Nature Trail Kluizenbos

The vault forest is one of the oldest forests in Aalst. Together with the kravaal forest in Meldert, it formed part of the vast coal forest that defined the landscape in these regions centuries ago. In 2018, Natuurpunt bought 21 ha of the forest and manages it as a nature reserve. Part of the forest has been made accessible via landscaped hiking trails, other parts have been designated as a protected area that is not accessible to the public and where flora and fauna can enjoy themselves.

The Kluimbos is a forest in the Belgian municipalities of Aalst and Affligem that is located between the Somemergem Park and the Affligemdreef. The forest is located on the border of both municipalities, but is mainly located in the Aalst territory. It is a remnant of an older forest that, together with the Kravaalbos, was part of the Coal Forest.
Hikers can explore the area via the marked hiking trails; they lead visitors through the Kluisbos and take them past the Somemergem Park or the Affligem Abbey. Dogs on a leash allowed. Deep ruts make the site inaccessible to wheelchair users.
(Wikipedia)