If you are a cyclist, Oudenaarde is one of those places you simply have to visit. Cycling in Oudenaarde means riding the same roads as the Tour of Flanders, tackling the Koppenberg and the Paterberg, and exploring a network of routes through the Flemish Ardennes that is hard to beat anywhere in Europe. Planning a cycling weekend here is straightforward. The routes are all around you, the infrastructure is set up for cyclists, and Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde has everything you need to make the most of every kilometre. Here is how to plan yours.
Why Oudenaarde Is a Cyclist’s Town
Oudenaarde has been at the centre of Belgian cycling for decades. The Tour of Flanders, one of the greatest one-day races in the world, passes through the Flemish Ardennes and finishes here in the town. That heritage is felt everywhere, from the dedicated cycling infrastructure to the locals who talk about the climbs the way others talk about football.
The roads in and around Oudenaarde were not built for cyclists, but they might as well have been. Quiet country lanes, rolling farmland, dramatic cobbled climbs, and well-signposted routes make this one of the best places in Europe to spend a weekend on the bike.
The Climbs You Have to Ride
The Koppenberg
The Koppenberg is about five kilometres from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde and is one of the most notorious climbs in professional cycling. The cobbled ascent is steep, narrow, and relentless. Riding it is a genuine test, but reaching the top is a moment you will not forget quickly.
The Paterberg
The Paterberg is close by and, if anything, even steeper than the Koppenberg. It is short and brutal, with gradients that have brought professional riders to a standstill. Taking it on during a cycling weekend here is an absolute must.
The Oude Kwaremont
The Oude Kwaremont is a longer climb and one of the most famous in Flanders. The combination of cobbles and length makes it a real challenge, but the views from the top and the sense of achievement make it more than worth the effort.
Routes for Every Level
Not every cycling weekend has to be about conquering famous climbs, and cycling in Oudenaarde caters well for all abilities. The Flemish Ardennes cycling network is extensive, with clearly marked routes ranging from gentle rides through the countryside to more demanding circuits that string together several climbs in a single outing.
Bikes are available to hire locally, including e-bikes for those who want to cover more ground or take the edge off the steeper sections. There are routes for every level of rider, so everyone in your group can enjoy the weekend at their own pace.
The Tour of Flanders Centre
No cycling weekend in Oudenaarde is complete without a visit to the Tour of Flanders Centre, a five-minute walk from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde. The centre tells the story of the Ronde van Vlaanderen in vivid detail, with exhibits, films, and interactive displays that bring the history of the race to life.
It is a brilliant way to spend a morning before heading out on the bike, or a rewarding place to visit after a long day in the saddle. Cycling fans will love every minute of it.
What Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde Offers Cyclists
We know what cyclists need after a long day on the roads of the Flemish Ardennes. Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde has secure underground bike storage, a dedicated bike washing area, and a charging station for electric bikes. There is also a space for basic maintenance and cleaning, so your bike is ready to go again the following morning.
Our rooms are comfortable and well set up for a proper rest, which matters when you have a big day of riding planned. The hotel is also right in the centre of Oudenaarde, so everything you need is within easy reach.
Fuel Up and Wind Down
Cycling and good food go hand in hand, and Oudenaarde delivers on that front. The local restaurants serve hearty, satisfying food that hits the spot after a day in the saddle. The local beer scene is well worth exploring too, with breweries like Roman and Liefmans producing some excellent ales that you will not find anywhere else.
Back at the hotel, the Be Twisted brasserie is the perfect place to refuel and relax in the evening. Grab a table, order something from the menu, and raise a glass to a great day’s riding.
Oudenaarde is everything a cycling destination should be. The climbs are iconic, the routes are varied, the food is good, and the welcome is warm. Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde is the natural base for your cycling weekend, with everything you need from the moment you arrive to the moment you head home.
Book your cycling weekend today and get ready to ride some of the most famous roads in the sport.
