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Forest of Soignes
The Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes) is the green lung of central Belgium, stretching across the three regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Spanning over 4,400 hectares, the forest is primarily famous for its monumental beech trees, some of which are over 200 years old, earning it the nickname 'The Beech Cathedral.' In 2017, significant parts of the forest were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the 'Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.' Historically, the forest served as a hunting ground for the Dukes of Brabant and Holy Roman Emperors, which played a crucial role in its long-term preservation. Today, it remains a vital sanctuary for biodiversity, hosting roe deer, foxes, and over 1,000 species of fungi. An advanced system of wildlife crossings (ecoducts) has been implemented to reconnect forest sections fragmented by major roads, ensuring safe passage for animals. For the inhabitants of the Brussels metropolitan area, the forest is an indispensable recreational space offering extensive hiking, cycling, and horse-riding paths.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Bas Fournaux de la Forêt de Soignes · Sonian Forest - Grippensdelle A · Réserve naturelle du Vuylbeek - Natuurreservaat van de Vuylbeek
- Nearby: Rixensart (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Parts of the forest were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017.
- The forest covers a total surface area of approximately 4,421 hectares.
- About 80 percent of the forest's tree population consists of beech trees.
- Some of the oldest beech trees in the forest are over 200 years old.
- The forest is home to more than 1,000 distinct species of fungi.
- Two large ecoducts have been constructed to reconnect fragmented sections.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Forest of Soignes (10)
Sonian Forest - Grippensdelle B
Natural reserve in the Sonian Forest, Belgium.
Château des Fougères🏰 castle
Castle in the Sonian Forest, surrounded by woodland.
Boitsfort-Etangs - Bosvoorde-Vijvers
Neolithic settlement in Brussels, archaeological site.
Parc Tournay-Solvay - Tournay-Solvaypark🌳 park
Park in Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels, Belgium.
Priorijmuur
Ruins of a priory wall in the Sonian Forest.
Kasteel van Groenendaal🏰 castle
Castle in the Sonian Forest, former hunting lodge.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Forest of Soignes?
Is the forest a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Are there cycling paths in the forest?
Can you reach the forest from Brussels?
Can wildlife be seen there?
Forest of Soignes: where is it located?
Forest of Soignes: what is there to see?
Forest of Soignes: when is the best time to visit?
Forest of Soignes: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
