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 transport. For public transport, you can reach Halle railway station and get a bus to the entrance of the forest.[3]
History
editHistorically, 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]
Gallery
edit-
A walking path in October
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A walking path in December
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Info panel of the Hallerbos recreational area forest
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Blue Forest". Archived from the original on 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
- ^ "True blue". expatica. 2004-03-18. Retrieved 2008-07-30.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "By public transport - Hallerbos". Hallerbos. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
- ^ "Back in time". sonianforest.be. Archived from the original on 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
- ^ a b "From Merovingians and Habsburgs over Dukes to national forest". Retrieved 2016-01-13.
Further reading
edit- Hallerbos on the website of Nature and Forest by the Flemish Government in Belgium: http://www.natuurenbos.be/nl-BE/Domeinen/Vlaams-Brabant/Hallerbos.aspx
- Official website with view of the flowers and forest: http://www.hallerbos.be/en/
50°42′14″N 4°17′17″E / 50.704°N 4.288°E