Hallerbos Blue Forest Verified listing

- Ground is not smooth, but stroller is totally doable and nice to have if kids get tired.
- Toilets are either chemical or mobile.
- No baby changer.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Dogs allowed
- People with a less mobile card can find reserved places at Parking 4 (Dries 3 – 1500 Halle) from certain date (to be confirmed for 2024). The ‘Plateauwandeling’ departs from the parking lot to the center of the forest. The course is marked with poles with a ‘white-black’ head. There are rest benches at regular intervals.

The Blue Forest: A Magical Spring Experience

If you are looking for a unique and enchanting way to enjoy the spring season, you should visit the  "Hallerbos" (NL) or "Bois de Halle" (FR), in Belgium. This forest is famous for its stunning carpet of bluebells that covers the ground around the second half of April only! Here are more details about this natural phenomenon and how to plan your trip to see it.

What are bluebells and why do they grow in Bois de Halle?

Bluebells are a type of wildflower that belong to the genus Hyacinthoides. They have bell-shaped flowers that range from pale to deep blue in color. They are native to Europe and thrive in moist and shady habitats, such as woodlands.

Bois de Halle is one of the best places to see bluebells in Europe because it has a large and old beech forest that provides the ideal conditions for them. The beech trees create a canopy that blocks out most of the sunlight, keeping the soil cool and moist. The bluebells also benefit from the rich leaf litter that decomposes on the forest floor, providing nutrients and organic matter.

The bluebells usually start to bloom around mid-April, depending on the weather and temperature. They reach their peak in late April or early May, when they form a dense and dazzling carpet of blue that contrasts with the fresh green leaves of the beech trees. The sight is truly spectacular and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

What to do there?

Once you arrive at the forest, you can choose from several walking trails that will take you through different parts of the bluebell area. You can also rent a bike or join a guided tour if you prefer. There are also picnic areas.

Besides admiring the bluebells, you can also enjoy other attractions in Bois de Halle, such as:

- The Sequoia Walk: A path that leads you to some impressive giant sequoia trees that were planted in the 19th century.
- The Museum of Forest Life: A museum that showcases the history and culture of the forest and its inhabitants.

Tips for visiting Bois de Halle

To make the most of your visit to Bois de Halle, here are some tips to keep in mind:

- Check the Bluebell Webcam before you go to see if the bluebells are in bloom. You can find it on the official website of Bois de Halle: https://www.hallerbos.be/en/
- Avoid going on weekends or public holidays if you want to avoid crowds. The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
- Respect the nature and do not pick or step on the bluebells. They are protected by law and are very fragile.
- Bring your camera and take lots of photos, but be careful not to disturb other visitors or wildlife.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking in the forest. The weather can be unpredictable, so bring a jacket or umbrella just in case.
- Have fun and enjoy this magical spring experience!

These are the approximate dates of previous years bluebells bloom.

• 2023: 19-apr to 03-mai
• 2022: 12-apr to 04-mai
• 2019: 05-apr to 28-apr
• 2018: 12-apr to 06-mai

You can celebrate your birthday party at Hallerbos and make a great
afternoon party. For children from 5 to 10 years old.

• The best way to explore the Hallerbos is with the free walking map. There are three marked walking loops in the forest (yellow, blue and white/black).
• You can learn more about the forest on one of the many free open walks with a naturalist guide. For a group it is possible to request a naturalist guide.
• Please stay on the trails at all times, including to take photos, and do not walk on bridle paths unless otherwise indicated.
• For cyclists (mountain bikers), the permitted paths are also indicated via accessibility signs.

From certain date (to be confirmed for 2024) there are toilet cabins at Parking 1 (Hogebermweg), Parking 2 (Bosmuseum) and Parking 8 (Achtdreven). There is a toilet car at the Bospaviljoen.
The dog free field next to Parking 1 (Hogebermweg) has been temporarily reduced.
For those who come by motorhome: it is not allowed to stay overnight in the parking spaces of the Hallerbos. The statutory overnight place for campers is in the Eugène Ysayestraat – 1500 Halle, 2.1 km from the forest.
The use of drones is not allowed in the forest.

• During certain dates (to be confirmed for 2024) The Vlasmarktdreef will remain closed for cars until end of peak season.
• During certain dates (to be confirmed for 2024) the Vlasmarktdreef is closed and Parking 2 Bosmuseum and Parking 8 Achtdreven will not be accessible by car. It is recommended to use Parking 1 Hogebermweg or Parking 11 Houtveld.
• On certain dates (to be confirmed for 2024) there will be a free shuttle bus every half hour from 09:00 to 20:00 between Halle Station and Parking 2 Bosmuseum in Hallerbos. In Halle there is also a stop at the Welkomstlaan (where there is a long parking strip).
• There is a bicycle rental service at the station in Halle, on weekdays from 11:00 to 19:00 and on weekends and public holidays from 09:00 to 17:00. During weekends and public holidays, the bicycles are free while stocks last.