Insights into the craziest hotel in the world - La Balade des Gnomes in Belgium

Dreaming in Trojan Horse
Seven unusual themed rooms ranging from indoor sailing boat to improvised moon landing transport the guests of this hotel into fantastic worlds. The spectacular highlight is the mythologically inspired accommodation in a wooden cow on rails 

The model for what is certainly Belgium's most unusual hostel comes from Greek mythology. But while the Trojan horse once served as a hiding place for soldiers to conquer Troy, its wooden replica in Wallonia today only accommodates peaceful overnight guests in its belly. 

Behind the bizarre façade is a two-storey suite for up to four people. It is quite deliberate that the outer shape resembles more a cow or a bull than a horse. Livestock farming has always played an important role in Belgium, also culturally. Inside there is medieval glamour with a slight hint of Game of Thrones.

The design of this Walloon accommodation can be described as more original and strange than anything known in this direction. The adventure room in the form of a wooden cow is a reminiscence of the Trojan horse, which according to legend was used by the ancient Greeks to overcome the walls of Troy. The besiegers, hidden in the belly of the monumental wooden horse, entered the fortified city by trickery and opened the gates at night.

The unusual accommodation in the Belgian version of the'Trojan Horse' has an area of 43 m² and impresses with external dimensions of 7.50 metres in height and 10 metres in length. The building consists mainly of wood and metal, the dominant materials of the Middle Ages. No less than 12 cubic metres of wood were required for its realisation.

You wouldn't expect the luxury of a wooden bath tub here. The furniture is also made of carved wood and massive tree trunks. Wooden vines appear again and again as a continuous decorative element, which underline the rustic character of the accommodation. Alternative materials such as clay, mud, lime and straw were also used in the design of the decorative elements, whose insulating properties store the heat in winter and keep the interior cool in summer.

But it is not only environmentally friendly and traditional production techniques that make the'Trojan Horse' so fantastic. The sloping dwelling with drawbridge owes its special flair and unmistakable signature above all to the participation of local craftsmen. The result is rewarded with a pronounced sense of style and design, which ranges from unusual to surreal and alienating, without lacking comfort and elegance. 

"Tim Burton meets Salvador Dali", is a fitting guestbook entry that best describes the prevailing mood. Although the rooms demand full attention due to their ingenuity, exuberant furnishings and architectural details, there is no lack of amenities. Modern electronics ensure the comfort of the guests everywhere.

Placed on rails, the horse can be moved forward and backward by remote control, for example, which allows different perspectives of the surroundings without putting one foot out of bed. The technical equipment also includes a flat screen TV, as well as a refrigerator with minibar.

The sophisticated accommodation is designed for a maximum of four people and extends over 3 levels. A drawbridge at the rear leads to the inside of the wooden cow. The actual living room in the belly has an original double bed with carved decor. On the same floor you can take a shower or relax in the wooden bathtub with a bubble bath.

On the upper floor there is another sleeping area with a bunk bed for two persons, a kitchenette and a living room with antique furniture, which give the interior a medieval character.

Even the head is walkable. From here you can observe the surrounding nature with the help of a telescope. The morning breakfast basket can be pulled up from the private balcony using a pulley. For safety reasons, access to the accommodation is not permitted for children under 4 years of age.

A night of fairy tales in an unforgettable dream atmosphere that inspires young and old. 

Overnight stay in the Trojan Horse from EUR 270,- per night for 2 persons including breakfast

Further informations and prices of the other themed rooms via the provider site