Mystic Forest Bois de Hal

Few kilometers’ drive from Brussels, close to the village Halle, you will find a mystic forest called Bois de Hal in French and Hallerbos in Flemish. Bois de Hal becomes a mystic place by the end of April when thousands of bloom bluebells create a blue flower carpet in the forest. An area of 555 hectares is created by 4 valleys covered with bluebells, giant sequoia trees, anemones,  narcissus, buttercup or wild garlic. Animals such as squirrels, deer, salamanders, woodpeckers and some rare species of bats can be seen here, especially in the morning or evening when there are fewer visitors.

I wanted to visit this forest since several seasons but either I was not in Belgium, either I was busy or the weather wasn’t nice. This year I finally made it! 🙂 We visited Bois de Hal last Sunday when the blooming was at its peak and we had a very pleasant walk in the forest. I can now confirm that the “Blue Forest” is a magical place as the combination of purple blue and transparent green of the young beech trees makes a beautiful contrast. If you like spring, blooms, nature, and you are in Belgium by the end of April, this is definitely worth seeing! For even a more surrealist impression, you should go in the mornings or in the evenings as the light plays its role in this forest too.

You can choose from 3 hiking paths: 4 km, 7 km, or only 1,8 km. As part of the forest is a natural reserve, it is not allowed to leave the paths and walk freely in the forest. Special paths for bikes and horses are available too.

How to get to Bois de Hal from Brussels: take the E19 via the Ring R0, direction to Halle (exit 21).  In Halle you need to look for the direction to Hallerbos. You can find more precise information on the official website of the forest. We just put “Hallerbosstraat” in the GPS and then found a parking place in this small street, which is close to the main parking.

You can find more information about Bois de Hal here.

If you like flowers, then be sure to check the event Floralia Brussels.