Spijkerbos

Spijkerbos, also known as Elenebos, is a roughly 20-hectare woodland in the Flemish Ardennes in Belgium, situated in the municipality of Kluisbergen (sub-municipality Zulzeke), with a small portion extending into the neighbouring municipality of Maarkedal (sub-municipality Nukerke). The forest is managed by the Flemish government agency for nature and forests, Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos.

What makes this forest unusual?

Spijkerbos is one of the few forests in the Flemish Ardennes that grows on a south-facing slope. This orientation means the forest catches sunlight from early morning until late evening, creating favourable conditions for wild honeysuckle, a plant that thrives in bright light. Along the foot of the slope, next to a spring-fed stream, a number of old, well-preserved pollard beech trees still stand — remnants of a traditional way of managing the woodland.

What is the history of the current tree cover?

Like many other forests in the Flemish Ardennes, Spijkerbos was almost entirely destroyed during the First World War. It was subsequently replanted, overwhelmingly with beech, and most of today's canopy dates back to that post-war reconstruction. Only near the stream at the bottom of the slope have older, pre-war trees survived.

What protected status does the area hold?

The forest forms part of the European Natura 2000 network, within the site covering the forests of the Flemish Ardennes and other forests of southern Flanders. It is also included in the Flemish Ecological Network (Vlaams Ecologisch Netwerk), underlining its ecological significance beyond the purely local level.

What else can visitors find here besides trees?

Wild rose bushes grow within and along the edges of the forest, and their nectar attracts numerous colourful butterflies, making Spijkerbos a rewarding stop for anyone interested in observing insects and woodland flora.

How can visitors explore Spijkerbos?

The forest is open to walkers via three marked trails: the Hollewegenpad (3.3 km), the Spijkerbospad (3 km) and the Ulrich Libbrechtpad. All three start at the church in Zulzeke, making the village the natural starting point for a visit. Spijkerbos is also often incorporated into longer hiking routes through the Flemish Ardennes, including walks that follow the region's famous cycling climbs from the Tour of Flanders, where it serves as a popular resting point along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Spijkerbos located? In the Flemish Ardennes, within the municipality of Kluisbergen (sub-municipality Zulzeke), with a small part in the municipality of Maarkedal (sub-municipality Nukerke), in the province of East Flanders, Belgium.

How large is the forest? It covers approximately 20 hectares.

Where does the alternative name Elenebos come from? The forest is also known locally by this name, though it is primarily referred to as Spijkerbos in official materials from the managing agency.

Which walking trails cross the forest? Three marked routes: the Hollewegenpad (3.3 km), the Spijkerbospad (3 km) and the Ulrich Libbrechtpad — all starting at the church in Zulzeke.

Is the area under nature protection? Yes, it is part of the Natura 2000 network (forests of the Flemish Ardennes and other South Flanders forests) as well as the Flemish Ecological Network.