Ten forest walks among bluebells

In Brakelbos, mainly beech and holly take the lead. The leaves of those two tree species are the ideal ground cover under which bluebells grow best.

PURPLE CARPET

Another nice touch: through this forest, the Sassegembeek stream meanders its way towards The Zwalm River. This is not only extremely beautiful and picturesque, it also means there is no shortage of water. The result is the breathtaking purple spectacle that unfolds here in the spring.

For a leisurely walk, park your car easily in La Houppe, or take the train to Ronse, from where the bus will take you to the place. The Werewolf hiking trail will show you the best spots in the forest to spot bluebells.

Right on the Bosberg hill, near Geraardsbergen, lies Raspaillebos. It is a vast forest, full of green giants and beautiful flowers. Not only bluebells, but also numerous other spring bloomers. Think wild daffodils, wood anemones and periwinkles. So you have more than one reason to jump into this forest.

Many species of spring bloomers

The result is a rich colour palette that accompanies hikers throughout the spring. Ideal for the flower-lover. Is your not timing perfect for admiring the bluebells? Then their replacements are at least as beautiful and interesting to see.

The Tussen Helix en Bosberg (Between Helix and Bosberg) hiking trail takes you through the most beautiful corners of the forest. But you can equally enjoy the hefty challenge of the Bosberg itself. Steep climb or quiet enjoyment? Something for everyone.

One of the most visited forests in the Flemish Ardennes is undoubtedly Kluisbos. Indeed, it is by far the largest forest in the region. Among other things, this forest covers the legendary Kluisberg hill, which you may know from the Tour of Flanders. So get your legs ready if you want to come here to admire the bluebells in their full glory.

PLAY FOREST FOR CHILDREN

Oaks, birches and pines in particular provide the necessary shelter here during the spirited hikes through this beautiful piece of nature.

Is your Kluisbos hiking trail over and your feet and calves are craving some rest? Rest at the cozy Bosbaar. Or at one of the other catering establishments you will find nearby, as well as a real play forest with wooden playground equipment where the little ones can have fun. The Kluisbos hiking trail covers about 6 kilometres, but you can also opt for the shorter 3.5-kilometre walk.

Another gem is Muziekbos. Walk endlessly around this wonderfully relief-rich and green area. The valley sides over hills and dales make for some magnificent panoramic views. The bluebell shows itself off lushly here in spring and attracts a great many visitors. But not so many that you are hampered in your walk.

GEUZENTOREN ON A BURIAL MOUND

You come for the hyacinths, but some history also comes into play here. At the highest point of this forest is the tower Geuzentoren. And nearby is a prehistoric burial mound from the Bronze Age. Plenty of fodder for the fun Muziekbos hiking trail and a trip that will keep the whole family enthralled.

The Koppenberg is a household name at home and abroad, thanks to the Tour of Flanders. The heroic scenes that take place here make cycling fans salivate every year. A very diverse deciduous forest also stretches over and around this 'Hump of Melden'.

HYACINTHS AMONG 150-YEAR-OLD TREES

In the spring, bluebells bloom profusely here. Spot them along the Koppenberg hiking trail. Besides bluebells, the forest also contains some traces of the First World War and some trees as old as 150 years. This makes the Koppenbergbos the ideal place for enchanting walks.

This gem is located in a lesser-known part of the Flemish Ardennes. It owes its biodiversity to the numerous presence of springs. Bluebells also grow here in all its glory. Which always produces some surprising purple beauty in the spring.

200 HECTARES OF FOREST

Along with the beech forests of Flobecq and Brakelbos, Bos Ter Rijst offers some 200 hectares of forest. Ideal for some relaxing as well as challenging walks. The scenery will at least be worthwhile.

Variety: this is what you'll find in the beautiful Kravaalbos. The varied nature in this hilly landscape is a boon to all its visitors. With the Kravaalbos hiking trail, you will discover the most beautiful spots in the forest.

with your dog

Even your faithful four-legged friend can come along on a leash. Always stay on the trails, though, and keep your dog on a leash. Not only for bluebells, but also for other, sometimes very fragile vegetation in the forest. That way, we can continue to enjoy the natural beauty every year.

Three million years ago, these kinds of 'witness mounds' still lay as a kind of sandbank off the coast of the shallow and then tropical North Sea. Today, they form the biotope for a wide range of flora.

AT THE TOP OF EAST FLANDERS

Here, you will climb to the highest point in East Flanders, while enjoying the beautiful green mosaic of the Hotondbos. Bluebells get plenty of room to bloom here. Take a deep breath and enjoy the beautiful panoramas along the  Op het dak van de Vlaamse Ardennen (On the Roof of the Flemish Ardennes) hiking trail. This isn't somewhere you'd come every day.

If you are a fan of unspoilt nature, you will be fine with the Neigembos. This forest in Ninove is just over 70 hectares and contains mainly oaks and beeches.

GET YOUR LEGS READY

You will find an abundance of different types of plants here. Bluebells also feel right at home here. That translates into some amazing scenes full of purple flowers in the spring. Explore nature with the Neigembos hiking trail, but do be prepared for some tough climbs.

For the ultimate bluebell experience, you can walk all the way from the Ronse station to the Lierde one. The route will make for a day trip of 30 kilometres that takes you not once, but four(!) times along the purple flowers, as well as all the wonderful things about the Flemish Ardennes. Think: beautiful views, picturesque villages, unpaved paths and some cosy picnic spots.

ALONG FOUR(!) PURPLE FORESTS

You will traverse Muziekbos, Bos Ter Rijst as well as Brakelbos and conclude with a hidden gem: the Everbeekse Bossen, where you will once again be walking through a sea of (purple) flowers. The station-to-station walks are good for a brisk day out or a weekend among bluebells. In any case, ideal for training those leg muscles and taking lots of photos.