The Brussels-Capital Region is Belgium's bilingual capital region and the de facto capital of the European Union, with Grand Place, Art Nouveau houses, comics and the Atomium.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Bois de la Cambre Loop
A loop around the lake and island at the entrance of the Sonian Forest, with a chalet-restaurant on the island.
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2
Rouge-Cloître to Etangs de Boitsfort
Wooded path past ponds and the ruins of a 14th-century priory into the Sonian Forest.
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3
Parc de Woluwe to Tervuren Avenue
A linear walk through ponds, lawns and a chain of parks along the Woluwe river.
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4
Promenade Verte (Green Walk) Section
A signposted 10-km section of the 61-km green loop around Brussels, joining parks and green spaces.
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5
Brussels-Charleroi Canal Towpath
A flat towpath south from Sainctelette past canal-side warehouses and the Cantillon Brewery region.
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6
Laeken Park and Royal Greenhouse Walk
A leafy route from the Atomium into Laeken Park, past the Japanese Tower and Chinese Pavilion.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Brussels-Capital Region.
- Spring
- Conditions Bluebells in the Sonian Forest in April., Temperature 8-15 C, Recommendation Best, Notes Ground wet
- Summer
- Conditions Mild, shaded forest., Temperature 18-25 C, Recommendation Good, Notes Ticks
- Autumn
- Conditions Beech forest colour., Temperature 8-16 C, Recommendation Best, Notes Wet
- Winter
- Conditions Cold and muddy., Temperature 0-6 C, Recommendation Fair, Notes Short days
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Present in Sonian Forest and tall grass.
Hazard: Paths turn muddy in winter.
Hazard: Shared paths in parks.