On 22 August 1866, Felix Sohie from Hoeilaart harvested the first grapes in his greenhouse in Hoeilaart. He realised there was money to be made and, together with his brothers, he built more and more greenhouses. By 1874, his company had 72 greenhouses. This marked the beginning of the “Glass Villages”.
Hoeilaart is an excellent starting point for exploring the Sonian Forest. Begin your tour at the Jan van Ruusbroec Forest Museum, located in the historic farmhouse of the former Groenendaal priory. Here you will learn all about the forest's inhabitants and the history of this noble forest.
Also not to be missed: the most beautiful town hall in the country, stately villas and Hoeilaart's most famous resident: Nero!
