The walking routes with the best views
The Flemish Ardennes are the place to be if you want to enjoy nature in peace and quiet. There is greenery, forest, pasture and land in abundance here. And in the right places, you can see all that beauty at once.
Sunrise in Burreken nature reserve
A patent on beauty
With a bit of luck, you can even see the whole of the Flemish Ardennes and the landscape far beyond on the summits of these routes. They seem to have a patent on breathtaking views here. The panoramas burst with charm at any time.
But it must be said that this region is irresistible in the enchanting morning light when the mist hangs over the fields. The soft glow of sunset also casts a unique light over an equally unique landscape. In other words, it feels a bit like a holiday in your own country here. Ready to experience that feeling five times? Then check out these walking routes.
1. Quiet walking route in Everbeek
Spread across Everbeek, in the southernmost corner of the Flemish Ardennes, is a nature reserve with woods. They are the remains of the beautiful Poodsberg Forest that stretched from Brakel to Ronse in the Middle Ages. Today, they form a unique and varied hiking area.
In spring, the forest floor turns into a carpet of flowers made up of bluebells and wood anemone. The relief is undulating with peaks and valleys. Majestic beech trees dominate the view, but there are dozens of pastures along the forest’s edge. Gaze great distances while hearing nothing but silence. It’s divine!
Spread across Everbeek, in the southernmost corner of the Flemish Ardennes, is a nature reserve with woods. They are the remains of the beautiful Poodsberg Forest that stretched from Brakel to Ronse in the Middle Ages. Today, they form a unique and varied hiking area.
In spring, the forest floor turns into a carpet of flowers made up of bluebells and wood anemone. The relief is undulating with peaks and valleys. Majestic beech trees dominate the view, but there are dozens of pastures along the forest’s edge. Gaze great distances while hearing nothing but silence. It’s divine!
2. Panorama walking route in Kwaremont
For real panoramas, you want to be as high up as possible. You are in the right place in the Flemish Ardennes. The highest point in the region is the Hotond; it’s about 150 m high. A stone windmill from the 18th century, which is used as a lookout, stands on the summit. Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Flemish Ardennes and far beyond.
Before this route takes you to the windmill, it treats you to some more beauty. Artistic souls have been coming to the charming villages of Zulzeke and Kwaremont for inspiration for years. It’s clear from the start that the Panorama route more than lives up to its name. In Keuzelingenstraat, you’re treated to a 360-degree view. Be sure to go and see it!
For real panoramas, you want to be as high up as possible. You are in the right place in the Flemish Ardennes. The highest point in the region is the Hotond; it’s about 150 m high. A stone windmill from the 18th century, which is used as a lookout, stands on the summit. Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Flemish Ardennes and far beyond.
Before this route takes you to the windmill, it treats you to some more beauty. Artistic souls have been coming to the charming villages of Zulzeke and Kwaremont for inspiration for years. It’s clear from the start that the Panorama route more than lives up to its name. In Keuzelingenstraat, you’re treated to a 360-degree view. Be sure to go and see it!
3. Over hills and past a chapel in Oudenaarde
Adriaen Brouwer is one of the most fascinating painters of the Low Countries. He was born in Oudenaarde around 1600 and spent his life there. This challenging walking route takes you over hills near the city and past the Adriaen Brouwer bench. It also passes Belgium’s oldest family brewery, Brouwerij Roman, where the famous Adriaen Brouwer beer simmers in the kettles. Don’t forget to taste it!
Get caught up in the moment while looking at the beautiful Flemish Ardennes. Enjoy all the picturesque landscapes, which look like a canvas by Adriaen Brouwer. After your walk, feel free to grab a canvas and a brush and give it a go. Who knows, we might be talking about you in 400 years!
Adriaen Brouwer is one of the most fascinating painters of the Low Countries. He was born in Oudenaarde around 1600 and spent his life there. This challenging walking route takes you over hills near the city and past the Adriaen Brouwer bench. It also passes Belgium’s oldest family brewery, Brouwerij Roman, where the famous Adriaen Brouwer beer simmers in the kettles. Don’t forget to taste it!
Get caught up in the moment while looking at the beautiful Flemish Ardennes. Enjoy all the picturesque landscapes, which look like a canvas by Adriaen Brouwer. After your walk, feel free to grab a canvas and a brush and give it a go. Who knows, we might be talking about you in 400 years!
4. Past charming villages: come to a halt in Zwalm
The name of this route alludes to the intention. You’ll discover the most beautiful villages in the region on a hike of just over 10 km. Dikkele and Beerlegem reveal their secrets to attentive hikers. Visit De Kaaihoeve and Kaaimeersen. Discover Bieze Castle and walk along the stately beech lane that leads to it.
But above all, let yourself be spoilt by the landscape. This route is all about conviviality and charm with fantastic panoramic views. Binoculars are superfluous. The best way to consume all those kilometres of scenery is with your own eyes.
The name of this route alludes to the intention. You’ll discover the most beautiful villages in the region on a hike of just over 10 km. Dikkele and Beerlegem reveal their secrets to attentive hikers. Visit De Kaaihoeve and Kaaimeersen. Discover Bieze Castle and walk along the stately beech lane that leads to it.
But above all, let yourself be spoilt by the landscape. This route is all about conviviality and charm with fantastic panoramic views. Binoculars are superfluous. The best way to consume all those kilometres of scenery is with your own eyes.
5. The inclines of the Tour of Flanders: a tough walk for fit calves
When you walk, you see more! The cyclists who race over the asphalt at high speeds each year notice little of the beautiful scenery surrounding them. You won’t make that mistake, will you? You can discover the route at your leisure via this walking route. Please note: it’s hard work climbing these leg killers, even on foot.
The advantage of leg killers? They have summits. You’ll enjoy the views on top of the Kortekeer, Rotelenberg and Koppenberg. The distances may be shorter than when you cycle the Tour of Flanders, but the views are just as good and can be enjoyed for a long time.
When you walk, you see more! The cyclists who race over the asphalt at high speeds each year notice little of the beautiful scenery surrounding them. You won’t make that mistake, will you? You can discover the route at your leisure via this walking route. Please note: it’s hard work climbing these leg killers, even on foot.
The advantage of leg killers? They have summits. You’ll enjoy the views on top of the Kortekeer, Rotelenberg and Koppenberg. The distances may be shorter than when you cycle the Tour of Flanders, but the views are just as good and can be enjoyed for a long time.
A feast for the eyes
Choose a route from our menu of panoramic views. Open your eyes and let the greenery, forests and panoramas come to you. Close them again so that the scenes you saw can once again be a reality for a while.
Walking among magnificent panoramas
5 slow down walking routes
Walking through Kruislieveheers
Walking past basket weavers, willow plantations and windmills
Walking through Kluis Forest
Walking around the Haaghoek
Walking through Kordaal Forest
