In Belgium, there is more nature in the outer corners of Flanders, the border region between Flanders and Wallonia, and the south of Wallonia.
Most larger nature areas are easier to reach by car, although many in Belgium can also be visited by train.
On the Treinstappers website, several routes are suggested where you walk from one train station to another, and then eventually take the train back. Their website is currently only available in Dutch.
Cities with nature nearby
Many Belgian cities are surrounded by nature. On one trip, you can enjoy a short city break in a medieval town and then unwind with an escape into nature.
I listed below some cities that are easy to access by train and are in the middle of nature. There are more cities like this in Belgium. These are just some examples.
Nature near Belgium’s biggest cities
Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels are the only Belgian cities that are farther away from nature. All these cities have beautiful parks, and if that’s not enough, you can always seek out nature a bit further away.
Antwerp
In Antwerp, you have the Saint-Anna forest. It is located on the left bank of the Scheldt River. You can get there by metro, or you can take the pedestrian tunnel to cross the Scheldt (recommended). From the left bank, you also have a beautiful view of Antwerp. You can also take the train to the Hoboken Polder or the Kalmthoutse Heide. These are two wonderful nature reserves.
Ghent
There are many beautiful parks in Ghent. To the west of Ghent, there’s a green area: the Blaarmeersen, the Watersportbaan, and the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature park. But if you really want to enjoy nature, I recommend going just a bit further. The Lys (Leie) region (around Deinze station) and the Scheldt region (near Dendermonde station) are definitely worth a visit.
Brussels
There are also many green areas in Brussels. To the south of Brussels is the Sonian Forest, one of the oldest forests in Flanders. Close to the Royal Palace of Laeken and near the Atomium lies the Park of Laeken, as well as the Sobieski Park and the Florist’s Garden.