Safe Hoeilaart

Hoeilaart: Grape Greenhouses and the Edge of the Sonian Forest

With 11,565 inhabitants (2025) under postal code 1560, Hoeilaart is a Flemish municipality south-east of Brussels, deeply integrated with the Sonian Forest which occupies about half of its municipal territory.

Profile and environment

Sonian Forest : About 50% of the territory is forest, making this one of the most wooded municipalities of Brabant. The residential character dominates, with housing essentially composed of villas and properties near the forest.

Groenendael district : Historic section with an old priory and a railway station. The district gave its name to the Groenendael Belgian Shepherd Dog breed, originally from the area.

Local specialty

Hoeilaart is historically renowned for greenhouse grape cultivation. Traditional varieties Léopold III and Muscat are still grown by some producers. The annual grape festival is held each 3rd weekend of September, featuring illuminated parade floats and the presentation of a grape queen.

Lock types in Hoeilaart

The villas and properties near the forest frequently use high-security multipoint locks, armoured doors, A2P-certified cylinders and access-control systems for gates. The municipality attracts an affluent population sometimes with international clientele who often opt for smart locks and hierarchical systems. Farms and former greenhouses retain more traditional locks.

Daily interventions in Hoeilaart

The Groenendael station and rapid access to Brussels via the Chaussée de la Hulpe and the E411 motorway make Hoeilaart a commuter-friendly municipality. The presence of the forest and the residential character call for discreet, careful interventions.