Watermaal-Bosvoorde walks

Discover the Sonian Forest, south of Brussels, by exploring its paths and avenues.

A mix ofGR® trails and park paths around Watermael

Cycling tour (gravel/hybrid/mountain bike) starting from Auderghem, through the Sonian Forest. The route crosses the magnificent Tournay-Solvay Park, follows part of the tracks of the former Boitsfort racecourse and reaches the Rouge Cloître site by crossing the Sonian Forest.

The main route starts at Prince d'Orange and enters the Sonian Forest. Then head towards Boitsfort and the Ponds of the Drowned Children. The path then joins Hermite Pond before returning to Prince d'Orange.

The route follows three streams in the forest: the Bocq, the Vuylbeek and the Source Laineuse. It is a circular route best tackled in dry weather. Normally, the route follows footpaths. Please make sure you do not take any paths reserved for horse riders: if you encounter this issue, take a detour and (please) mention it in the comments.

A route that starts at the Abbaye de la Cambre and ends at the Hôtel Hannon, passing by the Ixelles Ponds, the Sterner Workshop, the Hôtel Max Hallet, the Hôtel Solvay, the Hôtel Tassel, the Hôtel Otlet, Rue de Livourne and back, the Trinity Church, the Horta Museum, Rue Américaine and the Hannon Hotel to Avenue Brugmann.

A 24 km circular between wide forest paths and more technical sections. In short, two hours of pure joy in the heart of nature!  The route starts at the town hall in Hoeilaart and passes through Groenendaal. It is very well marked with the blue mountain bike logo.

This route allows you to explore some of the many green spaces in the municipalities of Woluwé-Saint-Lambert and Woluwé-Saint-Pierre.It passes through, amongst others, Georges-Henri Park, Malou Park and Woluwe Park, as well as lesser-known green spaces such as Schuman Park and the Franciscan Garden, and follows paths running alongside the Woluwe, the river that gives its name to both municipalities.

A lovely little walk where you can enjoy the coolness of the Sonian Forest on hot days or the magnificent autumn colours. In spring, carpets of hyacinths and anemones add touches of blue and pinkish-white to certain parts of the forest.

Linkebeek is one of the municipalities on the outskirts of Brussels. This walk takes in unspoilt landscapes, despite being close to the capital. These consist of woods, fields, meadows, parks, ponds and a small stream: the Linkebeek, which you follow for part of this walk.

A less direct and flatter route than the outward journey described in another walk. After a shared section along the old railway line that runs over Avenue de Tervueren, followed by Boulevard du Souverain (dedicated cycle lane), the route passes under the Hermann-Debroux Viaduct and climbs towards a pretty neighbourhood in Auderghem before reaching the Forest. It crosses the Chaussée de la Hulpe (at a protected crossing) and reaches Waterloo via a lovely route through the forest.

A very beautiful and varied route, set against the backdrop of the Sonian Forest.

The walk passes through Kinsendael Park, Buysdelle Woods, the Artists' Valley, Shaveys Park, Verrewinkel Woods, Fond Roy Park, the Avijl plateau, Kauwberg and Sauvagère Park. Return to the starting point via Kriekenput.

This walk passes through Tervuren Park and then follows the Voer river with theGR® Dijeland to discover the hinterland through the fields.

Go for a jog or a leisurely stroll to explore Forest Park and Duden Park, which feature some lovely gentle slopes. This is an urban route but takes place entirely within natural surroundings, with one crossing of a roundabout with traffic between Forest Park and Duden Park, both on the way there and back. Both parks are situated predominantly within the municipality of Forest. Forest Park has a more urban feel, whilst Duden Park has a more wooded character.

A walk between the town and green spaces in the upper part of the municipality of Forest. The route passes through Duden Park, the Messidor garden city, Carré Tillens, the Altitude 100 church and Forest Park, among other places.

Walk along the quiet paths of Château de la Hulpe. Starting from the car park on Drève de la Ramée (Gaillemarde), stroll along peaceful forest paths far from the hustle and bustle. Take the time to listen to the birds singing and admire the beautiful vegetation.

After a trip to the Sonian Forest, Miss Kika will show you around the Solvay Estate and its "Moulinsart-style" castle. Perhaps you'll bump into Professor Calculus? However, there's no chance of seeing Captain Haddock, as the park's many lakes are for freshwater sailors only!

A very pretty 1½-hour circular route along quiet paths in the Sonian Forest, near the Folon Foundation and La Hulpe Castle. Absolutely peaceful for two-thirds of the route, though the section near the ring road is inevitably noisier. Relaxing and pleasant in all seasons. Particularly lovely when the wild garlic is in bloom. You may see and hear many birds.

These magnificent beech woods in the Forest of Soignes are a feast for the eyes and offer a sense of tranquillity to walkers seeking peace and serenity. The Folon Museum and the green spaces around La Hulpe Castle are a true invitation to embark on a cultural and architectural journey amidst nature that has been splendidly landscaped within an extraordinary park. Towards the end, however, the proximity of the Brussels Eastern Ring Road and the walls of the Argenteuil estate somewhat detract from the natural feel of the start. That is why a few promising shortcuts are suggested.

Starting from the estate’s car park on the forest side (Gaillemarde), this walk quickly leaves the estate itself to join the GR® 126, which you follow for part of the way. The landscape is that of the Forest of Soignes, with magnificent tall trees, mainly beech and oak. Beautiful avenues and forest paths lead to the Étang Solvay and the large grassy areas surrounded by rhododendrons and azaleas – which are superb when in bloom – leading up to the château. Not to mention the Folon Museum.

The Solvay Estate was built on land that was once part of the Sonian Forest. It owes its name to Ernest Solvay, an industrialist who invented a new process for manufacturing soda ash (used in glassmaking and metallurgy). In 1893, he acquired the estate to use as his second home. The Solvay Estate includes a beautiful château. In 1968, Ernest Solvay's grandson, Ernest-John Solvay, donated the estate to the state.

A lovely circular walk in the lower part of the municipality of Forest. First, the walk takes you along Rue Kersbeek with its beautiful houses. Next, Brel Park with its remarkable trees and monuments. Then, the Forest Miniature Railway, a miniature railway network located in Bempt Park, in Forest, in the Brussels-Capital Region. Finally, the Forest-Vert garden city is a mixed-use social housing estate in the lower part of Forest, in Brussels. Take a stroll through Bempt Park, near the ponds, and you’ll see ducks swimming in groups. It’ll be a moment of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To round off the walk, treat yourself to a delicious artisan ice cream at Tutta Panna – the perfect way to end the walk! As you head towards the station, you can’t miss a lovely, colourful mosaic under the Forest-Est bridge.

A 5 km circular route, largely shaded, in and around the pretty and very peaceful Kwadebeek Valley (which is a ‘natuurpunt’ in Rhode-Saint-Genèse). No traffic noise (what a joy!) but plenty of birdsong in spring.

A splendid piece of nature to discover near the capital, straddling the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant. Half countryside, half forest, the walk is only semi-urban around km 5, along the railway line, and between km 9 and 10 in a residential area on either side of the Ermite crossroads.

Walk between the two Brabants, through residential neighbourhoods and fields… A stroll through quiet neighbourhoods, perfect for walking with family or friends.

Set off to explore a walk through fields, woods and orchards in the countryside around Rhode-Saint-Genèse. This walk takes in the communal orchard, which has been laid out in a fun and original way, views over small valleys, walks through meadows among cows and horses, and remarkable trees.

A lovely little walk around the enchanting Sept Fontaines ponds between Rhode-Saint-Genèse and Braine l'Alleud. It also takes you off the beaten track through the surrounding countryside and forests.

A lovely walk from the city to the countryside. An easy walk, mainly on roads but also along beautiful paths and lanes lined with magnificent houses. On the way back, you pass a very attractive shopping and leisure centre.

A lovely 4 km circular route around the Royal Golf Club of Waterloo, starting from the charming Place de Ransbeck. This route is a slightly longer version of the walk entitled ‘A short walk in Ransbeck’, with the difference that this route passes by the Chapelle Jacques.

There are plenty of forest paths and uneven surfaces. The route starts in the Chenois neighbourhood, heading towards Rhode-St-Genèse. It’s a long ride through the forest towards the Groenendaele ponds, passing by the Château des 3 Fontaines and then the Rouge-Cloitre. You should then head towards the cycle bridge over the ring road. The return route takes you via Notre-Dame au Bois (with plenty of places to stop: speciality beers, tartine with fromage blanc and mussels, etc.), Hoeilart, then La Hulpe (near Solvay Park), the Royal Estate of Argenteuil, a cycle path running alongside the ring road towards the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and the Waterloo Ducks’ hockey ground, returning via the centre of Waterloo.

Here’s a short, circular walk to enjoy when you’re looking to unwind and don’t have much time. After a stretch of cobblestones, the path turns into a dirt track, then a sunken lane, before crossing the Royal Waterloo Golf Course. Another sunken lane leads us to a cobbled road, bringing the route to a close.

This is a direct route that runs along the edge of the Soignes Forest. There are few roads and the junctions are safe. One tricky spot is when crossing the junction under the Hermann-Debroux viaduct. There is another route further to the east which passes through a lovely neighbourhood in Auderghem before reaching the Sonian Forest and crossing it.

Starting from the Seven Fountains Ponds, this circular walk takes you through a variety of landscapes: ponds, rivers, woods, meadows and fields, spread out on either side of the linguistic border – a border of language, but not a border in nature. How many times during the walk do you find yourself wondering: “Which Brabant am I in? Flemish Brabant or Walloon Brabant?”

A route starting from Fedasil Rixensart. It then passes by Lake Genval, Maubroux Church, the Carpu Nature Reserve, the Mahiermont district, Route de Renipont, Odrimont (Lasne), the village square (Ohain), Saint-Etienne Church, Route de la Marache, Dadelane, Rue du Moulin, Renipont beach, Rue du Baillois, Bourgeois, the tram quay and Rixensart Park. Fairly significant elevation gain

This short walk takes you through the countryside to the bleak plain of Waterloo and its magnificent golf course, where golf enthusiasts have long since replaced Napoleon's armies.

10 km route. Due to roadworks on Rue de Limalsart, the route is diverted via Rue de l’Institut and Rue de La Hulpe. It passes by Lake Genval, Maubroux Church, the Carpu nature reserve, the village of Bourgeois and Rixensart Park.

Adeps route in the Rixensart woods and around Rixensart Castle. Due to roadworks on Rue Royale – take the route via Avenue Joséphine Charlotte – Avenue Albert Prince de Liège – Avenue Reine Elisabeth

The route is suitable for Nordic walking, despite a few short stretches of tarmac on small country roads or, occasionally, cobblestones.Ohain is renowned for its agriculture and for the diversity and beauty of its landscape.Several watercourses flow through the municipality, such as the Lasne (a tributary of the Dyle) and a few streams, including the Ohain.

This walk will help you discover Ohain. Miss Kika will take you along small paths, trails and lanes, crossing the golf course towards the Smohain valley, which you will follow for most of the walk. Together with the Lasne river, into which it flows, it gives the village its relief, while the numerous ponds attract many species of birds. The variety of landscapes, horses and numerous marked trails are what make this town so charming.

There are several walking guides available for Lasnes. There are booklets and a map showing all the walks. This walk partly follows the route of Walk No. 1. Signposts are in place. The walk then returns fairly directly to Place de Ohain, the starting point. There is a bench at a junction of small roads.

Starting from the Dworp football pitch, the walk follows the green belt to the south of the Dworp conurbation, joining the picturesque path that runs alongside the Chapitre stream (Kapittelbeek) and finally enters the Bois de Hal proper.From one tree-lined avenue to the next, the route passes through magnificent chestnut and beech woods before emerging into the countryside around Braine-l’Alleud.After the historic boundary marker of the Sonian Forest, dating from the 16th century, the route changes direction towards the Sept Fontaines ponds, running alongside the golf course of the same name. The former Abbey of Sept Fontaines and its farm are now, unfortunately, part of a private estate and are virtually invisible from the public paths.

The Bois de Hal is renowned for the magnificent carpets of hyacinths that decorate the undergrowth in spring, usually from mid-April to early May.The hyacinths are preceded by anemones and followed in some places by wild garlic.With a little luck and, above all, a lot of patience, you may be able to spot a deer or two grazing or frolicking a little further away, in the undergrowth away from the paths.

This walk is not difficult and mostly follows the course of the Molenbeek, allowing you to discover King Baudouin Park, the Ganshoren marsh, Laerbeek Wood, the Jette marsh and Dieleghem Wood.

The route passes Château Bonaventure, then follows the valleys of the Molenbeek and Zijpbeek, once vital to the local mills. The walk crosses King Baudouin Park, the Ganshoren marsh and the Laerbeek and Poelbos woods, rich in wildlife and typical of Brabant landscapes. The unassuming Poelbosbeek further contributes to this natural ecosystem. The Heymbos and Dielegem woods are a reminder of the former presence of the medieval abbey. Further on, the Atomium comes into view, the iconic symbol of Expo ’58, before the route passes through the Royal Domain of Laeken. This is a walk combining nature, history and Brussels’ heritage.

This walk will allow you to discover several relatively or even totally unknown green spaces in the north of Brussels: Laeken Park, Osseghem Park, the Fleuriste Gardens and the Colonial Park.

A splendid walk in the Bois de Hal, famous for its carpets of wild hyacinths in April, but let’s not forget the anemones that bloom a little earlier. This circular walk of around 6 km follows the paths and trails of the "Reebokwandeling" and the "hyacintenwandeling", two signposted walks featured on the official Bois de Halle website (see practical information).

The Bois de Hal is particularly renowned for its carpets of hyacinths.Walking along its paths in another season and combining the forest with the surrounding countryside is the essence of this walk.

Hike through the woods and bucolic trails of Wavre, Limal, Bierges and Rixensart

An easy walk through the countryside of Lasne and Ottignies.