Public Secret Walk in the Bloso domain of Hofstade

The domain of Hofstade was once an ordinary sand quarry. In the 20th century, the sand was mined here for the construction of the nearby railway line. From the 1920s, local residents came here to enjoy the landscape full of wells. There was already water in the quarry. In 1932, a small recreational zone was established on the site, the predecessor of the current Bloso domain. In 1939, the then Minister of Health & Family decided to open the entire area to the public. In 1983 it was handed over to Bloso, which turned it into a multifunctional site.
Most of the terrain is nature reserve; Part of it is a recreation area. There was debate about this division. The Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB) had hoped to carry out a nature development project, but Bloso opted for recreation.
In the summer it is busy here every day, in other seasons you can walk here in peace. An absolute must is the Sportimonium (an interactive sports museum).

The largest pond has an area of 35 hectares. You can swim, row, sail, surf, play with remotely guided boats, fish and enjoy nature. Another pond is 25 hectares in size and is completely dedicated to nature. Recreation is not allowed. The northern riparian zone is fenced to protect a heron colony. On the promenade between the two ponds you can spot water birds, especially between September and spring.

Departure and arrival: Trianondreef, 19, B1981 HOSTADE

Signage: white hexagonal signs with blue print

Opening hours: every day from 8:30 - 21:00

Parking: entrance Tervuursesteenweg (paying in summer)

Public transport: SNCB station: HOFSTADE (not served on Sundays) entrance opposite the swimming pool and sports hall on the Tervuursesteenweg.