4 cycling routes along the Tour of Flanders

Do you love a challenge and don't shy away from a steep incline? Then this 102 km route really is for you. Because in order to enjoy some beautiful panoramas, you must first overcome several serious climbs, such as those of Wannegem-Lede and Volkegemberg.

Tour of Flanders Centre

The starting point for this cycling route is the Tour of Flanders Centre in Oudenaarde. We recommend you be sure to visit here before you begin your bike ride. Step inside a genuine experience centre where you can bring out your inner cyclist.

Learn more about the history of Vlaanderens Mooiste, or get a better idea of how cycling legends such as Cancellara, Boonen or Merckx found The Tour. The Tour of Flanders Centre offers the perfect warm-up before conquering the legendary leg-killers yourself. And what better way to do that than on an iconic race bike from BMC, Ridley or Specialized? You can rent them all there without any problem! 

Via the Zwalm region to Paddestraat

A few kilometres after the start, you'll pass by the Schietsjampetter Mill, which dates back to the 16th century, and De Ghellinck D'Elseghem Castle. Via Den Doorn, you'll arrive in beautiful Mullem. The listed village centre is a real gem. Once you have braved the steep Aststraat, you will arrive at Gerlache Castle. Gaining some strength beforehand? Then pop into In De Kroon café, the café in Mullem. The café is widely known and has been used as a film and television set on several occasions.

Once you cross the Scheldt, you enter the Zwalm region. You will find miniature valleys, water mills and charming, authentic villages there. The ideal region for taking a break and stocking up on energy. Because you will need that energy to tackle Paddestraat, a 2.4-kilometre cobblestone road.

Finishing with a drink

The yellow circuit also takes you further to Ename, a small hamlet that was a thriving port in the 10th century and where you can discover the oldest murals in the Benelux. You will also find Beaucarne House in Ename, which has been occupied by the same family for more than 250 years. In the courtyard, you can enjoy tea or coffee with cake, or a nice local beer.

The brown café De Carillon on the market square in Oudenaarde then forms a wonderful conclusion to the yellow circuit. They have Ename Blond and Liefmans Goudenband on tap here, among others, and you deserve that after such a bike ride!

At 80 kilometres, the blue circuit is the shortest, but certainly not the least of the three Tour of Flanders cycling routes. Along the way, you'll be presented with the most famous leg-killers like the Oude Kwaremont, the Taaienberg and the Koppenberg. A number of infamous cobbled sections are also covered. With its challenging slopes, the blue circuit is the ideal route for athletic cycling enthusiasts. This cycling route, like the yellow circuit, begins at the Tour of Flanders Centre.

From the Oude Kwaremont to the Koppenberg

After a few kilometres of flat cycling, it's already time for the first challenge: the Oude Kwaremont. Due to its maximum gradient of about 11.60%, this stubborn cobbled section is a fixture on the Vlaanderens Mooiste course. Not only amateur cyclists, but also the professionals cut their teeth on this.

Once you've survived the Kwaremont, ride along Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat past D'Oude Hoeve, a unique cycling pub where you can take a breather. And that's a good idea, because the next slopes are fast approaching: prepare for the Koppenberg (with a 22% gradient!) and the Taaienberg. 

The highest point in Flanders

After all that toiling, it's time to enjoy a moment: the blue circuit will take you past the Muziekbos and the Sint-Hermes crypt in Ronse. Along the way, you can also stop at Bistro Boekzitting, where you can enjoy a quick bite as well as a gourmet menu. But you might want to keep that comprehensive menu for after your bike ride.  De Hotond is next on the programme!

De Hotond is a whopping 150 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in East Flanders. Your calves will suffer during this climb, but the view you'll get is well worth it! After braving De Hotond, you pass by the wonderful Kluisbos, one of the showpieces of the Flemish Ardennes.

Taking it easy along the Scheldt

Eventually, in Kluisbergen, you'll end up back by the Scheldt. There, you will begin a flat ride of several kilometres toward the starting point. The last leg weighs the hardest, but luckily you can make a quick stop along the way at Bosbaar for an organic lemonade, or at Domein De Ghellinck, an old castle that now partially serves as a tearoom. 

The red circuit is a perfect route for those who enjoy a long bike ride. At 115 kilometres, you'll be busy for a while. The Tour of Flanders Centre is the ideal starting point. You can rent a bike there, change your clothes or bring a GPS (with marked cycling circuits) with you.

One of the first Tour monuments you will encounter along the way is the Chapel of the Tour. The names of all the winners are carved in granite here. Next, head toward the Berendries – at 98 metres, the highest hill in the Zwalm region. Once you reach the top, a funny sight awaits you: on the hill stands a real Tyrolean Alpine chalet! The Stappers Alm is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing drink or a tasty snack. In addition, it gives you a great view of the surrounding area.

Fighting the Wall

Time to continue your journey. Via Brakel, you will cycle toward Geraardsbergen, the oldest city in Flanders. There, the dreaded Oudenberg, better known as the Wall of Geraardsbergen, awaits you. This is literally and figuratively the highlight of this route.  

After overcoming Oudenberg, it's time for some rest: the route will bring you to the beautiful provincial domain De Gavers. After a few calm kilometres, the next ordeal soon looms in the distance: in Raspaillebos, you have to cross the cobblestones of the Bosberg. This stubborn cobbled section is the ideal point for a minor dash. Fortunately, after this challenge, there is a pleasant pit stop to regain your strength.

Magnificent view

At café De Kartuizer, you will be served a fresh pint of Carthusian beer. You can also enjoy some stunning views, as you will find the remains of a former 14th-century priory there. The route will gradually take you back towards Oudenaarde. Before you arrive back at the Tour of Flanders Centre, you can quickly light a candle on the Kapelleberg and enjoy the view for a while.

In just 47 kilometres, the Bidon cycling route will take you through some of the highlights of the Flemish Ardennes using signposted cycling nodes. Beautiful cultural heritage, tasty local produce and idyllic landscapes all feature in this bike trip.

From the Wall to the Dender

The starting shot will be fired in Geraardsbergen near the Market Square. Here, you can immediately pick up some mattentaarts for the road. You'd better make sure you're all warmed up, because you can see the Wall of Geraardsbergen looming right away. Once at the top, you can enjoy some stunning views. You can take a break at Het Bruggenhuis, a typical brown café on the Dender, or a bit further on at Moeder Agnes, a restored farmhouse where it's great to relax on the terrace.

Toepkapel, Valkenberg and Berendries

Further on, the Bidon bike route will take you past the Toepkapel in Nederbrakel and the Valkenberg, a real leg-killer. Be sure to stop in the village of Elst too, as you can enjoy such culinary delights as 'geutelingen' (a type of puffed oven cakes) there. You will also cycle through the Zwalm region, where the ascent of the Berendries is still to come.

Finish in beauty at coffee roastery Koffie Hoorens or in Hemelveerdegem with its heavenly village centre.