Spring transforms Oudenaarde. The Flemish Ardennes countryside shakes off the grey of winter, the terraces fill up, the cycling routes come alive, and the town takes on an energy that is genuinely hard to resist. It is one of the most exciting times of year to be here, and if you have been thinking about planning a trip, spring is the season to do it. Here is everything you need to know about a spring weekend in Oudenaarde and why booking a hotel in Oudenaarde right now is a very good idea.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit
Oudenaarde and the surrounding Flemish Ardennes are beautiful in any season, but spring brings something extra. The countryside turns green quickly, the rolling hills look their very best, and the longer days give you more time to pack in everything you want to do. The town itself feels livelier too. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces, locals are out and about, and the whole place has a warmth to it that is infectious.
Spring is also when the Flemish cycling classics take place, which means Oudenaarde is buzzing with excitement and atmosphere. Even if you are not a dedicated cycling fan, the energy of classics season is something worth experiencing.
Classics Season in the Flemish Ardennes
The Tour of Flanders is one of the greatest one-day races in professional cycling and it finishes right here in Oudenaarde. Classics season brings riders, fans, and a brilliant atmosphere to the town and the surrounding roads. The Tour of Flanders Centre, a five-minute walk from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in that history and get a real sense of what makes this race so special.
For those who want to ride the famous climbs themselves, spring is a fantastic time to do it. The Koppenberg and the Paterberg are close by, the roads are in good condition, and the scenery along the way is at its very best.
Get Out Into the Flemish Ardennes
On the Bike
The Flemish Ardennes cycling network is extensive and well signposted, with routes to suit all levels of rider. Hire a bike locally and set off into the countryside for a morning or an afternoon. The views across the hills in spring are outstanding, and the quiet country lanes make for genuinely enjoyable riding whatever your pace.
On Foot
Spring is a lovely time for walking in the area. The Donkvijvers recreational area is close to Oudenaarde and offers walking trails through some beautiful scenery. A gentle walk along the banks of the Scheldt is another great option, taking in the town from a different angle and enjoying the fresh spring air at a slower pace.
Make the Most of the Town
Oudenaarde is well worth exploring on foot at any time of year, but spring gives it a particular charm. The Grand Market Square is a great place to start, with the UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall making an impression from the moment you arrive. The MOU Museum is a brilliant way to spend a morning, bringing the town’s rich history to life through tapestries, art, and interactive exhibits.
Take time to wander through the side streets too. Oudenaarde rewards those who slow down and look around, with beautiful architecture, independent shops, and plenty of quiet corners to discover.
Terraces, Local Beer, and Spring Dining
One of the great pleasures of a spring visit is eating and drinking outside. The restaurants and bars around Oudenaarde open their terraces as soon as the weather allows, and there are few better ways to spend a spring afternoon than sitting outside with a local beer and something good to eat.
The local brewing tradition runs deep here. Breweries like Roman and Liefmans produce beers that are worth going out of your way for, and you will find them on menus across the town. Back at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, the Be Twisted brasserie terrace is the perfect spot to end the day with a drink and a meal in relaxed surroundings.
Your Spring Base: Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde
A hotel in Oudenaarde does not get better positioned than Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde. We are right in the centre of town, a short walk from the Tour of Flanders Centre, the Grand Market Square, and the Scheldt riverfront. Our comfortable rooms, secure bike storage, and friendly team make us a popular choice for spring visitors, and our Starbucks Coffee Corner is the perfect way to start a morning before heading out to explore.
Spring weekends at the hotel book up quickly, so it is worth planning ahead.
Spring Evenings Done Right at Be Twisted Brasserie
Of course, one of the easiest ways to enjoy spring in Oudenaarde is not having to go far at all for a great meal. Located within Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, Be Twisted Brasserie offers exactly the kind of relaxed, welcoming dining experience that suits a spring weekend perfectly.
After a day spent cycling the Flemish Ardennes, exploring the town centre, or simply enjoying the fresh air along the Scheldt, settling in for dinner on the terrace or inside the stylish brasserie is an easy choice. The menu combines Belgian favourites with modern brasserie dishes, all served in a laid-back setting that feels effortlessly comfortable.
A spring weekend in Oudenaarde is one of those trips that stays with you. The countryside is at its best, the town is full of life, the cycling is world class, and the food and drink scene delivers every time. Whatever brings you here, you will leave wanting to come back.
Book your stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde today and make this the spring break you have been looking forward to.
