom za iznajmljivanje u blizini stanice metroa Kraainem. Bicikli su prilično teški, ali dobre kvalitete, a mogu se unajmiti već od 1,60 € dnevno, uz naknadu od 0,50 € po pola sata nakon prvog sata. Za najam bicikla potrebna je debetna ili kreditna kartica, jer automat za prodaju karata ne prihvaća gotovinu.
Vidjeti
Bogata povijest Kraainema, koja datira još iz 9. stoljeća, ostavlja brojne znamenitosti raširene po modernom Kraainemu. Mnoge vjerske i poljoprivredne povijesne građevine ostaju i mogu se posjetiti. Imajte na umu da je većina povijesnih rezidencija i farmi u privatnom vlasništvu, a stanovnici pomnog promatranja mogu smatrati neovlaštenim pristupom. Međutim, na zahtjev, većina će vlasnika rado razgledati turiste i detaljno razgovarati o povijesti. Izuzev salezijanskog samostana, do svih znamenitosti dolje lako se može doći javnim prijevozom.
Kultura i arhitektura
- 1 Crkva Svetog Pankracija (Sint-Pancratiuskerk), Arthur Dezangrélaan 20/2, ☏ 32 2 720 02 61, ✉[email protected]. Sub 17: 00–19: 00, Ned 10: 00–12: 00. Najstarija građevina u Kraainemu, crkva Saint Pancras vuče porijeklo iz 12. stoljeća. Masivni rimski toranj sa zidovima debelim do 1,7 metara najvjerojatnije je imao vojnu funkciju. U početku je crkva dodana kuli i imala je jednostavan pravokutni oblik. U 13. i 14. stoljeću crkvi je dodano sjeverno krilo. Uz financijsku pomoć opatije Affligem, mali je zbor u 16. stoljeću pretvoren u gotički zbor koji je ostao i danas. Do 18. stoljeća ulaz u crkvu bila su mala vrata na južnom zidu, ona strana koja je sada okrenuta prema gradskoj vijećnici Kraainem. Oko 1720. godine ulaz je premješten na sadašnja barokna vrata u kuli. Od 1170. godine crkva je pretrpjela značajne promjene: napušten je asimetrični raspored, a pod istim sedlarskim krovom dodan je i treći dio. Također su dodani sadašnja sakristija, propovjedaonica i dvije ispovjedaonice. Unutrašnjost je poboljšana namještajem koji prvotno nije bio namijenjen crkvi: podrijetlo orgulja i dalje je zagonetka, a 1873. godine su iz oltarske crkve iz Bruxellesa kupljena dva oltara za po 100 franaka. Krajem 19. stoljeća, crkva je izbjegla potpunu transformaciju u novo-rumunjskom stilu, a umjesto nje odabran je skromniji dizajn Julesa Van Ysendycka, koji je sačuvao velik dio antičkog interijera. Godine 1984. pastor Vanzulpele primijetio je udubljenje u luku iznad kora, koje je započelo niz restauracija konačno dovršenih 2012. Trenutna unutrašnjost temelji se na unutrašnjosti nakon obnove 1770. Groblje oko crkve više se ne koristi i služi samo za očuvanje povijesne slike zgrade. Vjerske se svečanosti i dalje održavaju u subotu i nedjelju, kada se crkva može posjetiti. Besplatno.
- 2 Visoki Kraainem (Hoog-Kraainem), Steenweg op Zaventem 54. Dobro očuvani ostaci prvih stambenih aktivnosti u Visokom Kraainemu, datirani iz franačkog naselja u 9. stoljeću. Kompleks međusobno povezanih kuća i salaša, podignut u lokalnom pješčenjaku, ali obojan bijelim zidovima, smješten je između crkve Saint Pancras i dvorca Jourdain. Postoje dokazi o uporištu povijesno smještenom zapadno od trenutnog položaja crkve, ali srušeno je krajem 14. stoljeća jer je izgubilo strateški značaj. Karta iz 1397. izvještava samo o mjestu opkopa (fossa castri), koji su na kraju zatrpani i prenamijenjeni. Danas nisu ostali vidljivi dokazi o postojanju uporišta. Od 14. do 19. stoljeća, High Kraainem je ostao malo naselje: u vrijeme belgijske neovisnosti 1830. godine, u High Kraainemu je izbrojano samo 15 kuća. Besplatno.
- 3 Stara vikarija (Oude Pastorie), Pastoorkesweg 1, ☏ 32 2 720 63 46. Vikarija sagrađena 1652. godine s temeljima od pješčenjaka i crvene opeke. Karakteristična lučna vrata i škriljeviti krov, tipični za doba u koje su ugrađeni, preživjeli su napore restauracije. Ostao je u uporabi kao namjesništvo do 1906. godine, kada je sagrađena nova vikara uz sadašnju gradsku vijećnicu u aveniji Arthur Dezangré. Zgrada je prepoznata kao arhitektonsko naslijeđe 1976. godine i obnovljena 1990. Jedna od zanimljivosti vikarata je malo mehaničko dizalo za jednu osobu skriveno u tornju ispod sedlastog krova, ali već godinama nije u funkciji. U zgradi se nalazi restoran Maximea Collina.
- 4 Dvorac Jourdain (Jourdainkasteel), Kasteelweg 4-6. Dvorac je sagrađen kao salaš u obliku slova U okružen višestrukim povrtnjacima, kako je dokumentirano 1771. godine. 1846. godine farma je proširena, ograđena zidom od cigle i pretvorena u zatvorenu farmu (vierkantshoeve). Dodana je i staja, ali srušena krajem 20. stoljeća. Kupio ga je liječnik Delphin Gaillard 1883. godine zajedno s okolnim parkom. Seli iz 18. stoljeća dao je današnji izgled dvorca, s naglaskom na tradicionalnim stilskim elementima: zidovima od opeke, uglovima od bijelog pješčenjaka, stepenastim zabatima, malim kulama i krovom nalik kineskoj pagodi. Dvorac i park potom su prodani Victoru Jourdainu koji je dvorcu dao ime, a 1980. godine imovina je prenesena na općinu Kraainem koja je obnovila zgradu i koristila je kao društveni centar. Posljednja obnova datira iz 2003. godine, kada je dodan lift. Dvorac je povremeno otvoren za javnost za kulturna događanja, a klasificiran je kao flamanska arhitektonska baština. Do kraja devedesetih bio je domaćin cvjećari koja je zauzimala veliku verandu. Rekreacijski tereni s dječjom farmom čine dvorac popularnom atrakcijom za lokalne obitelji s djecom.
- 5 Salezijanski samostan (Klooster van de Visitatie), Hebronlaan 5. Red Salezijanaca osnovali su 1610. godine u blizini Annecyja u Francuskoj Jeanne de Chantal i Franjo Saleški, koji su njegovom imenu dali ime. 12. veljače 1667. godine u Bruxellesu je osnovan samostan - tada dio Južne Nizozemske - ali uspjeh reda snažno je varirao u vremenu i u prvoj polovici 19. stoljeća u Bruxellesu je gotovo izumro. Drugi početak 21. studenoga 1845. imao je više uspjeha, a ni stoljeće kasnije izvorno mjesto bilo je premalo da bi se u njega mogao smjestiti red. Arhitekt Paul Bellot, rođen 1876. godine i specijaliziran za vjersku arhitekturu, imao je zadatak dizajnirati novi samostan smješten izvan Bruxellesa. Tada je još uvijek odabran ruralni Kraainem zbog svog udaljenog položaja, u to vrijeme na brdu nije bilo drugih zgrada, a najbliže naselje bilo je Low Kraainem kojem je mogao pristupiti samo uskom neasfaltiranom cestom (danas Kapellelaan). Gradnja je započela 1928. godine, a krajem 1930. godine, kada je završen, samostan je postao popularno hodočasničko odredište. Za razliku od sličnih samostana u Belgiji, koji su započeli malo i postupno se proširivali, dostupnost dovoljnog prostora i proračuna omogućila je da se cijelo područje odjednom izgradi između 1928. i 1930. Sve zgrade tako pokazuju iste stilske elemente, od kojih su mnogi bili tipični za nacrte Paula Bellota: polikromne opeke iz Zandvoordea (općina blizu Oostendea u blizini belgijske obale) i široka upotreba betona u strukturne i dekorativne svrhe. Utjecaji modernizma art decoa i opeke mogu se uočiti u svim aspektima gradnje. Uređene su samo strane zgrade okrenute ka ulicama (Kapellelaan i Hebronlaan) (na primjer skulptura Madonne iznad ulaza), a strane okrenute prema unutarnjem svetištu, vrtovima i voćnjacima nemaju ukrasa. Arhitektura i stupanj ukrašenosti otkriva prvobitnu namjenu prostorija u zgradama, obilježje tzv arhitektura parlante. Pročelja su također hijerarhijski ukrašena, a kapela je najvažniji, a time i najopsežnije ukrašeni dio građevine. Interijer podsjeća na srednjovjekovni samostan sa stilskim elementima arapske i mozarapske umjetnosti. Paul Bellot je osvjetljenje smatrao najvažnijim, a prozori su prema tome dovoljno veliki da osvjetljavaju prostorije kojima su namijenjeni, bez kažnjavanja ukrasa. Očuvan je velik dio izvorne obrade drveta, kako unutarnje tako i vanjske, o čemu svjedoče hrastova unutarnja vrata i stubišta. Samostan je i danas u upotrebi i ostaje jedini salezijanski samostan u Belgiji. Obično nije otvoren za posjetitelje, rezervacije su obvezne. Do samostana se može doći iz Low Kraainema slijedeći Jozef van Hovestraat i potom Kappellelaan uz brdo.
- 6 't Kapelleke, Anecilan 1. Kapela koja se naziva 't kapelleke od strane lokalnih stanovnika (doslovno, kapelica) nalazi se na sjecištu mjesta Jozef van Hovestraat, Lijsterbessenbomenlaan, Bossstraat i Kapellelaan. U vrijeme gradnje 1932. godine oko njenog današnjeg mjesta nije bilo zgrada, a osim Jozefa van Hovestraata, sve ulice bile su neasfaltirane ceste. Međutim, do 1932. godine prijelaz je postajao sve važniji zbog širenja stambenog područja Laag Kraainem i izgradnje Salezijanskog samostana duž Kapellelaana 1 km dalje između 1928. i 1930. Kako je u kasnijim godinama dodano još ulica, kružni tok bio je sagrađena za usmjeravanje prometa iz neposredne okoline kapelice i očuvanje izvornih cesta. Kapela je jedna od najpoznatijih znamenitosti Kraainema, a lokalna djeca je je poznata zbog susjednog vrtića i osnovne škole. Kapela je u potpunosti okružena zgradama i zbog toga je izgubila većinu svojih autentičnih izgleda. Do njega se lako može doći iz Low Kraainema slijedeći Jozef van Hovestraat na brdu, oko 5 minuta hoda. Besplatno.
- 7 Židovsko groblje (Joods kerkhof), Kerkhoflaan. Prije 1930. godine područje današnjeg groblja postojalo je kao vrt dvorca u parku Edwarda De Burburea iz Wezembeeka. Brzom ekspanzijom Kraainema u prvoj polovici 20. stoljeća, groblju oko crkve Saint Pancras nedostajalo je potrebnih kapaciteta, a potreba za većim grobljem postala je očita. Područje je kupila općina Kraainem 1933. godine, a sljedeće je godine pretvoreno u groblje izgradnjom 2 uslužne zgrade. Na južnom ulazu groblja, malo je područje posvećeno ratnim žrtvama i braniteljima. Veći dio rezerviran je za židovsku zajednicu, koja je sagrađena 1946, a kasnije proširena 1959. Mnogi grobovi su žrtve koncentracijskog logora Breendonk. Spomen-spomenik neidentificiranim nacističkim žrtvama gleda na to područje. Groblje je udaljeno 15 minuta hoda od High Kraainema. Besplatno.
- 8 Trg mira (Vredesmonument), Vredesplein. Spomen mjesto lokalnim žrtvama dva svjetska rata. Trg i njegov spomenik izgrađeni su 1930. godine kada je susjedna avenija kraljice Astrid zamišljena kao veza između Visokog Kraainema i Stokkela. Prije 1930. godine na sadašnjem mjestu nije bilo zgrada ni cesta. Spomenik potpisuje Victor Demanet koji je vodio njegovu izgradnju. Kasnije su uz tekst dodani natpisi u spomen na Drugi svjetski rat gij hebt den dank verdiend van 't vaderland (zaslužili ste zahvalnost domovine). Spomenik je svečano otvorio kralj Albert I. Besplatno.
Industrijska baština
- 9 Niski Kraainem (Laag-Kraainem), Jozef van Hovestraat, Molenstraat, Jef. Thumasstraat. Niski Kraainem nalazi se u dolini rijeke Woluwe, bočne rijeke od Senne, a svoje je podrijetlo pronašao na mjestu spajanja Kleine Maalbeek (koji se sastoji od Wezembeeka i Sterrebeeka) u Woluwe. Povijesne putanje Woluwea i Kleine Maalbeeka karakterizirale su brojne bare i močvare, ali one su postupno nestale u 19. i 20. stoljeću. Stambeni centar Low Kraainema uglavnom su činili Jozef Van Hovestraat (prethodno Kerreweg, Steenstraete i Crainhemstraete, ali 1914. preimenovan u Jozefa Van Hovea koji je bio glavni grad Kraainema), Molenstraat i Jef. Thumasstraat. Izgradnjom vijadukta E40 i avenije Woluwe velik je dio povijesne jezgre uništen, a Jozef Van Hovestraat prerezan je na dvije polovice. Mnoge su povijesne građevine sačuvane: tradicionalna farma 18. stoljeća na br. 90-92 i seoska kuća iz 1739. na br. 86. Oba su dokaz ranog stambenog razvoja na tom području, potaknuta tramvajskom prugom koja je tada postojala (Statieplaats sredstva kolodvorski trg na nizozemskom). Drugu povijesnu arhitekturu možete pronaći na br. 1, 5, 7B, 20, 15-21, 37, 78-82 i 115. Besplatno.
- 10 Stara kuća za zakup (Oud Pachthof), Jef. Thumasstraat 16. Smještena uz trasu tramvajske pruge koja je povezivala Low Kraainem s High Kraainemom i Sterrebeekom, pretpostavlja se da je kuća Lease služila kao središnji registar poljoprivrednih posjeda u Low Kraainemu i High Kraainemu. Funkcija datira od prije 19. stoljeća, kada je gotovo sve poljoprivredno zemljište bilo vlasništvo velikih vlasnika zemljišta, a poljoprivrednici su zemlju mogli iznajmljivati samo u zamjenu za dio usjeva koji je urodila. Zgrada datira s kraja 17. stoljeća, ali je više puta obnavljana. Vjerojatno su se sastanci Kraainemova vijeća održavali na ovom mjestu sve dok nije izgrađena sadašnja vijećnica 1867.-1868. U zgradi je smješten lounge bar.
- 11 Spomenik industrijskoj baštini (Evenwicht), Koningin Astridlaan 183. 24/7. Spomenik se sastoji od tri divovske iverje, jedne drvene i dvije aluminijske, u spomen na bogato industrijsko naslijeđe Kraainema u 19. i 20. stoljeću. Pogotovo su tvornice papira bile povijesno važne za zapošljavanje u Niskom Kraainemu, koji je bio idealno smješten zbog opskrbe vodom iz Woluwea i Kleine Maalbeeka, te opskrbe drvom iz obližnje Sonijske šume. From the extensive industrial complexes with paper mills, grain mills and brewery, nothing remains today. The monument was designed by Rainer Gross and inaugurated in 2000. Easily reachable from either High and Low Kraainem with a 15- 20-min walk up the hill towards Stokkel. Alternatively, take bus 352 and get off at Koningin Astrid. Besplatno.
- 12 Bouvier-Washer Cité (Bouvier-Washerwijk), Bouvier-Washerstraat 13. 24/7. 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 today, 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. Besplatno.
Parks and nature
- 13 Jourdain Park (Jourdainpark). 24/7. 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. As of today, the park hosts a large variety of rare and exotic plants and trees, including Platanus x hispanica, Tilia platyphyllos, T. tomentosa, Aesculus hippocastanum, i Sequoiadendron giganteum. Besplatno.
- 14 Eclair Park (Eclairpark), Oudstrijderslaan 87. 24/7. 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. Besplatno.
- 15 Old Tram Track (Oud tramspoortje). 24/7 (but lighting off after 23:00). 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. Besplatno.
- 16 Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud). 24/7. 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 do Bruxelles. 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 austrijski reign in the 18th century, thousands of beech trees were planted, which is still visible today. 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 today, but the intense network of droveways reveals their historic locations and importance. Under francuski 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. Nakon što Second World War, the roads were significantly widened and paved, then later upgraded to the highways that still exist today, 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, deers, 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
Svjetska baština UNESCO-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 Zaobiđi se). Besplatno. 
- 17 Central Park, Koningin Astridlaan 274 (Take bus 352 or 316, get off at stop Koningin Astrid). 24/7. 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. Besplatno.
Čini
As a town with rich cultural patrimony, exploring Kraainem's history and architecture -- by foot or bike -- will be the likely focus for visitors making a day trip to Kraainem. If the unpredictable Belgian weather allows it, enjoying the parks and Sonian Forest are particularly popular among locals. Other cultural and sportive activities are
- 1 Cultural Center De Lijsterbes (Cultureel Centrum), Lijsterbessenbomenlaan 6, ☏ 32 2 721 28 06, ✉[email protected]. M 17.30–20.00, Tu–F 09.00–17.00. 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.
- 2 F.C. Kraainem (Kraainem Football), Bosstraat 85, ☏ 32 479 35 16 45. 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. Besplatno.
- 3 Sports Center Kraainem (Sporthal), Patronaatstraat 10, ☏ 32 475 58 20 38, ✉[email protected]. 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.
- 4 Knjižnica (Openbare bibliotheek), Patronaatstraat 17, ☏ 32 2 720 16 02, ✉[email protected]. W 14:00–17:00, Su 10:00–13:00. Public library, offering a collection of novels, comic books, CDs and DVDs, primarily in Dutch and English.
- 5 Aircraft spotting. 24/7. Watching landing aircraft is a popular hobby in Kraainem due to its location in the vicinity of the Brussels International Airport. Areas east of Kraainem find themselves under a runway flight route, enabling viewers to spot landing aircraft if wind direction and weather permits it. Besplatno.
- 1 Carnival (Carnavalstoet): 2022, Oudergemselaan 3, 1933 Sterrebeek, ☏ 32 2 767 01 93, ✉[email protected]. Carnival has been a yearly tradition in Kraainem since 1975. It takes place the first Saturday after Ash Wednesday, a Catholic holiday. The day it occurs changes accordingly. The parade, which starts in the Baron d'Huartlaan and ends on the Koningin Astridlaan in High Kraainem, is a mix of different carnival groups, shows and carnival prince delegations. The parade is very popular among kids, as candy is frequently thrown into the audience from the numerous parade trucks. It can be observed anywhere along its trajectory. The day of the parade, traffic will be hindered along the trajectory, which may make it more difficult to explore Kraainem by car or bike. Zbog COVID-19 pandemic, no parade will be organised in 2021. Besplatno. (date needs fixing)
Kupiti
Valuta
To obtain cash, there are 3 methods:
- Exchange another currency against euros at the Zaventem airport upon arrival;
- Withdraw cash from an ATM (beware, additional fees may apply);
- Request additional cash from the cashier at Carrefour when paying electronically.
ATMs can typically be found at banks, and are available to tourists without any surcharge. However, exchanging another currency for euros will often either require an account at that bank, or the exchange rate will be particularly unfavourable for you.
- 2 Crelan (Van Biesen), Koningin Astridlaan 233, ☏ 32 2 731 97 40. W–F 09:00–12:30, Sa 09:00–12:00, Tu F 16:00–18:30. Bank office with ATM, helpful and friendly service.
- 3 BNP Paribas Fortis, Oudstrijderslaan 11, ☏ 32 2 711 03 50. M–F 09:00–12:30. Office of a large French bank, more likely to accept and exchange foreign currencies.
At the intersection of the Koningin Astridlaan and Wezembeeklaan another bank office can be found, Belfius, but this bank has a poor reputation and has been involved in numerous corruption scandals. Make use of their services at your own risk. It is advisable to walk 200 m further down the Koningin Astridlaan to the Crelan office instead.
Businesses do not expect napojnica, although it is customary to round the amount in restaurants to the nearest bill (€5) if the service and food was good.
Kupovina
The historic town centre of Kraainem is too small to provide satisfactory shopping experience, and commerce primarily consists of restaurants, bars and cafés. The best place for shoppers in Kraainem is the Kraainem Carrefour Planet shopping centre. Alternatively, shoppers may cross into Sint-Pieters-Woluwe for a shopping experience in Stokkel, or the much larger Woluwe Shopping Centre.
- 1 Historic shopping district. 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.
- 2 Kraainem Shopping, Wezembeeklaan 114. M–Sa 09:00–20:00. 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).
- 3 Zwaluwenhof, Molenstraat 33. Tu 10:00–12:00, 15:00–17:30; Sa 10:00–17:30. 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.
Food, drinks and convenience items
Kraainem has a few supermarkets, all with their own specialties: general groceries, organic foods, souvenirs & gifts, and so on. Those open on Fridays stay open an hour longer than the other days of the week, to give locals the opportunity to go shopping after work.
- 4 Carrefour, Wezembeeklaan 114, ☏ 32 2 785 06 11. M–Th, Sa 09:00–20:00; F 09:00–21:00. francuski 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.
- 5 Colruyt, Ferdinand Kinnenstraat 9, ☏ 32 2 731 21 35. M–Th, Sa 08:30–20:00, F 08:30–21:00. 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!
- 6 Bio World, Langestraat 6, ☏ 32 2 772 62 97. M–Th 09:00–19:00, F 09:00–20:00. 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.
- 7 Carrefour Express, Arthur Dezangrélaan 11, ☏ 32 2 720 98 01. Tu–Su 07:30–20:00. Small supermarket in High Kraainem, more expensive than Carrefour or Colruyt, but one of the few that are open on Sundays.
- 8 Delhaize, Wezembeeklaan 112, ☏ 32 2 784 36 48. M–Th 08:00–20:00, F 08:00–21:00. 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.
Jesti
Getting the taste of real Belgian fries is a must when visiting Kraainem. A fritkot is the traditional Flemish version of a street vendor specializing in fries (and other types of fast food). Another local speciality are smoutebollen, dough pastries deep fried in vegetable oil and served with powdered sugar.
Local specialties
- 1 De Lijsterbes. 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. €12–20.
- 2 Frituur. 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.
- 3 Deli, Koningin Astridlaan 265, ☏ 32 2 688 39 58. 07:30–22:00. 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.
talijanski
- 4 San Tucci, Prinses Joséphine Charlotteplaats 8, ☏ 32 2 782 00 45. Tu–Sa 12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:00; Su 12:00–14:30. A fine dining Italian restaurant, specializing in pasta dishes and antipasti. They don't serve pizza, and the owner will gladly explain you the logic behind that decision if you ask for it. A romantic setting, 15-minute walk from the Kraainem town centreq. Not suitable for families with kids. The restaurant is almost always fully booked, so reservations are mandatory. €10–25.
- 5 [ranije mrtva veza]I Gusto, Wezembeeklaan 66, ☏ 32 472 544 544, ✉[email protected]. Tu–Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 09:00–13:00. Take-away Italian food on a walking distance from Central Park and the historic Bouvier-Washer Cité.
azijski
- 6 Fu-Lai. 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. €77–20.
- 7 [mrtva veza]Wok House, Leuvensesteenweg 179, 1932 Zaventem, ☏ 32 2 721 96 48. M–Sa 11:30–14:30, 17:30–11:00, Su 11:30–15:30, 17:30–11:00. A Chinese self-service restaurant with a massive buffet including warm and cold appetizers, sushi, dim-sums, soup, salad bar, wok and deserts. 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.
- 8 Lotus, Oudstrijderslaan 81, ☏ 32 2 721 98 33. Tu–Su 12:00–14:45, 18:00–22:00. 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. Preporučuju se rezervacije.
- 9 Thai by Tom, Koningin Astridlaan 315, ☏ 32 2 731 53 84, ✉[email protected]. Tu–F 12:00–14:30, 18:00–21:30. 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.
Piće
Bars in Kraainem still play an prominent social role in society, although their importance is declining. All bars serve a variety of warm and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Some may not have a traditional menu with a listing of all the available drinks at every table, in which case you simply ask the waiter or waitress what you'd like. He/she will be happy to recommend you alternatives if your preference isn't available. There are no age restrictions for entering a bar, but minors won't be allowed to order alcoholic drinks or beverages with high caffeine content.
Although tap water is safe to drink, few restaurants or bars will serve it. When ordering still water, you'll be served more expensive bottled water (Spa, Bru, Chaudfontaine, ...) instead.
The popularity of ice tea as a soft drink is in Kraainem on par with Coca Cola, and widely available. When ordering ice tea, most restaurants and bars will serve you Lipton Ice Tea Lemon, a favourite among Belgians, which is sparkling unlike its variants in neighbouring countries (i.e. Germany). If you prefer non sparkling ice tea, order Nestea instead. The latter may not be universally available, however.
By far the most popular drink served in bars is pivo, one of Belgium's national prides. Many types and brands are available, each having different flavors and alcoholic content. Some types may not be available around the year, particularly those based on fruits, or those meant for special occasions (i.e. Christmas beers with cinnamon). The most common beers are Stella, Jupiler i Maes, and bars will serve at least one of those. When ordering a pint ili pintje (pronounced with the ja od finish), you'll be served the common beer they have on hand. Since no tap water is served in bars, a pintje (33 cl) is often cheaper than still water (50 cl). There are around 130 officially recognised breweries in Belgium, producing over 1000 beer types. In addition, many locals brew their own beer as a hobby, with carefully developed recipes, and often better taste than commercial beers. Čini ne attempt to order industrially produced beers like Heineken ili Budweiser in Belgian bars, these beers are regarded as inferior and you'll insult the waiter or waitress by doing so. While Belgian beers are widely regarded as the best in the world, they are also the strongest in alcoholic content, some reaching 10 - 13% vol. This may be an inconvenient surprise to those not expecting such a high concentration.
The traditional beer of Kraainem, Brussels and the Pajottenland is the lambic. These beers differ from other beers because they are fermented by wild yeasts and bacteria native to the Senne valley instead of cultivated brewer's yeast. This gives lambic beers their more accentuated flavour, often with a sour aftertaste. A popular variant is the kriek lambic, a type of fruit beer (fruitbier) which is made by fermenting lambic with sour Morello cherries native to the nearby municipality of Schaarbeek. The cherries are added in whole (including pits) and left to ripe for several months, their sugars are fermented completely, thus resulting in an unsweetened but fruit flavored beer. Some breweries add sugar after the fermentation process to obtain a less intense, mild flavour, targeting female customers. Variants with raspberries instead of cherries (frambozenlambiek) are also available. A special variant of the lambic is the geuze, which is produced by blending young (1 year old) and older (2 - 3 years old) lambic. The fermentable sugars present in the young lambic cause a second fermentation cycle in the bottle, resulting in a higher carbon dioxide content. Unlike other lambics, geuze bottles are therefore highly pressurised and should be handled with care. They will therefore not be allowed on airplanes, even checked in.
- 1 De Lijsterbes, Lijsterbessenbomenlaan 4, ☏ 32 2 725 20 41. 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.
- 2 De Ronne Hoeck, Oudstrijderslaan 3, ☏ 32 479 96 54 76. A traditional Flemish bar (café ili 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.
- 3 The New Inn, Arthur Dezangrélaan 20, ☏ 32 2 241 84 98. 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.
- 4 Chez Marius 1er, Wezembeeklaan 114, ☏ 32 2 731 79 44. 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.
Spavati
Finding cheap lodging in Kraainem may be difficult in the touristic summer season. A convenient alternative is to find accommodations in Brussels and visit Kraainem by Metro (see "Get In") for a day. If you opt to stay in Kraainem, it is recommended to search for lodging offered by locals (B&Bs, guest houses, apartments etc.) to avoid high hotel prices.
- 1 B&B 3B, Jozef van Hovestraat 66. Prijava: 16:00–22:00, provjeri: 07:00–10:30. 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.
- 2 B&B The Nest, Baron d'Huartlaan 295. Prijava: 18:00–22:30, provjeri: 07:30–10:30. 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.
- 3 Martine & Didier, In de Poort 11, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem (take tram 39 until Beek), ☏ 32 475 60 84 42, ✉[email protected]. 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.
- 4 A Sunny and Green Real Home, Raymond Hernalsteenstraat 57, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem. Prijava: 15:00–00:00, provjeri: 11:00. 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.
- 5 AirBnB Hélène, Groenstraat 43. Provjeri: 12:00. 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. €59/night.
- 6 B&B Martine & Didier, In de Poort 11, ☏ 32 2 736 63 19, ✉[email protected]. 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 Bruxelles. €80.
A small camping site is located on the border between Kraainem and Wezembeek-Oppem. However, Belgian weather can be very unpredictable and wet, even in summer, if you consider camping. Under Belgian law, camping is only allowed on officially recognised camp sites, and camping in public parks or forests may result in a fine between €60 and €200.
- 7 3CB Camping Caravaning Club Brussels, Warandeberg 52, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, ☏ 32 2 782 10 09. A camping in the neighbouring municipality of Wezembeek-Oppem. A 25-min walk away from the Kraainem town center.
Spojiti
Telephone boxes have been phased out, and Kraainem's last telephone box on the Wezembeeklaan was torn down in 2015. In case of emergency, local inhabitants or businesses will happily lend you their land line if necessary if you urgently need to make a call.
Kraainem also has complete 3G coverage, so with a European SIM card it is possible to connect to 3G Internet. Roaming may be expensive if your operator is not based in a European Union country (see also Europska unija article). Alternatively, a SIM card may be purchased from the local operator Mobile Vikings, which offers 2 GB data volume for €12 and accepts payment by PayPal, Bitcoin, and many mainstream payment options.
- 4 Postal Point (Postpunt), Wezembeeklaan 114. Send and receive mail, packages and post cards.
- 5 Postal Office (Postkantoor), Potaardestraat 10. M–F 09:30–12:30, 13:30–17:00; Sa 09:30–13:00. Largest postal office in Kraainem, selling postal related commodities (boxes, envelopes, stamps). Doubles as a bank office, allowing sending and receiving money.
Free Wi-Fi is available at Carrefour (Wezembeeklaan 114) and the adjacent but very poor quality and thus not recommendable Lunch Garden restaurant. Many other smaller cafés, restaurants, bars and shops also offer free Wi-Fi.
Ostati siguran
Kraainem is usually safe, both during the day and at night. The dangerous Belgian traffic probably poses the most significant risk to visitors, so take care when crossing streets. Jaywalking is not a criminal offence in Belgium, but that does not mean drivers will slow down either, unless you're crossing on a marked pedestrian crossing. Beware of pickpockets in shopping areas and on public transport. Groups of youth are known to hang around the Kraainem metro station in the evening and harass travellers, so it is advised to avoid the immediate area around the station at night or travel in groups.
- 6 Policija (Politie WOKRA), Molenweg 20, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, ☏ 32 2 766 18 18. Local police station for Kraainem and Wezembeek-Oppem. Officers can be expected to communicate fluently in Dutch and English. For emergencies, call 112 instead of 32 2 766 18 18.
Ostati zdrav
There are few health hazards to worry about in Kraainem. Tap water in Kraainem, and most of the rest of Flanders, is drinkable, and as healthy as bottled mineral water. Fountains and wells on the other hand are ne suitable for human consumption. In summer, ticks are routinely encountered in the region, and are known to carry Lyme disease, which can be deadly if left untreated. If you spot pink or red circles on your skin after a walk in the forests or parks, you may be infected, and should seek medical help immediately.
- 7 Dr. P. & S. Van Mulders, Arthur Dezangrélaan 20, ☏ 32 2 720 10 51. M 08:30–10:00, W 08:30–10:00, F 08:30–10:00, Sa 09:30–11:00. General medicine.
- 8 Dr. Claudine Vande Wal, dr. Aline Agneessens, Koningin Astridlaan 145. 32 2 725 06 96. General medicine.
- 9 Dr. Stefaan Van Mulders, Koningin Astridlaan 23. General medicine.
Medical supplies can be acquired from pharmacies:
- 10 Pharmacy Matterne, Koningin Astridlaan 23, ☏ 32 2 731 73 68. M–F 08:30–12:30, 13:30–19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00. General medicine.
- 11 Pharmacy Dynaphar, Koningin Astridlaan 272, ☏ 32 2 731 06 06. M–F 09:00–19:00; Sa 09:00–12:30. General medicine.
- 12 Pharmacy Piens, Arthur Dezangrélaan 35, ☏ 32 2 720 47 90. General medicine.
In case of medical emergency, the nearby UCL hospital can provide medical services. To call an ambulance, dial 112 and specify your position. An ambulance will be dispatched to pick you up.
- 13 UCL hospital (Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc), Hippokrateslaan 10, 1200 St-Lambrechts-Woluwe, ☏ 32 2 764 16 02. Hospital on the border between Kraainem and St-Lambrechts-Woluwe, 5 min from Kraainem town centre. In case of emergency, walk to the spoedgevallen (emergency cases) where you'll be treated without prior appointment.
- 14 Health & Care Medical Center, Wezembeeklaan 106, ☏ 32 2 688 18 00, ✉[email protected]. Neighbourhood clinic next to the Carrefour Planet commercial area, equipped to treat minor injuries and illnesses. Making an appointment by phone is recommendable.
If pets get ill or hurt, a veterinarian office is available in the Kraainem town center.
- 15 Dr. Marc Simons, Arthur Dezangrélaan 4, ☏ 32 2 721 37 05. 17:00–18:30. General animal health, treatment of pets and farm animals. Making an appointment by telephone is recommendable.
Idi dalje
- 1 Bruxelles — the capital of Belgium and host of many of the European Union institutions.
- 2 Leuven — famous for beer, technology, and one of the oldest universities in Western Europe. Well preserved historic city centre.
- Hike through the 1 Sonian Forest, the "green lung" of Brussels, known for its century-old beech trees.
- 3 Tervuren — a picturesque town in the shadow of the Sonian Forest with a large public park and former summer residence palace of the Belgian king.
- 4 Grimbergen — famous for its abbey and beer.