Located to the south-east of Brussels, the Sonian Forest is a suburban forest of approximately 5,000 ha. Its beech cathedral is particularly impressive, so called because the upper branches of these tall-growing trees remind us of the intertwining ribs of Gothic buildings.
© Samain Didier
The Sonian Forest therefore joins the Grand Place, the Stoclet Palace and the Horta houses on the prestigious World Heritage lists. The lists also feature Belgium achievements such as the lifts on the Canal du Centre, the Walloon mining sites, the Flemish béguinages and the Neolithic mines of Spiennes.
If you are unfamiliar with these places, there is a guide called "Itinéraires en Forêt de Soignes et dans ses alentours" (Routes through the Sonian Forest and its Surroundings) which will help you to discover the Sonian Forest through five walking and cycling routes. This is a publication by the Société Royale Belge de Géographie (the Royal Belgian Geographical Society) (SRBG). Order it through the website www.srbg.be.
