Bluebells
A violet carpet.
Anja Meert — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frieda Himpe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frieda Himpe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frieda Himpe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Abxbay — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Hallerbos, or «Halle forest», is a 552-hectare forest in Belgium, mostly in the municipality of Halle in Flemish Brabant with a small part in Walloon Brabant. It lies about 16 km in a straight line from Brussels. The forest is known across the region for the carpet of bluebells that covers its floor for a few weeks each spring, drawing many visitors. It was once part of the ancient Silva Carbonaria, along with the Sonian and Meerdaal forests, and stayed linked to the Sonian Forest until 1777. It was replanted between 1930 and 1950. In late April a dense violet-blue carpet spreads between tall grey beech trunks over rolling ground, with light filtering through pale green leaves. Earth paths wind between the trees, and the rest of the year the forest is quiet and green. The best time to visit is mid-April to early May, shifting slightly each year. Stay on the paths and do not trample the flowers; it can be reached by train to Halle, then bus.
A violet carpet.
Tall grey trunks.
Between the trees.
Halle, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
Mid-April to early May.
Train to Halle, then bus.