Hallerbos prepares for Hyacinth Festival in second half of April
The forest floor of Hallerbos, near Brussels, will once again be covered with a carpet of hyacinths in the second half of April. The city of Halle is preparing to welcome the thousands of visitors drawn each year by this enchanting phenomenon.
Every year, the purple hyacinths create a stunning, almost magical atmosphere in the forest in Flemish Brabant. The spectacle attracts thousands of nature lovers from Belgium and abroad.
The city of Halle and the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests have joined forces to manage the crowds. During the Hyacinth Festival, forest rangers and volunteers will be on hand to guide lost visitors and protect the delicate flowers.
Organisers are urging people to come to the forest on foot, by bike or by public transport. Free shuttle buses will be running between Halle railway station and the forest.
A separate, smaller shuttle bus for people with disabilities will also be running this year. From 15 April to 1 May, visitors will also be able to pick up a free bicycle at the station.
Visitors still wishing to travel by car are advised to avoid the Hallerbos car parks, which are likely to be overcrowded. An alternative is to use the free car park in the Welkomstlaan, where you can catch the free shuttle bus to the forest.
#FlandersNewsService | © EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP