Attractions and Places To See around Buggenhoutbos - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Buggenhoutbos include a sprawling forest in the Belgian province of East Flanders. This area is a remnant of the ancient "Kolenwoud" and is known for its impressive stands of winter oaks, ancient beech stands, and a diverse ecosystem. It features natural elements like the meandering Hollebeek stream and cultural landmarks such as the historic Boskapel, offering varied experiences for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Best attractions and places to see around Buggenhoutbos
- The…
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Buggenhout Forest
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Hennenput Pond, Buggenhoutbos
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(Nature point)
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Forest Chapel of Our Lady of Distress (Buggenhout Forest)
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Boskapel Buggenhout
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Buggenhout Forest
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Buggenhoutbos – the ideal shady walk on scorching hot days. When summer seems to be breaking all heat records, there is one place where you can escape the heat for a while: Buggenhoutbos. While temperatures are soaring, you can walk almost the entire route here under a dense canopy that provides wonderful coolness. Centuries-old beech trees and stately English oaks form a green cathedral. Their impressive trunks rise like columns, and their leaves filter the sunlight into pleasant, cool shade. Furthermore, the 190-hectare Buggenhoutbos surprises with a beautiful alternation of ancient forest stands and an arboretum with about fifty species of trees and shrubs. Practical: start from the Municipal Parking Buggenhout Bos (Kasteelstraat, Buggenhout). From there, you can immediately connect to the hiking node network. Route: 66 – 65 – 64 – 63 – 62 – 61 – 60 – 56 – 57 – 58 – 30 – 59 – 66. Put on your hiking boots, leave the summer heat behind, and enjoy one of Flanders' most beautiful shady walks.
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Solemn Opening & Dedication of De Boskapel. This chapel has recently undergone a thorough restoration. On August 15th, the renewed chapel will be officially and festively reopened. Program: 17:00 Festive procession from the domain with giant Jeanneke and the Golden Crown of Our Lady of the Boskapel. 17:15: Joyful entry onto the atmospheric Boskapel domain. 17:30: Solemn open-air eucharistic celebration with the official dedication of the restored Boskapel. (In case of bad weather, the celebration will move to the church of Buggenhout). 18:30: Official inauguration, followed by a cozy reception with entertainment.
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Boskapel Buggenhout – a festive moment to visit After years of restoration, the Boskapel of Buggenhout reopens its doors on August 15, 2026. Everyone is welcome to celebrate this festive reopening and rediscover this special monument in all its glory. The Boskapel has been the most famous monument in Buggenhout for over five centuries. According to legend, Jacoba van Heffene had the chapel built in memory of her husband Jan De Rijcke, who was fatally wounded by a wild boar during a hunt. A memorial plaque in the chapel keeps this ancient legend alive. The chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, remains a place of peace and reflection. Be sure to also take time for the special Rosary Walk with fifteen stations and the impressive artificial rock formations that surround the chapel. Are you in the area on August 15, 2026? Then this is the moment to festively inaugurate the reopened Boskapel and experience the unique atmosphere of this historic place. Solemn Opening & Dedication of The Boskapel. This chapel has recently undergone a thorough restoration. On August 15, the renewed chapel will be officially and festively reopened: Program: 17:00 Festive procession from the domain with the giant Jeanneke and the Golden Crown of Our Lady of the Boskapel. 17:15: Joyful entry onto the atmospheric Boskapel domain. 17:30: Solemn open-air eucharistic celebration with the official dedication of the restored Boskapel. (In case of bad weather, the celebration will move to the church of Buggenhout). 18:30: Official inauguration, followed by a convivial reception with entertainment.
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As a cyclist, you can still ride several beautiful kilometers through the forest. It's not like you're through it right away.
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Shadow walk in Buggenhoutbos... Weather forecast: summer has just started and the temperatures are through the roof. Pfff... when many don't know where to crawl because of the scorching heat, we walk majestically through the Buggenhoutbos. The old stately winter oaks look like pillars of a cathedral. They reach for the sky and support the firmament. The dense foliage provides ideal protection and cooling on heat wave days. On this walk you walk 95% in the shade. Those who seek will find cooling in the Buggenhoutbos. Practical: use the 'Parking Midden Buggenhoutbos' opposite the Boskapel Kasteelstraat - Buggenhout. Enjoy your walk.
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superb paths in a very peaceful forest and the paths are of very good quality
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The forest chapel has been the most famous Buggenhout monument for centuries. According to legend, this 500-year-old baroque chapel was built by Jacoba van Heffene to commemorate her husband Jan De Rijcke. During a hunting party, he missed a wild boar, after which the animal turned on him. A memorial plaque in the chapel tells the story of the fatal accident. The forest chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Need of God and is still a place of peace and contemplation today. Around the chapel there is a procession of 15 stations made of rock sculptures. Source: https://www.buggenhout.be/product/1067/boskapel
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Forest with dry and wide walking paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Buggenhoutbos?
Buggenhoutbos is renowned for its impressive stands of winter oaks and ancient beech forests, some dating back to 1850. You can also discover the meandering Hollebeek stream, which supports diverse flora, and the picturesque Hennenput Pond, a vital breeding ground for amphibians.
Are there historical or cultural landmarks to visit in Buggenhoutbos?
Yes, the most prominent cultural landmark is the Forest Chapel of Our Lady of Distress. This over 500-year-old Baroque chapel is a significant historical site and a place of pilgrimage, built according to legend after a hunting accident in the early 16th century.
What activities are available for families with children?
Families can enjoy the 10-hectare play zone at Konijnenberg (Rabbit Hill), where children are encouraged to explore off-path. There are also picnic spots, and the forest offers numerous marked walking and cycling trails suitable for all ages. The Hennenput Pond is also a fascinating spot for children to observe nature.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers in Buggenhoutbos?
Yes, Buggenhoutbos features a dedicated 6 km accessible path, making it comfortable for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers to enjoy the forest landscape.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Buggenhoutbos?
The forest is a haven for diverse wildlife. You might spot all types of salamanders found in Flanders, including the rare fire salamander, along with hedgehogs, hares, rabbits, and roe deer. Birdwatchers can look out for buzzards, sparrowhawks, woodpeckers, and tawny owls.
What are the best times of year to visit Buggenhoutbos?
Spring is ideal for seeing wood anemones and yellow archangel in bloom, and for observing frogs and toads spawning at Hennenput Pond. Autumn offers a beautiful display of colors and a variety of mushrooms. In summer, the dense tree canopy provides a welcome coolness, making it perfect for walks and cycling.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Buggenhoutbos offers extensive opportunities for walking and cycling, with numerous marked trails including a 7.9 km walking route and a 9.5 km cycling route. For more options, you can explore various easy hikes, running trails, and even gravel biking routes in the surrounding area.
Can I bring my dog to Buggenhoutbos?
Yes, Buggenhoutbos is dog-friendly. There is a designated off-leash area, the Hondenlosloopzone Buggenhoutbos, where your dog can roam freely.
Where can I find refreshments or a place to eat near the attractions?
For refreshments, you can visit Brasserie De Groene Wandeling, conveniently located in the heart of Buggenhoutbos. It offers a pleasant stop with a sunny terrace.
Is there a place to play golf nearby?
Yes, the Krokkebaas Golf Course is situated near Buggenhoutbos, offering a charming 9-hole par-3 course that is well-maintained and suitable for improving your golf technique.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Buggenhoutbos?
Visitors particularly enjoy the extensive opportunities for relaxation and sport under the impressive canopy of oak trees. Many appreciate the beautiful forest with its large and small paths for walking, running, and cycling, finding it an ideal place to seek coolness during warmer months.
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