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With almost 5000 hectares of nature, this forest is so huge that it spans through Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. Enjoy the peace of the woods or go for a reinvigorating hike in the heart of Belgium.

The Sonian Forest (Sonian Wood) is considered by many to be the breathing lung of Belgium. And, since it’s so wide, you’ll always be closer to it than you might imagine--no matter where you are in the country.

One special feature of the forest: it is the only beech forest in Europe. That is why many people also call it “beech cathedral”. Almost 70% of the whole forest consists of beech trees, and some of them can be as high as 50 metres! Moreover, many trees are over 200 years old: if only they could talk…

Because of its versatility, the Sonian Forest is a popular destination for pretty much every group of people; if you’re feeling adventurous and want to head in the depths of nature for a jog or a bike ride, you will have the chance to enjoy miles of quietness. On the other hand, if you visit with your family and just want to chill, you will be stunned by the amount of leisure facilities you’ll find around its six entrances.

  • Bring the little ones along! Who says you can only go on long hikes or exhausting excursions? All around the Sonian Forest you’ll find many play areas, perfect for your kids to play in nature in all safety.
  • However, if you do want to hike, you can find countless trails online, no matter your level. Check out AllTrails for some good ones.
  • The park itself has several walking trails: take a look at this map. The yellow lines indicate the walking paths, while the circles are the points of departure in the forest.
  • Something to be proud of: in 2017, the Sonian Forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although this didn’t actually make it any more beautiful, it certainly made it even more worth-visiting.
  • Nature for everyone: the forest has various parkings spots for people with disabilities, and even special paths which are completely wheelchair accessible. Moreover, a special path for the visually impaired (with signs in Braille) can be found at the Arboretum of Groenendael.
  • Looking for something special to do? You can even try horseback riding at the Sonian Forest. Here you’ll find the horse trails and points of departure in the forest. And, if you don’t know where to start, get in touch with the Hippodrome.
Updated on 4 November 2021

Tips and Tricks

  • If you come with your four-legged friend, remember that dogs must be on a leash. However, they may run free in some specific areas. So, if you plan on bringing a dog along, check out this map to learn more about the different dog areas across the forest.
  • You can find more information about the forest or get free walking maps at various Info Points in many Belgian municipalities. More information about them can be found at this page.

Getting There

  • By Car: six car parks available on site
  • By Bus/Train/Tram: close to multiple stops. Check their website for further information on public transport
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24/7

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All seasons

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Free

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Open; national COVID guidelines apply.

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