Things To Do
in Hoeilaart
Hoeilaart is a small town in Flemish Brabant located just southwest of Brussels, at the edge of the Sonian Forest. It is renowned for its strawberry fields and rural charm, especially during the harvest season when farm stalls spill with fruit and country air fills the streets. The town serves as a convenient gateway to forest trails, beer bars, and leafy lanes perfect for cycling and walking.
Despite its quiet, village atmosphere, Hoeilaart offers easy access to the Belgian capital and a welcoming community vibe.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a guided walk through Hoeilaart’s renowned cherry orchards, learning about their centuries-old cultivation. Breathe in the fragrant blossoms as you capture photos under the flower-laden canopies. Chat with local growers about traditional pruning techniques and seasonal care.
Spread a picnic blanket beneath the trees and sample artisanal jams, pastries, and local cheeses while basking in the spring sunshine. Attend a short demonstration on cherry jam making hosted by a family-owned farm. Wander between the rows of blossoming trees to spot hidden birdlife and butterflies.
Dine at a cozy bistro that specializes in cherry-infused cuisine, enjoying dishes like cherry-glazed duck or a refreshing cherry salad. Sip on a sparkling cherry blossom cocktail as you watch lanterns cast a warm glow over the orchards. End the evening with a relaxed stroll along nearby forest trails, breathing in the crisp night air.
Set off early for a guided hike through the ancient Sonian Forest, tracing centuries-old tree roots and moss-covered pathways. Learn about the forest’s unique ecosystem from a knowledgeable local naturalist. Pause at tranquil clearings to listen for woodpecker drumming and forest birdsong.
Explore the surrounding heathland with a birdwatching excursion led by a local ornithologist and spot rare species like the Eurasian nightjar. Enjoy a light packed lunch overlooking the rolling purple blooms of the heath. Wander along winding boardwalks to discover hidden ponds teeming with dragonflies and amphibians.
Return to a nearby eco-lodge for a seasonal farm-to-table dinner featuring locally foraged mushrooms and wild herbs. Participate in an intimate twilight yoga session beneath towering beech trees, inhaling the fresh forest air. Cap off the day with a storytelling session around a crackling fire, sharing legends of the surrounding woods.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🚌Public transit fare (single ride) | $2-3 |
| 🏨One-night hotel (mid-range) | $90-150 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic essentials) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Brussels and the Sonian Forest
- Seasonal fruit farming and markets
- Quiet, safe, and walkable town center
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Some services require travel to nearby towns
- Seasonal crowds during berry harvest
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ik ben vegetariër" - I am a vegetarian
Places to Visit in Hoeilaart
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic square with the town hall façade and church spire, great for architectural photography and golden hour shots.
Dense beech and pine trees create dramatic natural backdrops, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Seasonal fields along the outskirts provide color contrasts and rural landscapes.
Grand chateau and landscaped grounds offering formal garden vistas and reflective ponds.
Whitewashed and traditional Belgian farmhouses with ivy and red-tiled roofs.
Food in Hoeilaart
Hoeilaart Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Strawberries with whipped cream, a seasonal specialty you'll find at farm stalls and cafés during strawberry season.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef stew served with fries or bread, a Belgian classic widely available in local bistros.
Golden Belgian fries with a choice of sauces, a staple at many local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market near the town center where you can find fresh produce, especially berries and regional products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch is the local language; a simple handshake is customary when meeting; politeness is valued.
Wait to be seated in many places; keep voices moderate in cafés; tipping modestly after meals.
Respect for private property and quiet rural atmosphere; biking and walking etiquette on narrow roads.
Safety
Tipping in Hoeilaart
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are not always included; about 5-10% at restaurants if service is good. In casual cafes, rounding up is common.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is always handy for markets and small stalls; some places may prefer contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days, warm weather, strawberry season peaks; outdoor markets and farm stalls are abundant; occasional rain showers—keep a light layer.
Cooler days, fall colors in the Sonian Forest; harvest activities and seasonal foods, great for photography in golden light.
Milder winter by Belgian standards; some outdoor markets close but cozy cafés and beer bars are inviting; possible snowfall on hills.
Blossoming trees and early greens; good for hikes and bike rides with fresh air.
Hoeilaart at Night
Hiking in Hoeilaart
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive hiking routes through ancient beech forests near Hoeilaart, with well-marked loop trails and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Hoeilaart by plane.
Main international gateway about 30-40 minutes by road from Hoeilaart; direct trains and car routes connect to the town.
Smaller international airport accessible with rail connections; useful for regional travel.
Budget-friendly airport with rail and highway links to the wider region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local Flemish families and commuters who work in Brussels; a small expatriate presence from EU institutions and nearby cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favored activity among locals; routes through plains and forest edges.
Common community sports with local clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hoeilaart.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy dairy- and egg-based Belgian dishes; look for veggie versions of classic mains and request farm-to-table sides or salads.