See rare plantsThis weekend represents a last chance this year to visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium. These highly ornate glass palaces, built in the 1870s, house an extensive collection of rare and valuable plants, some of which date to the reign of King Leopold II, who commissioned the greenhouses’ construction. Adults pay 2.50 euros (about $3.35); children younger than 18 enter free. The visit includes access to part of the grounds of the Royal Palace as well as Queen Elisabeth’s studio. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Details at www.monarchie.be.
Rhine River lights upBonn, Germany, hosts the first of several Rhine in Flames events that occur annually in the spring and summer.
Saturday, enjoy fireworks, illuminations and a parade of ships along the Siebengebirge area between Linz and Bonn.
While a visit to Bonn’s Rheinaue Leisure Park would put you smack-dab in the middle of the pyrotechnics, the riverbanks in the towns of Remagen, Rheinbreitbach, Unkel, Bad Honnef, Königswinter and Niederdollendorf will all be alive with sound, light and color.
Strongman RunThe Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run takes place at Germany’s Nürburgring on Saturday at noon.
Participants will complete two laps of about 10 kilometers in length and encounter 15 obstacles on each pass. They will need to swim, jump and climb to make their way through the course. Gravel pits, roots, wire and construction debris add to the treachery of the track.
Support and salute those brave enough to take on the challenge — it’s free to come out and view the race, although it will cost 5 euros to park a car. A team worth cheering for? Team Fisher House Rocks, which will be there to raise money for the Fisher House in Landstuhl.
