Bellewaerde

Bellewaerde is a leisure and animal park in the municipality of Zillebeke near Ypres, Belgium, combining rides with animal enclosures across 54 hectares. The grounds include several themed sections such as Mexico, Canada, and the Wild West, linked by planted pathways and gardens.

The Florizoone family opened the site in 1954 as a tourist center with a zoo, which later transformed into an amusement park. Later owners such as the Walibi group and Compagnie des Alpes expanded the offering and introduced new attractions.

The name comes from the nearby Bellewaerde Castle, which serves as the entrance gate and reminds visitors of the West Flanders countryside. Families spend the day moving between themed zones, with animal enclosures drawing local school groups and children watching feeding sessions.

The park opens from April through October and welcomes visitors on most weekdays from mid-morning until early evening. On Saturdays, opening hours extend into the later evening, offering more time for rides and animal encounters.

Europe's first Boomerang roller coaster from 1984 still runs today, taking riders forward and backward through loops. An indoor aqua center from 2019 offers water attractions that can be enjoyed regardless of weather.

Location: Ypres

Inception: July 3, 1954

Official opening: 1954

Fee: Yes

Address: Meenseweg

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 10:00-18:00; Saturday 10:00-21:00; Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +3257468686

Website: http://bellewaerde.be

GPS coordinates: 50.84833,2.94556

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28