The 7 Most Beautiful Forests for Autumn Colours in Belgium (and When to Go)

There's little more beautiful than a forest in autumn. Beeches turn copper and gold, oaks go brown, birches pale yellow, and a carpet of leaves rustles under your feet. You don't have to travel far for it: Belgium has some of the most beautiful autumn forests in Western Europe. Here are seven, with tips to see them at their best.

When are the autumn colours at their best?

In Belgium, autumn colours are usually at their best from the second half of October to early November. The exact timing depends on the weather:

• Sunny days and cool nights give the brightest colours.
• Lots of rain and storms can blow the leaves off the trees early.
• In the Ardennes, where it's colder, the colours often start a week or two earlier than in Flanders.

Why do leaves change colour?

In autumn, a tree stops producing green chlorophyll. That reveals the yellow and orange pigments that were in the leaf all along. Some trees also produce red pigments, especially in sunny weather with chilly nights. That's how you get the typical palette of gold, orange and red.

The 7 most beautiful autumn forests

1. Sonian Forest (Brussels, Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant)

The Sonian Forest is one of Europe's most beautiful beech forests. Part of it is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with other ancient beech forests in Europe. In autumn, the tall, straight beeches look like a copper cathedral. Tip: the Ruusbroec walk passes the Groenendaal arboretum, with hundreds of tree species in autumn colours.

2. Hallerbos (Halle)

Everyone knows the Hallerbos for its purple bluebells in April, but it's magical in autumn too. The hilly valleys offer lovely views between the beeches. The Reebok walk (about 8 km) takes you through three of the four valleys.

3. Meerdaal Forest (Oud-Heverlee)

A large, varied forest with beeches, oaks and conifers. The Dikke Beuk walk (about 15 km) passes one of the highest points in the forest. Combine it with the neighbouring Heverlee Forest for a long autumn hike.

4. Kluisbos (Kluisbergen, Flemish Ardennes)

A hilly forest with steep slopes, sunken lanes and streams. In autumn it's one of the most beautiful spots in the Flemish Ardennes. Sturdy shoes are recommended: the paths can be muddy.

5. Hoge Kempen National Park (Limburg)

Heathland, pine forests and birch woods alternate here, with ponds and viewpoints. The contrast between dark green pines and golden birches is stunning in autumn.

6. Bosland (Lommel, Hechtel-Eksel, Pelt)

The largest forest in Flanders, with endless paths through pine and deciduous woodland. Ideal for long, quiet walks or bike rides.

7. The Ardennes: Semois and Ourthe

For the real autumn atmosphere, head to the Ardennes. The wooded hills along the Semois and the Ourthe turn red and gold in October, with mist in the valleys at sunrise. Combine a walk with a viewpoint, for example around Bouillon or La Roche-en-Ardenne.

Tips for your autumn walk

1. Go early or late in the day. The low light makes the colours warmer, and it's quieter.
2. Look down too. In autumn, mushrooms pop up everywhere.
3. Dress in layers. It's chilly in the morning, but can be mild in the afternoon.
4. Bring a thermos with tea or hot chocolate.
5. Mind the hunting season. In the Ardennes, forests can be closed on hunting days. Check the signs.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for an autumn walk in Belgium?

Usually from mid-October to early November, when most trees have changed colour and plenty of leaves are still hanging.

What is the most beautiful autumn forest in Flanders?

The Sonian Forest is often named the most beautiful, thanks to its centuries-old beeches. But the Hallerbos, the Meerdaal Forest and the Kluisbos are stunning too.

What should you wear for an autumn walk?

Layers: a shirt, a warm sweatshirt or hoodie and a rain jacket. And sturdy, waterproof shoes, because autumn paths are often wet.

The forest around you

Take autumn home with the Pine Dusk Sweatshirt with a row of pine trees, the Fall Creek Hoodie with a waterfall in the forest, or the Ember Trail Shirt with a fox in an autumn forest. Discover it all in our Forest collection.