The Hallerbos (Dutch for Halle forest) is a forest in Belgium, covering an area of 552 ha (1,360 acres). It is mostly situated in the municipality of Halle, in Flemish Brabant and has also a little part in Walloon Brabant.

Bluebell carpet in the Hallerbos
Map of the Hallerbos

The forest is known in the region for its bluebell carpet which covers the forest floor for a few weeks each spring, attracting many visitors.[1][2]

Visitors can reach there either by their own vehicle or through public transport. For public transport, you can reach Halle railway station and get a bus to the entrance of the forest.[3]

History

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Historically, the Hallerbos was part of the Silva Carbonaria, along with other forests in the vicinity including the Sonian Forest and Meerdaal.[4] As late as 1777, it was still connected by a woodland strip to the Sonian Forest.[5] During World War I, most of the old trees were removed by the occupying German forces. Reforestation took place from 1930 to 1950.[5]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Blue Forest". Archived from the original on 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
  2. ^ "True blue". expatica. 2004-03-18. Retrieved 2008-07-30.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "By public transport - Hallerbos". Hallerbos. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  4. ^ "Back in time". sonianforest.be. Archived from the original on 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  5. ^ a b "From Merovingians and Habsburgs over Dukes to national forest". Retrieved 2016-01-13.

Further reading

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50°42′14″N 4°17′17″E / 50.704°N 4.288°E / 50.704; 4.288