Arboretum Kalmthout

Kalmthout, Belgium

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Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium has its origins in 1856 when Antwerp dendrologist Charles Van Geert established a tree nursery and proving ground at the site.

It remained a nursery until 1952 when Georges and Robert de Belder acquired the property to protect it from development and transform it into a private botanical garden.

Under the leadership of the de Belder family, particularly Robert and Jelena de Belder, the arboretum grew into a world-renowned collection with over 4,000 taxa from 540 plant genera, including many rare and threatened species, making it one of the top botanical collections globally. The grounds are designed to be naturalistic rather than formal, with diverse trees, shrubs, perennials, and one of Europe's largest Witch Hazel collections. 

The arboretum became public property under Antwerp Province in 1986 and has expanded since, with significant investments to improve visitor facilities. It now covers approximately 12.5 hectares and is cherished for its beauty, scientific value, and educational role, welcoming individuals and groups to experience the extensive, living plant collection.​