The Blue Forest - Halle, Belgium
We are never too old for the fairytales isn’t it? I have not seen yet a person to not have walked in this marvelous place and not have admired the magic of this forest. I have lived for many years in Belgium but only recently dedicated some time to go to see it. It is always good to get away from the city and have a good walk in the nature.
The forest is located in Halle Belgium only 30 km from Brussels. To see the blue fairytale forest you need to be there in between April and May. Each year during the spring time the nature gives an exciting and unique show, the forest offers breathtaking views being covered by millions of bluebells. There are 1360 acres of wood with lots of beech trees with wide and narrow paths and if you are lucky on top of the fabulous blue floral carpet you might see as well rabbits and deer. Giant Sequoia trees can also be admired and it’s more than worth it.
The forest is quite big with many trails available including hiking tracks. All are marked on the map at the entrance of the forest and also offered in the leaflets. There are so many different paths to walk, cycle or horse-ride, a true escape from the city. If you plan to have a long walk, take some water with you and food for a picnic. I would recommend going very early in the morning or during the late afternoon when the twilight sets in; the light in these moments of the day completely transforms this place and adds the magic. Close your eyes and imagine the sunrise or the sunset in the forest. How sweet the morning air is or how magic the sunset can be!
If you love to take photos (like me) then I suggest you to get down on your knees and look through the flower carpet, you will be amazed of such a beauty. But mind your steps be careful you must stay on the paths to not destroy the bluebells. I have seen people stepping on the bluebells only to take photos of them and feed their ego. It takes so much time to recover and re-grow in years’ time. So please be gentle and admire the flowers without touching them.
Sometimes you will never know the true value of the moment until it becomes a memory. As Cesare Pavese once said ‘We do not remember days, we remember moments’. So take your heart for a walk in the woods and listen to the magic whispers of the old trees.
Trees have long thoughts, long breathing and longer lives than ours. All forests have their own personality and this one definitely has a particular calm one. Listen to the forest call and follow the paths, feel the peace and the serenity.
This forest is beautiful, surreal and calm, I am sure you will really enjoy and learn from it. It is a continuous source of inspiration for those who know how to admire nature. I surprised on my camera some people that were studying painting and thought that ‘blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing’ - Camille Pissarro. Scroll down the photos, you will know what I mean.
I will conclude with a fabulous quote of the naturalist John Muir : ‘Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul’
Enjoy the photos !
