Tips for Visiting Hallerbos Bluebells: A Magical Forest in Belgium

Every spring, the Hallerbos forest in Belgium transforms into a breathtaking sea of bluebells, drawing nature lovers and photographers from far way. This enchanting natural phenomenon, also known as the Hyacinth Festival, usually reaches its peak bloom in mid-April and can last until early May. In this article, I’ll share my top tips for visiting the Hallerbos Bluebells — from when to go, how to get there, and how to capture the magic of this unforgettable place.

The Magical Bluebells

The wild bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a delicate flower that thrives in the shaded environments of ancient woodlands. These flowers typically take up to five years to bloom after germination, making their annual appearance a much-anticipated event. The bluebells’ vibrant purple-blue hue carpets the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing landscape that captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

When to Visit Hallerbos

The bluebells usually reaches its peak bloom in mid-April and can last until early May. Blooming periods can vary due each year due to the weather conditions. For this year the bluebells’ peak bloom is expected in mid-April 2025. For the most accurate updates, consult the official Hallerbos website.​

How to Get to Hallerbos

Parking near the Hallerbos is limited, and spaces fill up quickly during the festival, especially on the weekend. To prevent parking chaos and reduce environmental impact, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. During peak bloom weekends and on May 1st, free shuttle buses operate from Halle’s city center to the forest. Additionally, free bicycle rentals are available at Fietspunt Halle near the train station, providing an eco-friendly way to reach the forest.

Hiking Routes in Hallerbos

There are three marked hiking trails you can follow through the forest: a 1.6 km route, a 4.8 km route, and a 5.1 km route. These trails guide you past the most beautiful bluebell spots. All info and routes can be found inside the downloadable PDF from the official website (click on: download de folder on top of the page).

Help to Preserve the Bluebells

The bluebells are exceptionally sensitive to foot traffic. Trampling damages their leaves and prevents the bulbs from storing the energy needed for the next year’s growth. To help preserve this natural wonder, always remain on marked trails, even when capturing photographs. This practice protects the bluebells and ensures they continue to thrive for future generations. Dogs need to be kept on a leash and it is forbidden to pick any bluebells for obvious reasons!

Tip: Photography Course in Hallerbos

I visited Hallerbos on April 27th last year during a photography workshop with De Rooij Photography. The bluebell bloom had been on my bucket list for quite some time, so when I saw they were hosting a workshop, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to go. If you’re into photography, I can highly recommend it — they share tips on how best to capture the magical bluebells, as well as general photography advice.

Several organizations offer photography workshops in Hallerbos, as it’s quite a popular destination for photographers. And it didn’t disappoint — the beauty of the forest was absolutely magical and well worth the few hours’ drive from the Netherlands!

Why Visit Hallerbos?

Visiting the Hallerbos during the Hyacinth Festival is a unique opportunity to witness one of the Benelux’s most stunning natural phenomena. It’s one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype. If you’re coming from the Netherlands, it’s only a few hours’ drive and makes for an ideal day trip. For international travelers, I recommend combining your visit to Hallerbos with a city trip to one of Belgium’s charming cities, such as Brussels or Ghent.

Besides the Hallerbos there are more many beautiful flowers in the Benelux. For the best flower spots in the the Netherlands, check out this article!