Boelarebos

Boelarebos is a compact but ecologically significant hillside forest in the Flemish Ardennes, lying just south of Geraardsbergen near the village of Overboelare, in Belgium's East Flanders province. Covering roughly 25 hectares, it forms part of the Natura 2000 network protecting the forests of the Flemish Ardennes and other southern Flemish woodlands — a European-level designation that highlights the ecological value packed into this relatively small patch of woodland.

What kind of forest is it?

Boelarebos is a classic hillside forest dominated by oak and beech. Its slopes support a rich understory typical of long-established deciduous woodland on well-preserved soils: wood anemone, lily of the valley, ramsons (wild garlic) and Solomon's seal all carpet the forest floor, especially in spring. The presence of such a diverse ground flora points to the site's long continuity as woodland rather than recently planted forest.

Where does the water in the forest come from?

Beneath the Hoge Buizemont hill, four springs feed three separate stream valleys that run along the length of the forest. These streams eventually join the Gaverbeek, which in turn flows into the river Dender. This network of springs and small valleys keeps the slopes damp, creating conditions well suited to the moisture-loving plants found in the understory.

Which birds live in Boelarebos?

Among birdwatchers, Boelarebos has a reputation as one of the few places in Flanders where every native woodpecker species can be seen in a single visit. The forest hosts the Eurasian nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker, middle spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker and lesser spotted woodpecker. This diversity is a direct result of the forest's structure — mature oaks and beeches with dead wood and dense undergrowth provide the nesting cavities and feeding grounds these species need.

Why is Boelarebos famous among cyclists?

Beyond its natural value, Boelarebos is well known in road cycling circles. A narrow, cobbled road climbs through the forest, forming one of the region's notorious short but punishing ascents: about 666 metres long, with an average gradient of roughly 7.6–8.4% and ramps reaching as steep as 13.5%. The climb rises from around 20 metres above sea level at the base to about 70 metres at the top. The combination of uneven cobblestones and steep gradient makes it one of the more demanding and recognisable climbs near Geraardsbergen, a town famous in cycling for hills such as the nearby Muur van Geraardsbergen.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Boelarebos located? The forest lies just south of Geraardsbergen, in the East Flanders province, near the village of Overboelare, within the Flemish Ardennes hill region.

Is Boelarebos a protected area? Yes, it is part of the Natura 2000 network, included as part of the wider complex of Flemish Ardennes forests and other southern Flemish woodlands.

What is the best time to visit? Late April to May is ideal, when the forest floor understory — wood anemone, lily of the valley and ramsons — is in bloom beneath the oak and beech canopy.

Is it a good spot for cyclists? Yes — the cobbled climb through the forest, with an average gradient of 7.6–8.4%, is a well-known, challenging segment in a region famous for its cycling classics.