Hallerbos: an ancient forest with young trees and lots of bluebells

If you ever plan to visit Be[lgium](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/some-belgium-itinari-picks-thsm) and specifically Br[ussels](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/a-week-end-trip-with-your-family-in-brussels-pz4j) during Spring, there’s one place, a hidden gem that you should definitely add to your agenda! If you’re a fan of trekking, hiking and you like spending your weekend far from the city’s noise and fast rythms, then Hallerbos is the place to be! But what is Hallerbos (also spelled as Hallerbosch) and where is it?!

As mentioned already in the title, Hallerbos is an ancient forest with young trees and lots of bluebells! It is also known as the blue forest and it is the most important and most extensive forest area between Zenne and Zoniën. Sounds nice right? Every year it attracts thousands of tourists thanks to its blue/purple bluebells carpet that blooms in April.

Walking in the forest makes you feel like being in a fairytale! Colorful flowers all around, people horse-riding and huge sequoia trees protecting you from the sunlight! Everything around you is just calm! Believe me it is a great getaway!

It is important to know that Hallerbos is a public forest therefore do not expect paying any fees to enter or even to find any cafeterias and shops around. It’s a place made by nature and offered as it is to the nature lovers!

Activities; There is a variety of activities that you can do while in Hallerbos. First and most common; hiking. Upon your arrival you can ask the front desk and they’ll provide you with a hiking/walking map that will guide you through the magic trails of the forest and will help you discover extremely beautiful paths. At the same time, you are allowed to bring your bike and explore the forest in a different pace. You can even bring your dog, as long as you keep him/her on leash! You cannot enter the forest by car, however there’s parking right next to the main entrance where you can leave your car the whole day, and yes luckily, without paying.

The forest is only 30 minutes driving from Brussels and more or less an hour if you’re using the public transportation. Don’t worry, even without a car, it’s still accessible (and worthvisiting!)!

When we first visited this forest we got surprised; we couldn’t believe that this small paradise was that close to the capital of Belgium! We equipped ourselves with beers and food, and after a few hours of walking we found ourselves lying on a great spot with shade, under a huge sequoia tree and among the small blue flowers. Eventually, we had a great picnic and I’ve to confess that it was one of the best Belgian-like Sundays ever!

So do not miss the chance, grab some food, grab some drinks, put your trainers on and visit Hallerbos as soon as possible! Plus; the place is an awesome spot for a photoshooting! I have our pictures hanging on the wall since that Sunday!

PS. All the pics used in this page have been taken by me, hope you like them!

Extra info can be found;

Explore and Enjoy!