Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde is a picturesque city located in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes in Belgium. With a population of approximately 31,000 people,…

Best for you if…

A 4–5 day trip
Walkable sightseeing
Historical sightseeing travelers
Cycling tours travelers
Visiting in Summer

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Recommended stay: 3-5 days
Best time: Summer
Walkability: Compact
Guide depth: Deep guide

More about this guide

Historical sightseeing Cycling tours Beer tasting Arts and crafts exploration

Oudenaarde is a strong pick for historical sightseeing & cycling tours — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 73/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈7.3 km span)

11 Places to explore

3-5 Recommended days

Summer Best season

8 Nearby places

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

10°C - 20°C

Spring

10°C - 20°C

Summer

15°C - 25°C

Winter

0°C - 10°C

How to get there

How to Reach Oudenaarde in Belgium

Oudenaarde is a charming city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Whether you are traveling from within Belgium or from abroad, there are several convenient ways to reach this historical gem.

By Air

If you are arriving from another country, the closest international airport to Oudenaarde is Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport. Once you land at the airport, you can easily reach Oudenaarde by taking a direct train from Brussels Airport-Zaventem station to Oudenaarde station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and offers beautiful views of the Belgian countryside.

By Train

If you are already in Belgium, traveling by train is a convenient option. Oudenaarde has its own train station, which is well-connected to major cities in Belgium. From Brussels, Ghent, or Bruges, you can catch a direct train to Oudenaarde. The train journey allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way.

By Car

For those who prefer driving, Oudenaarde is easily accessible by car. The city is located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Brussels. You can take the E429/A8 motorway from Brussels and follow the signs for Oudenaarde. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

By Bus

If you are looking for an economical option, traveling by bus is a viable choice. Oudenaarde is well-served by various bus routes from neighboring cities and towns. You can check the schedules and routes provided by the local transportation authority to find the most suitable bus connection to Oudenaarde.

By Bicycle

Belgium is known for its cycling culture, and Oudenaarde is no exception. If you enjoy cycling, you can reach Oudenaarde by bike through the extensive network of cycling paths. The city is located in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes, offering picturesque routes and challenging terrains for cycling enthusiasts.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, once you arrive in Oudenaarde, you will be greeted by its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality. Enjoy exploring the city's medieval buildings, visiting its renowned museums, and indulging in its delicious local cuisine.

Getting to know Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde is a picturesque city located in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes in Belgium. With a population of approximately 31,000 people, it is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

One of the city's highlights is its beautiful town hall, which was built in the 16th century and features a stunning Gothic-style facade. Additionally, the Oudenaarde Beguinage is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for those interested in medieval history. This 12th-century complex is home to quaint streets, stunning gardens, and a museum that showcases the daily life of the Beguines, a group of women who lived a monastic life without taking religious vows.

Oudenaarde is also well-known for its cycling culture and is often referred to as the "heart of the Flemish Ardennes." With countless scenic cycling routes, it attracts thousands of cyclists each year, particularly during the spring classics season. Additionally, the city is home to several prominent beer breweries, including Liefmans, which produces traditional Flemish sour beers.

Overall, Oudenaarde is a charming city that offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Block 3-5 days on your calendar
Visit the Oudenaarde Town Hall for its stunning architecture
Explore the famous Oudenaarde Tapestry
Take a bike ride along the picturesque Scheldt River
Try local Belgian beers at the Oudenaarde breweries
Prefer travel in March, April, September for value
Expect crowds during Summer

Local tips

Visit the Oudenaarde Town Hall for its stunning architecture
Explore the famous Oudenaarde Tapestry
Take a bike ride along the picturesque Scheldt River
Try local Belgian beers at the Oudenaarde breweries

Places worth exploring

11 places mapped for this destination

0–1

1–3

3–8

Attraction

Full details

Provinciaal Archeologisch Museum Ename

Attraction

Full details

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Evening stroll 1

~1 km · 4 places

Evening stroll 2

~0.8 km · 4 places

Evening stroll 3

~0.4 km · 2 places

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Day 1

~3.4 km path

Day 2

~0.8 km path

Day 3

~2.3 km path

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Oudenaarde?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Oudenaarde, Belgium.

When is the best time to visit Oudenaarde?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Oudenaarde?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Oudenaarde good for?

Oudenaarde suits Historical sightseeing, Cycling tours, Beer tasting, Arts and crafts exploration.

Is Oudenaarde walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Oudenaarde?

Visit the Oudenaarde Town Hall for its stunning architecture

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When to go

Weather

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Winter

How to get there

How to Reach Oudenaarde in Belgium

By Air

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Bicycle

Getting to know Oudenaarde

Pre-trip checklist

Local tips

Places worth exploring

Walking loops

Evening stroll 1

Evening stroll 2

Evening stroll 3

Half-day loop 1

Half-day loop 2

Full-day loop 1

Full-day loop 2

Suggested 3-day outline

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Frequently asked questions

Build your trip

Multi-city ideas

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