The Sonian Forest to the south-east of Brussels is the capital's last remaining nature, and stretches into the city as the Ter Kameren Park. It is a paradise for outdoor sports, in particular jogging and cycling, but camping is not permitted.

50°47′48″N 4°25′22″E

Map of Brussels/Sonian Forest

The most obvious attraction is the forest itself of course, with many idyllic locations to discover.

• 50.813524.377491 Ernest Solvay Monument, Franklin Rooseveltlaan (Ter Kameren Ster  7  93 ). 24/7. Statue of Ernest Solvay, inventor of the Solvay process and in later years important political figure who lived in a residence in Brussels/Woluwe. The monument consists of a marble statue of a thinking Solvay on a granite pedestal with the inscription "Ernest Solvay, 1832-1922, Stichter van het Nationaal Comité" (English: Founder of the National Committee"). Free. (updated Aug 2018)
• 50.814544.372562 Ter Kameren Gate, Louizalaan (Legrand  7 ). 24/7. Gate to the Ter Kameren Park, flanked by 2 pavillions in a neoclassical style. The pavillions can not currently be visited, but their monumental appeal is worth a look when entering the Ter Kameren Park from the city centre through the Louise Avenue. Free. (updated Aug 2018)

• 50.799914.388353 The Englishmen's Lawn (Pelouse des Anglais) (Boondaal  25 ). 24/7. In 1815, on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, English soldiers played a cricket match in this area, which has been called "Pelouse des Anglais" by the French ever since although only few are aware of its name. The British Ambassador in Belgium planted an oak tree and unveiled a bronze plaque to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this historical event in 1965. Free. (updated Aug 2018)
• 50.7956234.394134 Hippodrome (Renbaan van Bosvoorde), Terhulpsesteenweg 85 (Renbaan van Bosvoorde ), ☏ +32 2 613 09 09. The hippodrome is the largest in Brussels, and was 1.9 km long when it opened in 1880. With a width of 17 m, it was one of the largest hippodromes of its time in Belgium. It was constructed on the initiative of king Leopold II who was a fan of horse racing, a hobby he shared with much of the Brussels bourgeoisie. The king desired that a hippodrome be constructed in Brussels after the example of the hippodrome of Oostende, and proposed the current site in 1875 in the Belgian parliament. Construction was assigned to Edouard Keilig, who designed the Ter Kameren Park, and construction started 2 years later with the clear cut of an adequate portion of the Sonian Forest. At the same time, stands and viewing galleries for spectators where also constructed. The hippodrome was inaugurated in 1880 by the king himself, and horse races where organized regularly by the "Society for the Promotion of Horse Races and the Development of Race Tracks in Belgium". It became a popular place of leisure, where ordinary citizens could view the races from the inner grass field, and those with more money than brains could show off the newest fashion on the elevated viewing galleries. Gambling on the outcome of the races was one of their preferred activities. Due to its popularity, the race track was expanded in 1907, and an additional section of the Sonian Forest was cut down to enlarge the race track. The buildings were renovated from 1942 until 1951 by architect Paul Brydel, who added a few modernist features to the architecture. After the Second World War and the defeat of the Jews, the popularity of horse racing declined sharply and with it, the frequency of horse racing diminished as well. Lack of maintenance caused the buildings to lose much of their appeal, and racing seized completely in 1987. The buildings were subsequently rented out to a restaurant and a disco, and the large grass field in the centre of the race track was converted into a golf course. After expiration of the rental contracts, the restaurants disappeared again, and much of the infrastructure decayed until the point that demolishing them was being considered. After protest of the local community, the Brussels government acquired the race track and its buildings and started a renovation in 2013, which was completed in 2016. The venue is currently vacant, and awaiting a new purpose. (updated Aug 2018)

• 50.80834.37671 Ter Kamerenbos (Bois de la Cambre), Floralaan. The largest and best known park of Brussels, on the edge of the Sonian Forest towards the south, with an area of 1.23 square kilometers. The park features an artificial lake with an island, called Robinson's island. The Chalet Robinson, a wooden cottage, was built on the island in 1877 but destroyed by a fire in 1991, then subsequently rebuilt in 2006 to its current glory. The park was laid out in 1861 by German architect Edouard Keilig, together with the Louise Avenue that links it to the Brussels inner city. In its original design it hosted a dairy, a velodrome, theatre, and a race course, and quickly became a popular recreation area for locals. The horsemans' battle bronze group at the entrance of the park is a work of sculptor Jackues de Lalaing. The roads traversing the park are closed to traffic, and safe for cycling and walking. (updated May 2018)
• 50.8124434.3711342 Theatre de Poche, Gymnasiumweg 1A (Longchamp  7  38 ), ☏ +32 2 647 27 26, [email protected]. Theatre specializing in contemporary plays of local Brussels artists. Its location in the Ter Kameren Park makes it easily accessible by public transport, on a walking distance from Longchamp and the Louise avenue. (updated Aug 2018)

• 50.8044364.3807661 Chalet Robinson, Steigerweg 1 (Groene Jager  41 ), ☏ +32 2 372 92 92. M-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 11:00-23:00. Restaurant in a wooden cottage on Robinson Island (Dutch: Robinsoneiland), was built on the island in 1877 but destroyed by a fire in 1991, then subsequently rebuilt in 2006 to its current glory. Probably one of the most unique localities to dine in the evening, it is the perfect location for a romantic dinner. The restaurant can only be reached by ferry, which is available on request. (updated Aug 2018)
• 50.811574.373172 Les Jeux d'Hiver, Kroketweg 1 (Longchamp  7  38 ), ☏ +32 2 649 08 64, [email protected]. Restaurant and bar in the middle of the Ter Kameren Park. (updated Aug 2018)

• 50.812364.370991 La Pattinoire, Gymnasiumweg 1B (Longchamp  7  38 ), ☏ +32 2 649 70 02. Tu-Sa 12:00-23:30, Su-M 12:00-22:30. A cozy bar in the Ter Kameren Park, next to the Theatre de Poche. Easily reachable by public transport, and the perfect venue to have a drink after enjoying theatrical plays. (updated Aug 2018)

The last bears and wolves were shot long ago, so there are no large animals left that could pose any threat. Wild boars can be aggressive, particularly when protecting their offspring, but encounters are extremely rare.

The forest is larger than it looks though, and stretches out quite far to the south into Flanders. Without a map and compass, it is easy to get lost and accidentally venture outside the borders of Brussels. Always take a map and compass along!

When storms are announced, the forest is off-limits due to the risk of falling branches and trees.

The Flemish town Tervuren is bordering the Sonian Forest to the east, and Kraainem is easily reachable to the north-east.