Things to do in Sonian Forest
Discover the best attractions and experiences Sonian Forest has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore historic landmarks around the Sonian Forest, from timeless chateaus to iconic squares near Brussels.
Château de La Hulpe
A grand neo-classical château perched at the forest edge with formal gardens and ponds.
Grand Place, Brussels
The ornate central square of Brussels, surrounded by guild halls and the Town Hall.
Museums
Culture and learning moments just outside the trees, with two standout museums nearby.
Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA)
Exhibits on Africa’s natural and cultural heritage set in the scenic suburb of Tervuren.
Fondation Folon
Art foundation and gallery celebrating Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, housed in a striking château in La Hulpe.
Religious Monuments
Charming churches and cathedrals mingle with forest landscapes around the region.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Brussels’ iconic Gothic cathedral with soaring arches and stained glass.
Église Notre-Dame du Sablon
Gothic church known for its serene cloister and sculpted facades in central Brussels.
National & Theme Parks
Natural spaces and protected landscapes for easy exploration on foot or by bike.
Parc de Tervuren
Expansive parkland around the Royal Museum, with ponds, lawns and woodland trails.
Hallerbos (Bluebell Forest)
A magical beech forest famed for blooming bluebells in spring.
Neighborhoods
Quaint towns at the forest’s edge offer local flavor, cafés and markets.
Tervuren
Historic town with a grand park, lakeside walks and a village center.
Hoeilaart
Charming market town known for its green spaces and café culture.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy nature without spending a dime with these forest-friendly options.
Forest hiking and nature walks
Follow marked trails through beech and conifer forests, keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Bluebell viewing in Hallerbos (seasonal)
Stroll among vibrant bluebells when they bloom in springtime.
Picnic by a quiet forest glade
Find a peaceful spot for a relaxed outdoor meal among trees.
Gastronomy
Sample Belgian bites and local specialties in nearby towns.
Belgian waffles in Halle and surrounding villages
Warm, fluffy waffles enjoyed with toppings at a local café.
Belgian chocolate tastings near Brussels
Fine chocolates from nearby ateliers to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Nightlife
Evenings offer cozy pubs and lively bars in the Brussels region.
Delirium Café (Brussels)
Famed bar with an enormous beer selection in Brussels city center.
Bars in Ixelles or Saint-Gilles
Trendy neighborhood spots perfect for a post-forest drink.
Entertainment
Cultural performances are easy to catch in nearby cities.
La Monnaie opera house (Brussels)
Renowned opera and theater venue offering world-class performances.
Cultural centers in Tervuren
Local arts and community events near the forest.
Sports
Active adventures in and around the forest.
Forest cycling routes
Scenic bike paths threading through the Sonian Forest.
Trail running in the forest
Undulating trails ideal for a scenic run.
Horseback riding near La Hulpe
Equestrian trails along forest edges.
Off the Track
Hidden gems and quieter corners to escape the crowds.
Deer spotting along forest edges
Look for shy deer and woodland birds along quiet paths.
Hidden panoramic viewpoints
Find less-visited overlooks with peaceful forest views.