Hallerbos gets ready to welcome thousands to wild bluebell spring blossoming

The city of Halle on the outskirts of Brussels is preparing to welcome thousands of nature lovers to the annual hyacinth festival in Hallerbos from 13 April.

Each spring, the woodland site is transformed into a purple floral carpet for two weeks as millions of bluebells blossom, along with daffodils, wood anemones and buttercups.

Once again, Hal and the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests are joining forces to manage the crowds. Forest rangers and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors to ensure the protection of the delicate scented flowers.

The annual blossoming is an ephemeral sight that captures the imagination of tourists and locals, marking the arrival of spring.

During the brief flowering season, the colour of the bluebells changes from a rich dark blue when they are at their youngest and freshest, to a softer almost pale blue as they begin to fade away.

The 250-hectare woodland spectacle, located mainly in the province of Flemish Brabant, draws between 60,000 and 80,000 visitors every year.

Shuttle buses and mobility plan

Visitors are invited to travel to the woods on foot, by bike or by public transport. Free shuttle buses from Halle station are available on 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 April as well as 1 May, from 9.00 to 20.00.

A new addition this year is a separate shuttle for people with reduced mobility. From 15 April to 1 May, free bicycles can be picked up at the station's cycle point.

People travelling by car are asked to avoid the Hallerbos carparks as they risk being overcrowded. Due to work on the Brussels ring, there are fewer parking spaces than usual. The city of Halle recommends motorists use the free carpark on Welkomstlaan and take the free shuttle.

Photo: ©Belga/Nicolas Maeerlinck