Summer in the Flemish Ardennes is a genuinely brilliant thing. The rolling hills are at their greenest, the cycling routes are in perfect condition, the local terraces are open, and the longer days give you time to fit in far more than you might expect. Oudenaarde sits right at the edge of this beautiful region, making Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde the ideal hotel near the Flemish Ardennes for anyone who wants to make the most of a summer break here. Here is a guide to the best adventures the area has to offer when the sun is out.
Get Out on the Bike
The Iconic Climbs
Summer is one of the finest times to tackle the legendary climbs of the Flemish Ardennes. The Koppenberg, the Paterberg, and the Oude Kwaremont are all within easy reach of Oudenaarde and are a rite of passage for any cycling fan visiting the region. The roads are quiet in the mornings, the light is excellent, and the sense of achievement at the top of each climb is hard to beat. Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde has secure bike storage, a washing area, and a charging station for electric bikes, so everything is in place for a proper day in the saddle.
Longer Summer Circuits
Beyond the famous climbs, the Flemish Ardennes is laced with excellent cycling routes that are at their most enjoyable in summer. Well-signposted circuits wind through wooded ridges, open farmland, and quiet villages, offering a variety of scenery and gradient that keeps every ride interesting. E-bikes are available to hire locally for those who want to cover more ground or take the edge off the steeper sections, and routes are available for all levels of rider.
Cycling to Ghent or Bruges
For those who fancy a longer summer outing, the cycling routes from Oudenaarde towards Ghent and Bruges are excellent and make for a very rewarding full-day adventure. Ghent is around 30 kilometres away and Bruges is achievable for stronger riders looking for a proper challenge. Both cities offer plenty of reasons to stop, eat well, and explore before making your way back or catching a train home.
Walking in the Flemish Ardennes
The Hills Around Oudenaarde
The Flemish Ardennes offers some of the most enjoyable walking in Belgium, and summer is the ideal time to explore it on foot. The wooded hills around Oudenaarde are crisscrossed with well-marked trails that take you through some genuinely beautiful scenery, from open hilltops with wide views across the region to shaded forest paths that offer welcome relief on a warm afternoon. The trails are accessible directly from Oudenaarde, meaning you can be in open countryside within minutes of leaving the hotel.
Donkvijvers Recreational Area
The Donkvijvers recreational area is one of the summer highlights of the region and a short drive from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde. Set around a series of lakes in a peaceful natural setting, it is a great destination for a relaxed summer day out. There are walking trails, open water for swimming and water sports, picnic spots, and a generally easy-going atmosphere that makes it equally well suited to families, couples, and solo visitors. On a warm summer day, it is hard to imagine a better place to spend an afternoon.
Water and Summer Activities
Swimming and Water Sports at Donkvijvers
Donkvijvers is also the go-to destination in the area for summer water sports. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming are all available at the lakes, and the natural setting makes the whole experience feel a world away from a conventional leisure centre. It is a fantastic option for those who want something a little more active than a walk and a little more relaxed than a long day on the bike.
The Scheldt Riverfront in Oudenaarde
Closer to home, the Scheldt riverfront in Oudenaarde itself is a lovely spot for a summer evening stroll. The river runs through the town and the path along its banks is peaceful, scenic, and a genuinely pleasant way to end an active day. The combination of the water, the old town buildings on the opposite bank, and the quietness of the path makes it one of those simple pleasures that a summer break is all about.
Summer Day Trips from Oudenaarde
Ghent
Ghent is around 30 kilometres from Oudenaarde and is one of the most rewarding cities in Belgium for a summer day trip. The canal-side terraces, the rooftop bars, and the outdoor dining scene make the city feel particularly alive in summer, and the galleries and medieval towers give you plenty to do between meals. It is an easy drive or a comfortable cycle and well worth building into your stay.
Bruges
Bruges is about 60 kilometres away and makes for a brilliant summer day out. The canals, the chocolate shops, and the beautiful historic centre are at their most vibrant in summer, and an afternoon boat trip along the waterways is one of those experiences that never gets old. Go early to make the most of the morning light before the day trippers arrive.
The Belgian Coast
For those who fancy a change of scenery, the Belgian coast is around an hour from Oudenaarde by car and offers a very different kind of summer adventure. The wide sandy beaches at De Haan and Knokke are excellent, and the drive through the Flemish countryside to get there is enjoyable in its own right. A day at the sea and an evening back in Oudenaarde is a very good combination.
Your Base for a Summer Full of Adventure
As a hotel near the Flemish Ardennes, Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde gives you everything you need for a summer stay built around adventure. We are right in the centre of Oudenaarde, with the Tour of Flanders Centre a five-minute walk away, the famous climbs reachable within minutes, and all the best cycling and walking routes starting from the hotel door. Our secure bike storage, washing area, and e-bike charging make life easy for cyclists, and the Be Twisted brasserie and Starbucks Coffee Corner make sure you are well fuelled before and after every outing.
Summer weekends fill up quickly so it is well worth booking ahead. Our best rates are always available when you book directly on our website.
The Flemish Ardennes in summer is one of those destinations that surprises people every time. The countryside is beautiful, the activities are varied, the food and drink are excellent, and the whole area has an energy and warmth that makes it genuinely hard to leave. All you need is the right base and a sense of adventure, and we can help with both.
Book your summer stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde today and start planning the adventures.
