Walking through Buggenhout Forest

Do you love impressive nature, deafening silence and oak trees that rise up like cathedrals? Then don't miss exploring the forest at Buggenhout. A oasis of gigantic trees, tranquillity and golden silence.

Here you will find 190 hectares of trees, bushes, herbs and plants. But above all: there are more oak trees here than anywhere else in Flanders. In a flat walking trail of just over 8 kilometres, marked on the Brabantse Kouters walking network, you will discover all that beauty and more. Of course, afterwards, you can relax in a local establishment, while the children have fun in a playground or in the play area in the forest itself.

Go to start

The adventure begins at the start: the walking route departs from the Forest Chapel that is over 500 years old. Legend has it that Jacoba van Heffene commissioned the building of this public attraction. The chapel pays tribute to her husband, Jan de Rijcke, who died in a hunting accident.

The chapel stands on the edge of the forest. Hundreds of years ago it was mainly surrounded by beech trees, which gave their name to this domain. In the First World War, most of them disappeared, and today the forest is best known for its impressive sessile oak trees.

Not oak but Quercus

Do you love learning and nature? Then don't delay in visiting the arboretum. There you will find more than 50 different trees and bushes. Each one has a board with its name, extra info and a QR code that you can scan for additional details. This will make your trip through Buggenhout Forest not only a natural and energising experience, it will also freshen up your knowledge!

It's all for free, on top of the wonderful sessile oaks which set the tone here. These examples have been recognised across Europe. The superior-quality trees are harvested, grafted and travel the continent, allowing new trees to be planted. Recycling at its best! Go forth and multiply – that's something our oaks take very seriously.

Lots of trees = lots of animals

Afraid of insects? Then perhaps a visit is not such a good idea. Not that it's crawling with insects, but the fauna certainly flourishes here. All kinds of animals find refuge in Buggenhout Forest. With a bit of luck you may spot a tawny owl, buzzard, sparrowhawk, golden oriole, nuthatch or black woodpecker. In the spring, toads and frogs come courting in their thousands and the streams are even home to some fire salamanders! 

The slow worm – known locally as the woodland eel - seeks out sunny spots. With some decent detective work you are sure to track one down. Also fun for detectives: in the autumn you can hunt for mushrooms and toadstools!

Recharge your batteries

All that walking and exploring makes you thirsty (and hungry). At the edge of the forest, besides the trees, you will also find two restaurants: brasserie Het Middelpunt and brasserie De Groene Wandeling.

Last but not least: at Buggenhout Forest you are also permitted to take your own picnic. In the old part, under the sessile oaks, you will find a 6-metre long picnic table and a shelter at the 10-hectare play area!

Check it out

Covering about 200 hectares, a 8.1-kilometre walk is hardly sufficient to discover the whole of Buggenhout Forest. However, it's a lovely start. The woods have so much to offer. The sessile oaks so much admired by the entire world are simply standing in our own back garden. What are you waiting for?

Hurry down to Scheldeland by bike, on foot or by car. Choose one of the marked walking trails and off you go. Afterwards, enjoy a tasty snack, delicious drink and plenty of fun with the kids. Wonderful!