Hallerbos

Hallerbos, located in Belgium, is a magnificent forest with a blue carpet of bluebells. Every year, in April and May, the forest undergoes a magical transformation as millions of bluebells bloom, giving it the nickname of ‘the blue forest’. It is an enchanting sight to behold, with the bluebells carpeting the forest floor in a sea of blue. In this post you will find practical tips on how to visit Hallerbos, where to stay and how to make the most out of your visit

The Blue Forest

Visiting Hallerbos is an unforgettable experience. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The bluebells, otherwise named wild hyacinths, provide a calming and tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as roe deer and wild hares.

Where Is Hallerbos?

Hallerbos is a 552 hectares forest located in the municipality of Halle. Hallerbos comes from the Dutch words Halle and bos, which means forest of Halle. It is about 20km southwest of Brussels

Where to Stay to Visit Hallerbos?

€€€ 9Hotel Sablon is located in the chic Sablon area just five minutes on foot from Grand Place and a couple of minutes from the Magritte Museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments. It has a small heated indoor pool, sauna, spa, and gorgeous rooms.

€€ If you are looking for spacious modern appartments in the heart of Brussels, then these are at an excellent location near St Catherine, the area in the city center with many cafes and restaurants. Since these are apartments, you will have all the amenities that come with one, such as a kitchen and having the whole place to yourself. They are 7 minutes walk from Grand Place and 3 minutes from the nearest metro station.

€ Novotel Brussels City Center is perfect for a family stay in Brussels. Located next to Place St Catherine, a lively neighborhood in the center with kids-friendly cafes and restaurants, it is just 8 minutes walk from Grand Place and 2 minutes from the nearest metro station. There is a small play area at the reception and a small indoor swimming pool to relax at the end of the day.

When Should You Visit Hallerbos?

The bluebells are usually in full bloom late April. The second half of April is the best time to see the hyacinths in full bloom.

The later you go, the more leaves are on the beeches. When the sun doesn’t see the bluebells, they lose their gorgeous purple-blue color and they turn into gray-blue.

The exact time of full blooom depends on the weather and how warm it has been. You can watch for the blooming period here – start checking at the end of March!

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How to Get to Hallerbos

By Public Transport

The easiest way to reach Hallerbos by public transport is to take the train to the train station of Halle and then take bus 155 to Essenbeek Hallerbosstraat stop. From there, Hallerbos is a short walk of about 10 minutes. This trip should take about 45 minutes from Brussels Central station.

Tip
Bus 155 passes by Uccle-Calevoet station in Uccle, so if you live around Uccle, then it’s easier to hop on 155 from there

By Car

You can reach Hallerbos in about half an hour by car from the center of Brussels

Where to Park

• Parkings 1 and 11 are the biggest and closest to bluebells
• *Parking 1 is also a start of one of the signposted Hyacinth walks and there is a dog area there too
• *Parking 8 is the start of Achtdreven walk and of one of the two signposted Hyacinth walks (but it is quite small)

Hiking Trails in Hallerbos

Temporary Hyacinth Walks

There are 2 temporary hyacinth hikes (that get signposted only when the hyacinths bloom, as of 14.04) and 3 permanent signposted hikes. You can find gpx files for all hikes here

• Hyacinth walk A
  Start from Parking 1 (Hogebermweg), 4.8km
• Hyacinth walk B
  Start from Parking 8 (Achtdreven), 5.1km.

Permanent Signposted Walks

• The Achtdreven walk is 1.8km and it is stroller friendly, wheelchair friendly. It is right in the middle of the hyacinth area.
  Start at the Achtdreven and follow the white-black signs. There are adapted benches and picnic tables at regular intervals.
• The Reebok Walk is a 7km walk, out which only about half passes through the hyacinth area.
  Start at the hunting pavilion and follow the yellow signs. You will pass three of the four valleys in the Hallerbos. You can find here the gps (.gpx) track file.
• The Sequoia Walk is a 4km walk and as the name indicates, its focus are the sequoias of the forest.
  Start at the car park between the bridge over the R0 and the Achtdreven and follow the blue signs. You can find here the gps (.gpx) track file.

If you want to walk the maximum amount of time among bluebells, then start at Parking 8, Achtdreven. You can download an image of the map here or you can download the gps (.gpx) track file

Best Trails for Families

The best trail for families with small kids and a stroller is the Achtdreven walk. It is only 1.8km, completely in the area with bluebells and it is stroller friendly and wheelchair friendly. There are also benches and picnic tables along this route. Note that Parking 8 is quite small, so you need to be there as early as possible to find a place.

For families without a stroller, Hyacinth Temporary Walk A is great. Parkings 1 and 11 are big and very close to bluebells and they are at the start of this trail.

How to Dress Kids for Hallerbos?

It can get very muddy in the forest after rain, so you need to dress appropriately. See under What to Wear in Rainy Weather for tips and our favorite rain gear, includind the best rain jackets and rain boots

Are Bluebells Poisonous?

All parts of bluebells are poisonous! In small quantities it can cause an upset stomach. In large quantities it can be fatal. Supervise small kids at all times!

Photography/Videography

• For commercial or professional photo shoots or recordings you need to request a permit. See more info here
• Stay on the paths also for photos and videos. Bluebells are very fragile!
• Drones are not allowed in the forest

Hallerbos With Kids

Taking your kids to Hallerbos is a great way to show them the beauty of nature. They will love seeing the bluebells, as well as the other wildlife in the forest. You can also take the opportunity to teach them about the importance of conserving nature.

Overall, Hallerbos is a stunning natural wonder and a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and calming experience – but not on weekend, it’s very crowded! If you have to go on the weekend, then try to go as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Its bluebells are a delight to the eyes and provide a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for a great place to take your kids, make sure to explore the magical Hallerbos, the blue forest.

Practical Stuff

• Try to visit on a weekday, it will be a much better experience than going on a weekend. Hallerbos is one of the most popular locations in Belgium in spring and it can get very crowded. Alternatively, try to go as early as possible during the weekend
• *We need to always stay on the path! The vegetation in the forest is very sensitive.
• Stroller friendly, wheelchair friendly. The Achtdreven walk is adapted for people with reduced mobility, the rest of the paths are as stroller friendly as a forest can be – which means that you need a stroller with big wheels and patience!
• There are no opening hours or entrance fees. This is a forest open to all
• *There are picnic tables at Parking P2 ‘Bosmuseum’, P5, P6, P8 ‘Achtdreven’, the ‘Jachtpaviljoen’ and at the ‘Speelweide’, at Vlasmarktdreef Veertigbundendreef intersection, Veertigbundendreef side Kampendaal, corner Lorkendreef Eikendreef
• Here is the official hiking map of Hallerbos. You can find gpx files for all hikes mentioned above here
• Dogs are allowed on a leash. There is also a designated dog area at Parking 1, where dogs can run without a leash

Address

About half an hour drive from Brussels (or 45 minutes by public transport)

Parking 1 Hallerbos
Hogebermweg, 1500 Halle
https://goo.gl/maps/bpHLWKYP8cbXnjFd6

Kids-Friendly Restaurants Nearby

Wondering where to eat with kids nearby?

Brasserie de Waterloo

Brasserie de Waterloo has an outdoor playground and is 20 minutes away.
Chau. de Charleroi 591, 1410 Waterloo, Belgium
+32 2 655 62 62
brasseriedewaterloo.be

Brasserie La Pomme

Brasserie La Pomme has an outdoor playground and is 20 minutes away.
Chau. de Tervuren 171, 1410 Waterloo, Belgium
https://www.lapomme.be/

La Laiterie

La Laiterie has an indoor play area for younger kids and is 15 minutes away.
Steenweg op Alsemberg 3, 1630 Linkebeek, Belgium
http://www.lalaiterie.be/

Provincial Domain Huizingen

Very close to Hallerbos you can find Provincial Domain Huizingen. There are playgrounds for kids, farm animals, mini cars, trampolines and a little train that takes you around the domain. There is also a cafe/restaurant right next to the playground.

Not sure what a provincial domain is and whether you should visit? Here’s a post with the best provincial domains close to Brussels that will help you get started!

More Kids-Friendly Restaurants on the Map

Looking for more kids-friedly restaurants in the area? Check out the map!

There is a separate layer with kids-friendly cafes/restaurants. They’re also color-categorized, so it’s easy to see if there is an indoor or an outdoor play area.

World Wild Schooling Map

Nearby

Provincial Domain Huizingen

Very close to Hallerbos you can find Provincial Domain Huizingen. There are playgrounds for kids, farm animals, mini cars, trampolines and a little train that takes you around the domain. There is also a cafe/restaurant right next to the playground.

Not sure what a provincial domain is and whether you should visit? Here’s a post with the best provincial domains close to Brussels that will help you get started!

Sportoase Halle

Enjoy splashing in the water in this swimming pool with play area for kids!

Nederhem 35, 1500 Halle, Belgium
+32 2 302 70 30

Looking for more places to have some water fun, such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water parks, kayaking? Check out our guide on where to enjoy water in Belgium

Piscine BL’A

Another swimming pool with a play area for kids is nearby

Rue de Piraumont 160, 1420 Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium
+32 2 850 14 10

Looking for more places to have some water fun, such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water parks, kayaking? Check out our guide on where to enjoy water in Belgium

Kids Fantasy Land

Kids Fantasy Land is an indoor playground.

Steenweg op Alsemberg 51, 1630 Linkebeek
+32 2 332 16 42
www.kidsfantasyland.be

Looking for more indoor playgrounds? Check our guide on indoor playgrounds in Brussels and around

Kojump Waterloo

Looking to burn some energy? Then a trampoline park is the answer! Kojump Waterloo is lots of fun for kids

More Activities on the Map

Looking for more activities in the area? Check out the map with kids-friendly activities! There are separate layers for
*Indoor activities
*Outdoor activities
*Kids-friendly cafes/restaurants
*Kids-friendly hotels
*Where to enjoy water
*Where to enjoy snow

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