MYSTICAL BLUE FOREST OF BELGIUM
After getting really frustrated through the winter, especially after we had a tough day at Mechelen, I was really really looking forward to spring. We've begun to visit parks and Atyu has got on grass and soil for the last few weeks. Of course, the icing on the cake of Floralia Brussels! The very next week after Floralia Brussels, I headed off to Hallerbos!!!
Scroll down for Hallerbos 2024 updates.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HALLERBOS?
This year, as it is in the news everywhere, the weather has been cold for a very long, delaying spring and making blooms really late. Floral blossoms like the Tulips, Bluebells and even Cherry Blossoms look picture perfect for only about 10 days every year. Before or after that, it is only OK, not so perfect! So planning for these from far away may not really give the best results, because you might decide, based on the dates of the 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 blooming had begun, I headed there within the next couple of weekends (the immediate next I was at Floralia Brussels)! Also Read: Tulip Festival of Belgium, Lavender Fields of Belgium, Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, Floraliën Gent
If you're planning to visit, and you're in Belgium or even Europe, it is better to keep an eye on the official website of Hallerbos from the beginning of April. They announce the moment the blue carpet fills the forest. It is better to head there within 10 days from that point. Normally, this is around mid-April, but you never know how climate change affects the exact dates every year!
BEST HIKING ROUTES IN HALLE BLUEBELLS FOREST (HALLERBOS)
especially when arriving by Public Transport
Even 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, both of 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 bluebells viewing can be seen on that particular day. It so happened that this point was on the other track. However, we did a bit of shortcut and headed to the Tranendal area which was the best to see the blue carpet of Belgium, the mystical blue forest of Belgium, last weekend.
Throughout the walking path were the bluebells in various densities, but it wasn't really impressive. Apart from Bluebells, there were also Ramsons (Wild Garlic). By this time, Ramsons were already blooming with the white flowers (2nd pic above). And finally, we reached the Tranendel area.
VISITING THE MAGICAL BLUE FOREST OF BELGIUM
How was it? It was unbelievable! I haven't seen anything like this in my life! The tall beechwood 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 pulling me out of the place and yeah, they did give in and accepted to explore one more small track! It is just so so so so so so gorgeous... It is one of the best places to experience Spring in Belgium, one of the best things to do in Flemish Brabant, and one of the best things to do around Brussels.TIPS FOR VISITING HALLERBOS HYACINTEN BLUEBELLS FOREST
- Bluebells are delicate plants and they 'die' when you stomp on them or pluck them! Even though Instragram may show dreamy pictures of people in the midst of bluebells, it is a very bad idea to walk in the midst of bluebells (+ you could be fined because they are protected plants in a protected area)!
- Pack your picnic lunch. One - there are no restaurants or food kiosks in the vicinity. Two - it is an amazing feeling to eat (on those picnic benches) in the midst of the mystical blue forest of Belgium!
It is not really stroller/wheelchair friendly, though it is possible to manage with strollers (there are some steep climbs that may be very tricky with wheelchairs).Update 2023: A new 4km Plateau Walk route has been set up with level grounds for people with low mobility too to enjoy this absolutely divine beauty of bluebells! The route begins at Parking 4 and goes very close to Parking 8 (that's near the bus stop). If you're going with a child in a stroller, it might be a good idea to go on this route as well.- Wild Garlic (Ramsons) leaves are amazing. Wild Garlic pesto is just divine. However picking/plucking anything in this forest is a punishable offense, not just bluebells, but also Ramsons (Wild Garlic) or mushrooms. But around this season is when Ramsons are fresh and available in very many places all over Belgium where it is possible to pick them (however, foraging wild garlic is prohibited in the Brussels region). For the best results, pick those Ramsons before they bloom.
- Dogs on leashes are allowed.
- Of course, wear good shoes as the dirt track is pretty steep and rocky in 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 from the beginning of April for the announcement of bloom!
HOW TO REACH HALLE BLUEBELLS FOREST HALLERBOS BY CAR:
There are a whopping 11 parking lots available around the Halle Forest. Refer to the map below for their location. The parking lots closest in the Brussels direction are P1 & P11.
Where is Halle Blue Forest of Belgium (on Google Maps): Hallerbos
HOW TO REACH HALLE BLUEBELLS FOREST HALLERBOS BY BUS:
From Halle Station to Hallerbos Parking 1: 3.5km (DeLijn bus 155 every 1 hr)
Nearest Bus-stop: Essenbeek Hallerbosstraat - 700m from Parking 1 (DeLijn route 155)
From Halle Station to Hallerbos Parking 8: 5.5km (DeLijn bus 114 every 30 mins)
Nearest Bus-stop: Halle Vlasmarkt 1.3km from Parking 8 (DeLijn route 114)
Hallerbos Free shuttle from Halle Station to the Hallerbos parking lot is available at the weekends & public holidays during the bloom. (more details below)
HALLERBOS BLUEBELLS WALKING MAP: Hallerbos Bluebells trail via the Natuur en Bos (opens/downloads as PDF)
HALLERBOS BLUEBELLS FESTIVAL ENTRY TICKETS: Free
HALLERBOS BLUEBELLS FOREST TIMINGS: 24 x 7
HALLERBOS BLUEBELLS FESTIVAL FACILITIES:
- Information points are available close to most of the parking lots.
- Makeshift toilets are available near Parking P1, P2, and P8.
- Picnic tables are available near Parking P2, P8, and 3 more along the walking trail.
- A whopping 8 bike (cycle) stands are available close to all the car parking areas.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEE BLUEBELLS ONLY IN HALLE?
No! Flanders, especially its western half, has a climate so suitable for bluebells that Halle is not the only place but there are quite a few places to see the purple carpet of the bluebells forest. Here's a list by Natuur en Bos of other places where you can enjoy bluebells apart from Halle.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN HALLE?
What to do in Halle apart from Hallerbos Hyacinten Bluebells Festival? With the canal, La Senne river, beautiful murals in multiple places, a huge basilica, and a kids-friendly museum, there are a lot of things to do in Halle apart from Hallerbos! I visited Halle thrice in short half-day trips from Brussels.
Click here to read my dedicated article about various things to do in Halle.
HALLERBOS HYACINTEN FESTIVAL 2024 UPDATE
Hallerbos Hyacinten 2024 Festival is back with a bang this Spring 2024! As of April 14th, 2023, the Hallerbos Hyacinths are in bloom. There are way-marked trails and it is not allowed to go out of the trail. The trails are about 4.5km to 6.6km depending which path you take.
Restrictions Hallerbos 2024: There are no restrictions during weekdays. During the weekends and public holidays from April 6th or May 5th, the street Vlaasmarktdreef is blocked, so Parkings P2 isn't accessible if you come by car. So park at P1 or P11 and start hiking.
Visiting Hallerbos 2024 by public transport:
The free shuttle bus is operating again this year from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, from Halle Railway Station during weekends & public holidays (on April 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and May 1). This runs once every 30 mins on Saturdays and once every 20 mins on Sundays. This will drop you at Parking 11 of the Hallerbos.
If you visit on a weekday, take a regular TEC bus 114 from Halle Railway Station to Vlasmarkt or DeLijn bus R55 from Halle Railway Station to Hallerbosstraat. Ofcourse, this isn't free and you'll have to buy a ticket.
There's also a free bike rental available, like last year, 9:00AM to 5:00PM on weekends & public holidays only! For the free bike rental, look for 'gratis fietsverhuur' just outside the railway station. You pay upfront, take the bike and when you bring back the bike, you get your money back. It is on a first come first serve basis. The bike rental is there on weekdays also (from 11:00AM to 7:00PM) but is not free.
Like the earlier years, this time, volunteers are available near the Hallerbos Parking lots to tell you where you may find the best bloom for the day.
Hallerbos Hyacinten Festival 2024 brochure - via Natuur en Bos (downloads/open as JPG)
Btw, when you're in Halle for the Hallerbos, here are the other things to do in Halle to make it a perfect daytrip from Brussels!
If you came here directly via Hallerbos 2024 update/link, scroll up / swipe up to read the entire article incl. how to reach by car/public transport, tips, map etc.
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative blog, you didn't mention about dropping point for the shuttle bus. I fear about reaching/ return P4/P8 parking as it stroller friendly. Info will be helpful
ReplyDelete