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Nature Oasis Sonian Forest – Royal Lodge loop from Waterloo

Routes

Running trails & routes

Nature Oasis Sonian Forest – Royal Lodge loop from Waterloo

Hard

105

runners

Nature Oasis Sonian Forest – Royal Lodge loop from Waterloo

01:50

17.1km

130m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Bosreservaat Joseph Zwaenepoel

Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

Waypoints

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4.52 km

Nature Oasis Sonian Forest

Highlight • Forest

Natural oasis: wonderful to relax, with only forest sounds to hear

Translated by Google •

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6.09 km

Groenendael Nature and Historic Pavilion

Highlight • Forest

Enjoy the lush green landscape here.

Translated by Google •

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7.76 km

View of Highland Cattle from Observation Hut, Brabantse Wouden National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

A superb view ... a moment of rest

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8.04 km

Royal Lodge of the Former Hippodrome of Groenendael

Highlight • Monument

The Groenendaal racecourse was built in 1888-1889 on the initiative of Leopold II in the middle of the Sonian Forest, next to the road to Waterloo. In 1892, it was given its own rail connection to Groenendaal station as part of a smooth development. To realize this racecourse, about 100 hectares of forest were cleared at the end of the 19th century. King Leopold II had his own box, located between two metal grandstands for the public.

After the First World War, this area was used for the dismantling of weapons and ammunition left behind in the Westhoek. German prisoners of war had to clear mines under the supervision of the Belgian army. A fire and subsequent explosions of ammunition on May 6, 1919, heavily damaged the grandstands and buildings of the hippodrome. After another explosion in November, the ammunition depot was completely dismantled in 1920.

Two years later, the racecourse was restored and the grandstands were rebuilt. The royal box for Albert I was only rebuilt in 1924. Its appearance was completely different from the pre-war grandstand. When the current appearance came about is not entirely clear, although the current box is attributed to Albert I in the literature, see also monogram.

Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Royal Box and remains of bookmaker's office, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302991

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8.07 km

Royal Lodge

Highlight • Monument

The Groenendaal racecourse was built in 1888-1889 on the initiative of Leopold II in the middle of the Sonian Forest, next to the road to Waterloo, and in 1892, as part of a smooth access, it received its own rail connection to Groenendaal station. To realize this racecourse, about 100 hectares of forest were cleared at the end of the 19th century. King Leopold II had his own box located between two metal grandstands for the public.

After the First World War, this area was used for the dismantling of weapons and ammunition left behind in the Westhoek. German prisoners of war had to clear mines under the supervision of the Belgian army. A fire and the subsequent explosions of ammunition on May 6, 1919, heavily damaged the grandstands and buildings of the hippodrome. After another explosion in November, the ammunition depot was completely dismantled in 1920.

Two years later, the racecourse was restored and the grandstands were rebuilt. The royal box for Albert I was only rebuilt in 1924. Its appearance was completely different from the pre-war grandstand. When the current appearance came about is not entirely clear, although the current box is attributed to Albert I in the literature, see also monogram.

Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Royal Box and remains of bookmakers' room, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302991

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8.28 km