What if the best base for exploring Flanders was not a busy city, but a beautiful Belgian town that most visitors overlook? Oudenaarde sits in the Flemish Ardennes, surrounded by rolling hills, cycling legends, rich history, and a food and drink scene that is hard to beat. From here, some of the most iconic destinations in Belgium are within easy reach. If you are searching for a hotel near Flanders that offers real character and easy access to the very best of the region, read on.
Start With Oudenaarde Itself
Before you even think about day trips, Oudenaarde is well worth your time. The Town Hall on the Grand Market Square is a genuine showstopper and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The MOU Museum brings the town’s thousand-year history to life with interactive exhibits covering the tapestries and artwork that made Oudenaarde famous across Europe. Take a stroll through the streets and you will quickly see why this town has so much charm.
Cycling fans will feel right at home here too. Oudenaarde is the finishing town for the Tour of Flanders, one of the greatest one-day races in professional cycling, and the Tour of Flanders Centre is just a five-minute walk from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde.
Day Trips That Deliver
Oudenaarde’s location makes it one of the best-placed towns in Belgium for exploring the wider region.
Ghent
Around 30 kilometres away, Ghent is a brilliant day out. Medieval towers, a vibrant restaurant scene, and world-class galleries make it one of Belgium’s most rewarding cities to explore.
Bruges
Bruges sits about 60 kilometres from Oudenaarde and lives up to every bit of its reputation. The canal-lined streets and beautifully preserved historic centre are unlike anywhere else in Europe, and a day there never disappoints.
Brussels
The Belgian capital is comfortably reachable for a full day out. From the Grand Place to the Atomium, there is more than enough to fill the hours.
The Flemish Ardennes
For a slower pace, the hills and forests surrounding Oudenaarde are ideal for cycling and walking. The Koppenberg and the Paterberg, two of the most iconic climbs in professional cycling, are less than ten kilometres from the hotel. The recreational area of Donkvijvers is also nearby if your group fancies water sports, walking trails, or simply a picnic in a scenic spot.
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy
Oudenaarde takes its food and drink seriously. The town has a long brewing tradition, and local breweries like Roman and Liefmans are well worth a visit, with guided tours and tastings available. In the evenings, the local restaurant scene has something for everyone, from Belgian classics to more contemporary cooking.
Back at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, you are welcome in our lounge bar to unwind with a local beer or a bite to eat after a day of exploring. The Chef and his team proudly work with fresh, local products for you to enjoy a culinary experience.
A Great Base Makes All the Difference
Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde is right in the centre of town, a short walk from the Tour of Flanders Centre and the Grand Market Square. With comfortable rooms, a friendly team, secure bike storage, and easy access to local transport links, we are set up perfectly for those who want to make the most of the region.
Oudenaarde is one of those destinations that surprises people. It is smaller than Ghent or Bruges, quieter than Brussels, and all the better for it. Staying here puts you at the centre of a region that is full of character, history, and genuinely great things to do. As a hotel near Flanders, it does not get much better than this.
Book your stay at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde today and start planning your Flanders adventure.
