Magic in Hallerbos

Spectacular phenomenon

Around mid-April, another interesting phenomenon for photographers takes place. Hallerbos is blooming! Hallerbos is a forest area in Belgium that is well-known for its bluebell carpet in spring. Thousands of delicate bluebells cover the forest floor, and for a few weeks, you can go and enjoy their extreme beauty, something many people do.

In order to protect the flowers from being trampled, ropes line the paths, keeping visitors on the paths and out of the woodlands. Nevertheless, there is enough space on the paths to lie down and take some wonderful shots.

Worth a visit

It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Hallerbos, and if you want to be present during golden hours, you have to leave early. Last year our aim was to be present at around 7 o'clock in the morning, giving us enough time before sunrise to find a beautiful spot and get settled. Then, when the sun started peeping over the horizon, we imagined ourselves in a magical world.

Bluebells everywhere! The golden light passing through the intricate flowers created breathtaking scenes. All was quiet around us, as we had apparently found an area with few other visitors. Shot after shot was taken, but sometimes we just waited, relaxed, and enjoyed. Nature and its beauty can be so relaxing, especially in such a charming environment.

Bluebell woods

Fortunately, Hallerbos isn't the only place to be for this magnificent natural attraction. Apparently, bluebells reach their greatest densities in the British Isles, where bluebell woods are a common sight. This might be connected to the fact that England has recognized the flower's importance, since the bluebell has been a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in 1981. We can be thankful that across the world so much is being done to protect nature, in order to preserve such beautiful natural phenomena for generations to come. Isn't it worth it?

Bluebell carpet

Odd one out

Bluebell forest