Oudenaarde is a cycling destination that works in any season. But summer is when it truly comes into its own. The days are long, the roads through the Flemish Ardennes are bathed in evening light well past eight o’clock, and the whole region has a warmth and energy that makes every ride feel like exactly the kind of adventure it should be. Summer gives you more time, better conditions, and a landscape at its absolute best. Here is why the season makes all the difference.
The Days Are on Your Side
More Hours, More Miles
The single biggest advantage of summer cycling here is time. With daylight stretching well into the evening, you are not racing the clock the way you might be in spring or autumn. A long morning ride over the Koppenberg, Paterberg, and Oude Kwaremont can be followed by a proper lunch on a village terrace and a leisurely afternoon circuit through the hills, with time to spare before dinner. That kind of day simply does not happen in October. Summer gives you the hours to ride at your own pace and enjoy the journey between the climbs.
Early Mornings Worth Getting Up For
For those who like to get out early, summer mornings in the Flemish Ardennes are exceptional. The roads are cool and quiet before eight, the light across the rolling hills is beautiful, and the cobbled climbs feel more manageable in the fresh air before the day warms up. Setting off at first light and reaching the top of the Oude Kwaremont as the sun rises over the valley is one of those cycling experiences that stays with you.
The Routes Are at Their Best
The Iconic Climbs
The Koppenberg, the Paterberg, and the Oude Kwaremont are the names that bring cyclists to Oudenaarde from across Europe, and summer is one of the finest times to tackle them. The roads are in excellent condition, the vegetation along the narrower cobbled sections is lush and green, and the views from the top across the patchwork fields of the Flemish Ardennes are at their most rewarding. Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde has secure bike storage, a washing area, and a charging station for electric bikes, so everything is in place for a serious day in the saddle.
Scenic Circuits for Every Level
Beyond the famous climbs, the area is laced with well-signposted circuits at their most enjoyable in summer. The 30-kilometre route through Ename and Etikhove into the hills around Horebeke is a wonderful mix of challenge and scenery. The Scheldt Route follows the river for 38.7 kilometres between Oudenaarde and Kluisbergen through peaceful countryside and nature reserves. The 38-kilometre Brewery Route takes in some of the most storied breweries in the region, including Roman, one of Belgium’s oldest family breweries, and the terrace at the end of that ride on a summer evening is hard to beat. E-bikes are available locally for those who want to cover more ground or take the edge off the steeper sections.
The Cycling Culture Around You
The Tour of Flanders Centre
No cycling trip to Oudenaarde is complete without time at the Tour of Flanders Centre, a five-minute walk from the hotel. The experience centre brings the history of the Ronde van Vlaanderen to life with exhibits covering the legends, the races, and the roads that have defined cycling in Flanders for over a century. Visiting before you ride the climbs adds a layer of meaning to every metre of cobblestone that follows.
The Village Cafes and Terraces
Cycling culture in the Flemish Ardennes has always been tied to the local cafe tradition, and summer is when that tradition is at its most appealing. The terraces are out, and stopping for a Kwaremont beer or a coffee in the sun between climbs is part of the experience rather than a distraction from it. There are 11 cafes along the main Oudenaarde cycling circuit, and finding a favourite stop on each ride is one of the quieter pleasures of a summer week here.
Your Cycling Base This Summer
Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde is right in the centre of town, with the famous climbs reachable within minutes and the Tour of Flanders Centre a short walk away. Secure bike storage, a washing area, and an e-bike charging station take care of the practical side, and the Be Twisted brasserie is an excellent place to refuel after a long day in the saddle. Our best rates are always available when you book directly on our website.
Summer in Oudenaarde is a cycling experience that is genuinely hard to match anywhere in Belgium. Longer days, routes in full bloom, open terraces, and a landscape at its greenest. Book your summer stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde today and start planning the rides.
