Brussels, the capital of Belgium and de facto capital of the European Union, sits at 56 m above sea level on a plateau above the Senne River valley.
Quick Facts
| Elevation above sea level | 56 m |
|---|---|
| Lowest point (city area) | 15 m |
| Highest point (city area) | 100 m |
| Coordinates | 50.8503° N, 4.3517° E |
| Country | Belgium |
Elevation by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Grand Place / Lower Town | 15 m |
| Upper Town / EU Quarter | 56 m |
| Ixelles | 70 m |
| Uccle | 100 m |
| Laeken | 35 m |
Interesting Facts About Brussels's Elevation
- Brussels is split between a lower town (15 m) and an upper town (56 m) by a steep escarpment.
- The Senne River was largely covered over in the 19th century.
- Brussels is home to 80 international institutions and 1,400 NGOs.
City Comparison – Elevation in the Region
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Brussels above sea level?
The lower town is at 15 m; the upper town (Sablon, EU Quarter) is at around 56 m.
Why is Brussels on a hill?
The plateau offered strategic defense advantages and the valley below provided water and trade routes.