Klankenbos Sound Forest – Neerpelt, Belgium - Atlas Obscura

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Klankenbos Sound Forest

Neerpelt, Belgium

Artwork tucked within the trees greets visitors with surreal sonic experiences. 

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Strange, almost otherworldly sounds saturate the air within this public park. While following the well-trodden trail, you’ll come across wooden artwork tucked among the trees. Their vibrations, clicks, and ability to warp ambient noise make for a surreal walk through the woods.

The Klankenbos Sound Forest uses auditory and aesthetic art to create an unusual experience. In the decade since it was started, its 17 different installations have manipulated sounds in unique, innovative ways that both delight and unsettle those who wander through. Exploring the whole of Klankenbos will take around two hours. 

Every single work of art contains its own sonic surprises. The medley of innovative items forms a sort of choose-your-own auditory adventure. Each structure is a sight to behold, but the real treat comes from those you can climb inside.

Walk into weathered huts that seem to vibrate and buzz of their own accord. Climb inside an oversized metal cylinder, where you can feel the sonar waves pulse through the enclosed air. Descend into a soundproof glass tunnel-like structure, where the usual sounds of the forest are replaced with an eerie, unnatural silence. Take a seat in a chair wedged between two sounding boxes that amplify nearby noises.

In addition to the permanent structures, temporary exhibitions sometimes pop up as well. The sound park is free and open to the public at all hours.

Know Before You Go

A brochure with a map of Klankenbos and information about the sound installations is available at the Klankenbos information point Radio Forest, in exchange for a voluntary contribution. At each installation you will find an information panel. You can also explore Klankenbos with the free GPS-controlled Klankenbos app. There are guided tours available and for the kids, there are scavenger hunts and workshops. More information is found on the website.


There are two brasseries at Klankenbos, Scoutsrally on the forest side, Oud-Dommelhof on the parking side. At the Scoutsrally outdoor playground is also where Laura Maes' installation Liglicht is located.

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