As Oudenaarde lies in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes it is the ideal starting point for walking and cycling tours in picturesque landscapes.

Cycling

Oudenaarde is the cycling town of the Flemish Ardennes, inviting you for a holiday full of activity. Oudenaarde is also linked to the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders), the most important Flemish cycling event. In the “Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen” in the old city centre you can experience the race and what cycling is all about.

Oudenaarde wants to stimulate cycling tourism by organizing such happenings as Zomertoeren (Summer Tours) en Word Flandrien (How to become a legendary Flemish cyclist).
Cycling maps are available that will help you to discover the hilly landscape. If you choose the “Adriaan Brouwer route” you will be confronted with a number of famous steep slopes. Every sports-loving cyclist can indulge him- or herself here.

• overview of cycling routes (dutch)

If you are not so keen on physical exertions you can simply cycle along the river Scheldt throughout the year. It is a flat ride that may even take you to Doornik or Ghent. You will notice how the valley of the Scheldt changed through the ages. In the 19th century the winding river was straightened in many places. Meanders were cut off and remained as still waters. They are among the most valuable elements in the landscape of the valley
If you want to combine the flat route with some of the notorious slopes you had better follow the network of cycle routes.

Walking

If you want to take it easy and enjoy the peace and quiet you can walk in the rolling landscape along twisting paths offering enticing views. These are the panoramas that the celebrated painter Valerius de Saedeleer immortalized on canvas.

• overview of the walking routes (dutch)