Maalbeek

For a metro station, see Maelbeek/Maalbeek metro station.

The source of Maelbeek (Abbey of La Cambre)

The Maelbeek or Maalbeek is a stream that runs through several municipalities in Brussels, including Etterbeek, Ixelles, St-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek. It is a tributary of the Zenne, which it joins in Schaerbeek, and its source is located near the Abbey of La Cambre. It was vaulted in 1872, at which time there were 58 ponds along the stream. Nowadays, only six are left: the ponds of the Abbey of La Cambre; of Ixelles (two); of Leopold Park; of Marie-Louise Square; and of Josaphat Park.

The name Maalbeek, (meaning mill stream), comes from the Dutch words beek (meaning stream) and maal (meaning to mill). Molenbeek has the same derivation. In French usually the old spelling Maelbeek is used. There is another Maalbeek, tributary to the Zenne, in Grimbergen, and two other Molenbeeks, in Beersel and in Laeken. The name Maelbeek/Maalbeek was also given to a metro station in Brussels.

The Woluwe river also has a tributary named Kleine (little) Maalbeek, in Kraainem.

See also

• Jardin du Maelbeek
• List of rivers of Belgium

Coordinates: 50°50′17″N 4°22′47″E / 50.838°N 4.3796°E / 50.838; 4.3796