Hallerbos

Bluebell carpet in the Hallerbos
Map of the Hallerbos

The Hallerbos (Dutch for Halle forest) is a forest in Belgium, covering an area of 552 ha (1,360 acres). It is mostly situated in the municipality of Halle, in Flemish Brabant and has also a little part in Walloon Brabant.

The forest is known in the region for its bluebell carpet which covers the forest floor for a few weeks each spring, attracting many visitors.[1][2]

Visitors can reach there either by their own vehicle or through public transportation. For public transport, you can reach Halle Train station and get a bus till the entry of the forest.[3]

History

Historically, the Hallerbos was part of the Silva Carbonaria, along with other forests in the vicinity including the Sonian Forest and Meerdaal.[4] As late as 1777, it was still connected by a woodland strip to the Sonian Forest.[5] During World War I, most of the old trees were removed by the occupying German forces. Reforestation took place from 1930 to 1950.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The Blue Forest". Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  2. ↑ "True blue". expatica. 2004-03-18. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  3. ↑ "By public transport - Hallerbos". Hallerbos. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  4. ↑ "Back in time". sonianforest.be. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  5. 1 2 "From Merovingians and Habsburgs over Dukes to national forest". Retrieved 2016-01-13.

Further reading

Coordinates: 50°42′14″N 4°17′17″E / 50.704°N 4.288°E / 50.704; 4.288


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