Hallerbos is an ecologically invaluable forest with a wealth of fauna and flora. The undulating landscape makes for delightful walks.
Hallerbos and the Sonian Forest were joined together for centuries, and just like it's larger brother, Hallerbos is an expanse of ancient woodland. The soil and landscape remain unaltered throughout the ages, but the trees are actually relatively young. During and after the First World War, large stretches of this woodland were cleared, but between 1930 and 1950, Hallerbos was reforested. Today, Hallerbos stretches across nearly 555 hectares, 100 hectares of which have been designated as a forest reserve and five hectares as a nature reserve known as De Duling. Four deep valleys run through the woodland.
Plants and animals
The spring blooms are the showpiece of the forest: wild daffodil, wood anemone, spearweed, wild hyacinth and wild garlic successively color the forest. When the thousands of hyacinths cover the ground in late April during the Bluebell Festival, a walk here is a unique experience.
For mammals such as deer, squirrels or mustelids, the domain is a resting area. But other animal species also feel at home here. The Hallerbos houses one of the largest populations of the fire salamander in Flanders. The forest's largest woodpecker species, the black woodpecker, carves hollows in the trees here, in which rare bats like to shelter.
Walking, cycling and horse riding
Whether you're visiting for a walk, a bike ride, a horse ride or just to find some peace, Hallerbos offers pure enjoyment for all. There are three signposted walking routes:
➜ The Sequoia Walk (4 km – 5.714 steps) will take you past our giant redwood trees; true titans from California.
➜ The Reebok Walk (7 km – 10.000 stappen) will guide you through different types of woodland.
➜ The Plateau Walk (4 km - 5.714 steps) goes right into the heart of the forest, with adapted paving, plenty of rest points and a nearly flat trail. Therefore, this walk is suitable for less mobile persons.
Horseback riding is available on designated trails. For the young awesomeness, several play areas are provided in the Hallerbos.
Fancy staying a little longer?
Then you can come to vacation home Bosnest. The former forester's house is the ideal base to discover the Hallerbos and the region. It is a charming vacation home for 4 people on the edge of the Hallerbos. Come and enjoy nature, each other's company, the sunny terrace in spring and summer and the view of greenery and birds.
