The Sonian Forest, also known as the Zoniënwoud, is a large forest area centrally located in Belgium, southeast of Brussels. It covers approximately 4,421 hectares and is best known for its old beech trees, some of which are over 200 years old.
The forest has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age and has had various functions over the centuries, such as providing firewood and timber for the construction of houses and ships, and as a backdrop for hunting scenes. The current forest landscape with deciduous trees has its origins in the Austrian period (1714-1795).

Translated by

•

Dominiek Van Dooren

August 11, 2024

Cycling

Enjoying the Sonian Forest is easy from the various access gates. These access gates are located on the edge of the forest, are easily accessible and are therefore the ideal starting point to explore the forest.
There are eight access gates. Information about this can be found at zonienwoud.be/praktisch/toegangspoorten

Translated by

•

Claudine en Robert🇧🇪🚴

August 15, 2022

Cycling

Only 10 kilometers from the Grand Place in Brussels you will find one of the largest forest areas in Flanders. The vast Sonian Forest unites the three regions in our country, is 4,421 hectares in size, has trees dating back more than 200 years and is a home for many animals. Walk among the stately beech trees in the vast Sonian Forest and you almost forget that busy Brussels is nearby.

Translated by

•

Routes here

Best routes to Zonienwald (Sonian Forest)

4.4

(73)

532

riders

1. Sonian Forest – Sonian Forest Path loop from Schuman

32.6km

02:04

290m

Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(5)

riders

2. Zonienwald (Sonian Forest) – Sonian Forest loop from Boondael - Boondaal

49.4km

03:11

490m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(6)

306

riders

3. Tervuren Park Ponds – Forest Path loop from AfricaMuseum

54.6km

03:35

430m

Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 110 m

Weather

Saturday 7 March

17°C

5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Location: Hoeilaart, Halle-Vilvoorde, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Bospaadje met Oud Plaveisel in Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

Soignes Forest Path

EuroVelo 5 Through the Sonian Forest

Enfants Noyés Ponds

Boulevard du Souverain Cycle Path

Vallei van de Vuilbeek

Gravel Path in the Sonian Forest

Ganzepootvijver

Zicht op kasteel Terhulpen

Arboretum Groenendaal (Zoniënwoud)

Forest Path

Bospad in Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

Zonienwald (Sonian Forest)

1. Sonian Forest – Sonian Forest Path loop from Schuman

2. Zonienwald (Sonian Forest) – Sonian Forest loop from Boondael - Boondaal

3. Tervuren Park Ponds – Forest Path loop from AfricaMuseum

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️