Polygoon and Reutelbos

🌿 Polygoon- & Reutelbos – Between silence, nature and memory 🕊️

🚶‍♀️ Practical info

Distance: approx. 8.1 km
Elevation: approx. 60 hm
Type: Hiking route (loop)
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (easy to moderate)

An accessible and impressive walk where nature and history go hand in hand. Perfect for those who want to enjoy peace but also want to be touched by stories from the past.

🗺️ Route description

You start at the beautiful Polygoon forest 🌲. At the parking lot, you’ll immediately find a play area for children 🛝, ideal for families.

From the start, you quickly reach the impressive Buttes New British Cemetery ⚰️. This serene place, in the middle of the forest, invites silence and contemplation.

Next, you head into the quiet forest, where winding paths take you past tall trees and clearings 🌿. Be sure to keep an eye out, as this area is a paradise for birdwatchers 🦅.

Along the way, you also pass the touching Memorial Brothers in Arms 🪖. This unique memorial park tells the poignant story of two brothers and symbolizes connection, loss, and peace.

The route takes you further to the special Peace Forest Polygon Wood 🌳. Here, 523 trees stand as a living tribute to fallen soldiers. The central Peace Monument Polygon Wood 🕊️ carries a powerful message of hope and peace.

You continue walking along the Polygonebeek 💧, where wet forest areas and rare plants grow. The variety between deciduous and coniferous forests, supplemented with patches of heathland 🌾, makes this hike particularly varied.

Afterwards, you head to the quiet Reutelbos 🌲. This natural area remained largely untouched after the war. You still see traces of bunkers and craters, tangible reminders of fierce battles.

Via quiet paths, you return towards the starting point, with beautiful views of the rolling landscape 🌄 along the way.

✨ Highlights

⚰️ Buttes New British Cemetery, impressive and serene

🌳 Peace Forest with 523 memorial trees

🕊️ The symbolic Peace Monument

🪖 Memorial Brothers in Arms, a touching story

🌲 Reutelbos with visible traces of war

🦅 Rich fauna including raptors and other animals

🌿 Rare flora along streams and in heath areas

💡 Tips

👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes (it can be muddy)

🔭 Bring binoculars for birds and wildlife

🤫 Respect the silence at cemeteries and monuments

📸 Ideal for photography thanks to nature and heritage

🧺 Perfect for families thanks to the play area at the start

🌟 Conclusion

This walk through Polygon Wood and the Reutelbos is a unique experience. You enjoy soothing nature while being gradually immersed in poignant stories from the past. A journey that is not only beautiful but also resonates 🌿🕊️