After getting really frustrated through the winter, especially after we had a tough day at Mechelen, I was really really looking forward for spring. We've begun to visit parks and Atyu has got on grass and soil since last few weeks. Ofcourse, the icing on the cake of Floralia Brussels! The very next week after Floralia Brussels, I headed off to Hallerbos!!!
This year, as its in the news everywhere, the weather has been cold for very long, delaying spring and making blooms really late. Blooms like the Tulips, Bluebells, even Cherry Blossoms look picture perfect for only about 10 days. Before or after that, its only OK, not so perfect! So planning for these from far away may not really give the best results, coz you might decide based on the dates of last few years and this year, it may turn out different! This year, by chance, I'm in Brussels and I needn't plan prior for the BlueBells. The day I got the info that the bloom has begun, I headed there the next to the next weekend (the immediate next I was at Floralia Brussels)!
If you're planning to visit, and you're in Belgium or even Europe, its better to keep an eye on their official website. They announce the moment the blue carpet fills the forest. Its better to head there within 10 days from that point.
Though there are several parking lots, while taking the public transport to visit Hallerbos, the best feasible starting points would be P1 & P8. There are 2 Bluebells tracks which are about 5km each and they meet at P8. I started at the P1. They are some lovely volunteers who guide with the details of where the best of bluebells viewing can be seen at that particular day. It so happened that this point was on the other track. However we did a bit of short cut and headed to the Tranendal area which was the best last weekend.
Throughout the track were the bluebells in various density, but it wasn't really impressive. Apart from Bluebells there were also Ramsons. And finally I reached the Tranendel area.
How was it? It was unbelievable! I haven't seen something like this in my life! The tall beech wood trees, with the fluorescent green leaves, on a blue carpet, topped with chill, mild wind and chirps of birds........ It's something I cannot express in words. You have to be there in flesh and blood to understand it! I could just stay there all day and yes, Mr.V & friends did have a tough time to pull me out of the place and yeah, they did give in and accepted to explore one more small track! Its just so so so so so so gorgeous...
Here are a couple of tips - its not really stroller/wheelchair friendly, though strollers are still ok (there are some steep climbs). There are no food kiosks in there, however the parking lots have benches where you can picnic (with your packed lunch). Toilets are available in the parking lots as well. Being a national forest, there is no entry fee or timings. Dogs in leash are allowed. Plucking Bluebells, which are essentially wild flowers, is illegal. Ofcourse, wear good shoes as the dirt track is pretty steep and rocky at some places.
It might be already too late to visit this year (2018). However if you're in Belgium, you could still take a chance. If you're planning for next year, make sure to keep an eye on their official site since the beginning of April for announcement of bloom!
To Get There:
From Halle Station to Parking 1: 3.5km (DeLijn bus 155 every 1 hr)
From Halle Station to Parking 8: 5.5km (DeLijn bus 114 every 30 mins)
Free shuttle from Halle Station to the Hallerbos parking lot is available in the weekends during the bloom. Entry ticket & Timings: Free & 24 hrs!
Bhushavali N
An ardent traveler by passion. I am a wanderlust.. Read more about me here.
I think bluebells are one of the happiest variety of flowers, I just love the colour. I don't blame you for not wanting to leave, it looks so enchanting! Good tips for those with young families too, better to leave the pushchair behind!
Wow, what gorgeous photos! I've never seen a big field of bluebells in real life before, but it almost looks like the tall trees are floating on water from afar, doesn't it? I'd love to make it a mission to see this next time I'm in Belgium!
Looks amazing! Especially the bluebells in the forest. I have never been to Belgium but I certainly didn't picture it looking like this. So green and pretty. Love it! I'm a big fan of spring flowers and always go out desert here in California to see any flowers they might have there.
I love the bluebells on the forrest background, it's like you said: magical! And your tip for keeping an eye on the official website is very important, I know I am guilty of just assuming things will be available when they are featured in a magazine. It's so important to double check! Thanks for the pictures!
Amazing, never knew much about these bluebells, and the entire stretch covered with them looks like a beautiful natural blue carpet, I am sure these kind of experiences are nothing less than magical. I can so imagine it and definitely wanna keep in mind during my visit
Belgium is so magical for such a small country. I love spring flowers so I would definitely want to go see the blue forest some spring. It's good to know that you have to bring lunch, but this seems like an amazing place for a picnic anyway.
Wow you presented it very well, this is such a beautiful place. Belgium is anyway a beautiful and peaceful place. My fiance is coming from Belgium and he told me that all the year there are 4 different types of flowers in some forest with different colors. He recommanded too to go in "Forest de Soignes" which is a very huge forest at the south exit of Brussels (not so far from Hallerbos). Thanks for your beautiful page =)
Wow, your journey to Hallerbos is truly amazing! I've read your blog for quite long now and you've covered beautiful place always. I haven't heard about bluebells before and haven't seen it as well. I love that track leading to the bluebells is somehow amazing and the 5 kilometer stretch of it is really stunning. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I have seen these kind of blue bells or natural carpet covering forest area in films. But is this real? I can imagine, how beautiful it must be looking with blue carpet on grounds and tall birch trees all around. I could listen the melodious sounds of chirping of birds from your video. This place is ethereal and I am adding this when I plan for Brussels.
I did not even know about bluebells being a sight to visit! This looks amazing! I LOVE your photos, you can see that these are so gorgeous!! I'll bookmark this, maybe I'll do this trip next year ��
Its a photographers paradise! I wouldn't want to leave this place before exploring every corner of it. But to be honest, I had never heard of bluebells covering the forest ground.
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I think bluebells are one of the happiest variety of flowers, I just love the colour. I don't blame you for not wanting to leave, it looks so enchanting! Good tips for those with young families too, better to leave the pushchair behind!
ReplyDeleteWow, what gorgeous photos! I've never seen a big field of bluebells in real life before, but it almost looks like the tall trees are floating on water from afar, doesn't it? I'd love to make it a mission to see this next time I'm in Belgium!
ReplyDeletewow it looks like a location from fairy tale movies
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing! Especially the bluebells in the forest. I have never been to Belgium but I certainly didn't picture it looking like this. So green and pretty. Love it! I'm a big fan of spring flowers and always go out desert here in California to see any flowers they might have there.
ReplyDeleteI love the bluebells on the forrest background, it's like you said: magical! And your tip for keeping an eye on the official website is very important, I know I am guilty of just assuming things will be available when they are featured in a magazine. It's so important to double check! Thanks for the pictures!
ReplyDeleteForest and flowers, and nothing else. A present for a photographer. Would be lovely to hand around there with my camera for a while.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, never knew much about these bluebells, and the entire stretch covered with them looks like a beautiful natural blue carpet, I am sure these kind of experiences are nothing less than magical. I can so imagine it and definitely wanna keep in mind during my visit
ReplyDeleteBelgium is so magical for such a small country. I love spring flowers so I would definitely want to go see the blue forest some spring. It's good to know that you have to bring lunch, but this seems like an amazing place for a picnic anyway.
ReplyDeleteWow you presented it very well, this is such a beautiful place. Belgium is anyway a beautiful and peaceful place. My fiance is coming from Belgium and he told me that all the year there are 4 different types of flowers in some forest with different colors.
ReplyDeleteHe recommanded too to go in "Forest de Soignes" which is a very huge forest at the south exit of Brussels (not so far from Hallerbos). Thanks for your beautiful page =)
Hey! Thanks for the tip. Yes, I'm planning to go there later this month or next. Thanks much for the appreciation too. ��
DeleteWow, your journey to Hallerbos is truly amazing! I've read your blog for quite long now and you've covered beautiful place always. I haven't heard about bluebells before and haven't seen it as well. I love that track leading to the bluebells is somehow amazing and the 5 kilometer stretch of it is really stunning. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteI have seen these kind of blue bells or natural carpet covering forest area in films. But is this real? I can imagine, how beautiful it must be looking with blue carpet on grounds and tall birch trees all around. I could listen the melodious sounds of chirping of birds from your video. This place is ethereal and I am adding this when I plan for Brussels.
ReplyDeleteI did not even know about bluebells being a sight to visit! This looks amazing! I LOVE your photos, you can see that these are so gorgeous!! I'll bookmark this, maybe I'll do this trip next year ��
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the Bluebells bloom. Truly, it looks like a blue carpet. Really a soothing sight.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all this place looks too good to be true. Bluebells is on the bucketlist. Love your pink dress and that first picture is <3
ReplyDeleteIts a photographers paradise! I wouldn't want to leave this place before exploring every corner of it. But to be honest, I had never heard of bluebells covering the forest ground.
ReplyDeleteawesome so beautiful forest
ReplyDeleteBeautiful forest photos nicely captured 👍 I have never seen such forest before. Thanks for sharing 🙂
ReplyDeleteWow! The flowers within the forest look so surreal 😊 absolutely gorgeous! I have to put this down on the list of places for next spring.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this wonderful blue carpet that fills the forest. Love nature trails and walking in the forest. This would be a dream trip for me.
ReplyDelete