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).

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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

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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.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near 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.

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5.0

(4)

riders

#2.

Lake in the Bois de la Cambre – Zonienwald (Sonian Forest) loop from Delta

55.0km

03:31

520m

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

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#3.

Château de La Hulpe – Domaine Solvay loop from Groenendaal

68.6km

05:02

670m

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

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 110 m

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

13°C

7°C

68 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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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

View of One of the Rouge-Cloître Ponds

Forest Path

Bospad in Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

Zonienwald (Sonian Forest)

#1.

Sonian Forest – Sonian Forest Path loop from Schuman

#2.

Lake in the Bois de la Cambre – Zonienwald (Sonian Forest) loop from Delta

#3.

Château de La Hulpe – Domaine Solvay loop from Groenendaal

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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