The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Halle-Vilvoorde

The most visible of Dzia's works at the station. Look for the others too. For those who don't know Dzia: some time ago an article appeared in OKV (Openbaar Kunstbezit Vlaanderen) with a photo of a work here at the station and the following description of Dzia: "Dzia is also passionate about animals. He mainly depicts wild animals. Foxes and birds seem to be recurring favorites. His unique style creates a mosaic of colors that follows the contours and shapes of the animal. In his more recent work, he adds tonal shading within each defined area, enhancing a sense of volume. His work tries to give animals a place back in an urban environment. The locations of his murals are carefully chosen and he positions his colorful animals in such a way that a playful interaction with the surroundings is created." And you can find that 40-page dossier on street art in Flemish cities at https://www.okv.be/sites/default/files/2020-09/Street%20art%20in%20Vlaamse%20steden.pdf

A series of beautiful works by Dzia that have been there for a while, see: https://www.ringtv.be/cultuur-beeldende-kunst/graffitikunstenaar-smukt-treinstation-groenendaal-op The colourful birds are however a bit newer, see: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKKVbl6oZ5M/ And if you are in Groenendaal and like Dzia's work, also check out what he did with the ecoduct: https://www.werkenaandering.be/nl/lees-mee/nieuws/beestige-graffiti-kleurt-ecoduct-groenendaal For those who don't know Dzia: some time ago an article appeared in OKV (Openbaar Kunstbezit Vlaanderen) about street art in Flemish cities with a photo of a work that you find here at the station and the following description of Dzia: "Dzia is also passionate about animals. He mainly depicts wild animals. Foxes and birds seem to be recurring favourites. His unique style creates a mosaic of colours that follow the contours and shapes of the animal. In his more recent work, he adds tonal shading within each defined area, which enhances the sense of volume. His work tries to give animals a place in an urban environment again. The locations of his murals are carefully chosen and he positions his colourful animals in such a way that a playful interaction with the environment arises." And this 40-page dossier on street art in Flemish cities can be found at: https://www.okv.be/sites/default/files/2020-09/Street%20art%20in%20Vlaamse%20steden.pdf

The Groenendaal station and its associated shelter were built in the typical "national" station style between 1893 and 1896, in this case a rather luxurious execution due to the abundant use of natural stone and great attention to detail. This can possibly be explained by the great attraction of Groenendaal to the Brussels bourgeoisie as an ideal starting point for a forest walk combined with a restaurant visit, but also by the figure of Leopold II, who was reportedly directly involved in the design and was a regular visitor to the Groenendaal racecourse (1889). The Groenendaal station, near the Zoniënwoud, is the only station building on the Brussels-Luxembourg line in Flemish territory. This railway line was built between 1847 and 1857 by the "Grande Compagnie du Luxembourg", which also had the management concession. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Groenendaal station with shelter, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/200186

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The Ducal Church of Our Lady in Alsemberg has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when a simple chapel stood on this site. According to legend, a church was founded in 1225 by St. Elisabeth or Mary of Hungary, with a statue of Mary that led to apparitions and made Alsemberg an important place of pilgrimage. The church attracted many prominent visitors over the centuries and was given the title "ducal". In the 19th century, the church was given its characteristic Gothic spire.

The Hallerbos (French: Bois de Hal) is a forest with an area of 552 ha southeast of Halle (511 ha on Halle territory). The forest is largely owned by the Flemish Region and a small part by the Walloon Region and private properties. The Hallerbos is a quiet recreation area, which is highly appreciated by the population of the surrounding highly urbanized areas. It is very accessible thanks to the many paths, and for an introduction there are three hiking trails. The forest is part of the Flemish Ecological Network, has been a Flemish nature reserve since 2021 and is protected in Europe as a Natura 2000 area 'Hallerbos and nearby forest complexes with source areas and heaths' (BE2400009) (together with other sub-areas such as the Markvallei, Zuunvallei with the Gaasbeek domain, De Wolfsputten, Kesterbeekvallei, Kesterheide, the Terrijst forest reserve, Lembeekbos, Zevenbronnen, Gasthuisbos, Begijnenbos). Since 2023, the forest has been part of the Brabantse Wouden National Park.

It is a beautiful area that is definitely worth the strenuous walk to admire!

From a simple chapel next to a farm in the 12th century, to a church known for its beautiful statue of Saint Mary, to a popular pilgrimage destination. The Church of Our Lady of Alsemberg, built in a late Gothic style and recognizable by the typical Brabant architecture from the 14th century, even received the ducal title. Be sure to take a look at the church. The baroque-style confessionals, the authentic Romanesque baptismal font and the gilded devotional statue of Our Lady make you pause and think of earlier times. To this day, many pilgrims find their way to Alsemberg.