Best attractions and places to see in Mollendaalbos include a combination of significant natural features and unique cultural sites. This region, alongside Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest, forms a large mixed deciduous forest in Flanders, covering more than 2000 hectares. Visitors can explore diverse flora and fauna, including the oldest deer population in Flanders. The area also features artistic installations and monumental trees, offering varied points of interest.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
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In the Walendreef you pass two unique sculptures. Local artist Ad Wouters made the tree sculptures 'the whistler of small happiness' and 'the woodpecker' in the trunks of two dead oak trees.
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At the intersection of Kanseliersdreef and Godendreef in the Mollendaalbos, you will find Den Dikken Eik on a small path named - how could it be otherwise - the Dikke Eikdreef. With a trunk circumference of 5.46m, Den Dikken Eik is the heaviest tree in the Meerdaalwoud. In 1995, a pencil-thin rod of wood was drilled into the core of the tree to count the annual rings: at that time, there were 320. Today, there are 351. Quite an age, therefore.
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This shelter - ‘De Moemedel’ - is located at the highest point of the entire Meerdaalwoud.
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The extensive avenue system (approx. 75 km) in the approx. 2500 hectare forests of Heverleebos and Meerdaalwoud was constructed between 1727-1770 as an annex to the castle gardens of the Duke of Arenberg. Extensive interesting info about this can be found on the website of Inventaris onroerend erfgoed Vlaanderen: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/300814
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Blissful bike route in warm weather
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Nice place to sit with a beautiful gorge behind this house.
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Already 304 years old? Time flies!
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Mollendaalbos is rich in natural features, including the extensive Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest, which form the largest mixed deciduous forest in Flanders. You can also visit the Thick Oak, a monumental tree over 300 years old, perfect for a shaded picnic. The scenic Beech Avenue offers a beautiful natural experience on the edge of Meerdael Forest.
Yes, Mollendaalbos features unique artistic installations. You can discover "Het fluiterke" – sculpture by Ad Wouters, a fairytale-like picnic area with tree sculptures by a local artist. These works bring dead oaks to life with carved animals and a woodpecker. Additionally, within the Meerdaal and Heverlee Forests, you can follow the "Path of Ad" to find more mysterious and fairytale-like tree sculptures.
The Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest are home to the oldest deer population in Flanders. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse range of songbirds and birds of prey that can be observed in the area.
Absolutely. Many attractions in Mollendaalbos are suitable for families. The Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest are great for exploring, and the Thick Oak provides a lovely picnic spot. The "Het fluiterke" sculpture by Ad Wouters is a particularly enchanting picnic area with fairytale tree carvings that children often enjoy.
The Mollendaal Shelter is an excellent spot to rest. Made largely from recycled wood and featuring a green Sedum roof, it offers views of a small valley where several springs originate. It's also conveniently located on the GR 512 Brabantse Heuvelroute.
The sandy to loamy soil of the Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest supports a wide variety of plants that thrive in nutrient-poor conditions. You can find coltsfoot, common sage bush, moorberry, wild strawberry, chickweed, marsh fern, and false sage. The area is also known for its impressive beech trees, particularly along the Beech Avenue.
Yes, Mollendaalbos offers several hiking opportunities. You can find moderate trails like the "Mollendaal Shelter – Church Road loop" or the "Mollendaal Shelter – Avenue in Meerdaalwoud loop." For more options, explore the dedicated Hiking in Mollendaalbos guide.
Absolutely. Mollendaalbos and its surroundings provide excellent routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. For detailed routes, including options like the "Weertse Dreef in Meerdaalwoud" for MTB or the "Cobbled section Mollendaalbos loop" for road cycling, refer to the MTB Trails in Mollendaalbos and Road Cycling Routes in Mollendaalbos guides.
Mollendaalbos is beautiful year-round, but a particularly enchanting time to visit is in March or April when the wood anemones bloom, especially around the Thick Oak. The diverse flora and fauna offer different experiences throughout the seasons.
Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the forests, especially the extensive Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Forest. The monumental Thick Oak is a popular spot for its historical significance and shaded picnic opportunities. The unique artistic sculptures, such as "Het fluiterke", also receive high praise for adding a whimsical touch to the natural landscape.
Yes, the Mollendaal Shelter offers views of a small valley where several springs originate. Additionally, the Beech Avenue provides a scenic natural experience, particularly beautiful for walks or cycling.


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