Tourism

The municipalities of Hoeilaart, Tervuren and Zaventem are located in the province of Flemish Brabant. Our province has a wealth of tourist attractions. Discover the many castles hidden away in the greenery, have a taste of our incomparable brewing heritage and explore our authentic markets, playgrounds, wellness centres and charming holiday accommodations. Admire the impressive vistas over Brussels and enjoy our countless walks and cycling routes. 
For more information on tourist attractions in the province of Flemish Brabant please visit the Tourism Flemisch Brabant website.

Specifically for expats, the ‘Become a Local’ Bucket List launched in the spring of 2018. Tourism Flemish Brabant hopes this interactive Bucket List will inspire the many foreigners living in and around Brussels to explore our surprisingly green province. The list contains many fun activities, sights, places to dine, etc. to allow international residents to experience our ‘local colour’. All presented as a challenging Bucket List that lets users calculate their own ‘local’ score. So, be sure to have a look at the Bucket List website: www.bucketlistflemishbrabant.be. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Tourism Flemish Brabant expat newsletter to receive insider tips and discover our area’s hidden gems.

Tourism Flemish Brabant also offers a tourist brochure specifically aimed at newcomers to the area. Click on the link to gain inspiration from six influential bloggers who travelled Flemish Brabant and share their experiences and ‘insider tips’ in the brochure. In addition to their experiences you’ll find handy lists to help you explore the area. You can pick up this brochure for free at your municipal Tourist Information Centre or download it here.

Discover the rest of Flanders  as well at www.visitflanders.com

The municipality of Hoeilaart is located in the Flemish Region, in the province of Flemish Brabant to the east of the capital, on the edge of the Sonian Forest and the border with Walloon Brabant. 

The name Hoeilaart is of Gallo-Celtic origin. ‘Ho-lar’ means ‘a high clearing in the woods’. The town is located in the Brabant plateau region between the Zenne and Dijle rivers. The municipality is crossed by the IJse, a narrow and unnavigable river.

The municipality has only one population centre. There are no sub-municipalities. The hamlet of Groenendaal is located in the Sonian Forest, but lacks a population centre. Features include a NMBS train station for the Brussels-Namur line, access to the Brussels Ring motorway by the railway bridge and tunnel, the Arboretum, the Forest Museum and the remains of the Groenendael Priory.

The future and development of the municipality were primarily determined by:

•  The Sonian Forest, the remains of the former Silva Carbonaria or "charcoal forest", from which the town first emerged long ago
• The IJse valley with its numerous lakes and marshes, causing the area to develop relatively late
• Grape cultivation, which defined the town for decades
• The proximity of Brussels, the Belgian capital

In recent decades Hoeilaart has developed into a residential municipality, part of the Flemish area surrounding Brussels. The municipality presents itself as the birthplace of the Belgian grape and the home of cartoon character Nero. The Sonian Forest, the Groenendael Priory and Jan van Ruusbroec are forever linked with Hoeilaart as well.

Tourists who (intend to) visit Hoeilaart can come to the Tourist Information Centre. We will provide information on walks, guided tours, cycling routes, attractions and places to eat or stay.
 

Tourist Information Centre
Gemeenschapscentrum Felix Sohie
Gemeenteplein 39
1560 Hoeilaart
Tel. 02 657 05 04
toerisme@hoeilaart.be
https://www.hoeilaart.be/toerisme-108