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King's Ponds

King's Ponds

Highlight • Lake

King's Ponds

Hiking

4.8

(80)

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

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Location: Hoeilaart, Halle-Vilvoorde, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Tips

Willem VS

August 2, 2020

Hiking

The Kings Ponds were built at the end of the 19th century, at the request of Leopold II. They were originally fish ponds. The series of 8 ponds is fed by the young IJse and by sources, but are rather remote today. The more open ponds have abundant vegetation of reed, cattail, yellow flag (symbol of Brussels) and reed grasses

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April 3, 2026

Hiking

On the IJse, which springs from the Zoniënwoud, lies a series of five ponds. Until the 18th century, these ponds belonged to the priory of Groenendaal. After the dissolution of the monastery in 1783, maintenance of the ponds dwindled, causing them to silt up in the course of the 19th century.

King Leopold II (hence the name Koningsvijvers gradually emerged) who harbored grand plans for the spatial development of his capital Brussels, set his sights on the ponds on the edge of the Zoniënwoud near Hoeilaart.

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April 3, 2026

Hiking

At the Koningsvijvers there is one of the few bald cypresses in the Sonian Forest. It has been planted on the edge of the grassy hollow as an eye-catcher. Inventory Immovable Heritage: Bald Cypress Koningsvijvers, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/304789

As you can see from the photos, the beaver also knows how to find the ponds.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near King's Ponds

4.3

(80)

301

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#1.

IJse Valley and the Koningsvijvers – Three Fountains Pond loop from Groenendaal

19.2km

05:06

200m

190m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.5

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#2.

IJse Valley and the Koningsvijvers – King's Ponds loop from Groenendaal

3.99km

01:04

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(22)

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#3.

The Sonian Forest – Groenendaal Arboretum loop from Groenendaal

9.98km

02:40

110m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Friday 19 June

30°C

18°C

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Location: Hoeilaart, Halle-Vilvoorde, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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King's Ponds

#1.

IJse Valley and the Koningsvijvers – Three Fountains Pond loop from Groenendaal

#2.

IJse Valley and the Koningsvijvers – King's Ponds loop from Groenendaal

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The Sonian Forest – Groenendaal Arboretum loop from Groenendaal

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