A Day Among Flemish Tapestries, Cobblestones, and Brown Ale in Oudenaarde
Nestled in the rolling Flemish Ardennes along the Scheldt River, Oudenaarde delivers iconic Flemish charm without the heavy crowds of Bruges or Ghent. Renowned for its world-class tapestry heritage, spectacular late-Gothic town hall, cycling lore as the finish line of the Tour of Flanders, and historic tart brown beers, it offers a rich cultural day away that is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam.
Quando andare
April through October brings pleasant weather for strolling and cycling. Spring (especially early April) is electrified by the Tour of Flanders race festivities, though expect packed venues and race-day street closures. Late spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures and peaceful streets. Mondays should be avoided, as key museums are closed.
Overview
Oudenaarde is an underrated gem in East Flanders, sitting where the Scheldt River winds through the foothills of the Flemish Ardennes. Once a rival to Brussels in the global tapestry trade, today it is equally celebrated by cycling enthusiasts as the holy land of Flemish road racing. Compact and highly walkable, the town center lets you move seamlessly from a UNESCO-listed Gothic belfry to riverside Romanesque churches, tranquil beguinage courtyards, and lively market-square cafes pouring regional Flemish sour brown ales.
Getting There
From Amsterdam Centraal, reaching Oudenaarde takes between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes by rail:
- Option 1 (Fastest): Take the high-speed Eurostar train from Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerp-Centraal or Brussels-Midi, connect via Intercity train to Gent-Sint-Pieters, and catch the direct local train onward to Oudenaarde (runs every 30 to 60 minutes; roughly 25 minutes from Ghent).
- Option 2 (Flexible): Take the direct EuroCity / Eurocity Direct train from Amsterdam to Brussels or Antwerp, switch to a Ghent-bound train, and connect to Oudenaarde.
- From Oudenaarde Station: The Markt (central square) is a flat, scenic 10-minute walk (around 800 meters) straight south along Stationsstraat.
Day-by-day
Day 1: Heritage, Cobbles, and Historic Ales
- 07:45 – 10:45 | Morning Transit & Arrival: Catch an early morning train from Amsterdam Centraal to arrive in Oudenaarde by mid-morning. Stroll down Stationsstraat into the central Markt square.
- 11:00 – 12:45 | The Town Hall & MOU Museum: Begin at the Markt to marvel at the 16th-century Stadhuis (Town Hall), an exquisite example of Brabantine late-Gothic architecture topped with a UNESCO-listed belfry. Inside, tour the MOU (Museum of Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes) to explore the historic cloth hall, view the intricate collection of genuine Oudenaarde tapestries, and see one of the region’s finest silverware collections.
- 13:00 – 14:15 | Lunch on the Markt: Take a seat at an outdoor terrace or cozy brasserie on the Markt. Try classic Flemish stew (stoverij) slow-cooked with brown ale, paired with a glass of local Oudenaards bruin (such as Liefmans Goudenband or Roman's Adriaen Brouwer).
- 14:30 – 16:00 | Tour of Flanders Center or Historic Walk: Cycling enthusiasts can head to the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders Centre) right on the square to experience the interactive exhibits and cycling simulators celebrating the grueling cobbled classic. Alternatively, take a gentle heritage walk across the Scheldt to the striking 13th-century Church of Our Lady of Pamele (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk van Pamele) and the quiet, whitewashed courtyards of the historic Beguinage (Begijnhof).
- 16:15 – 17:30 | Scheldt River Stroll & Liedts Castle: Walk through the shaded trails of Liedtspark, admiring the neo-Gothic Liedts Castle and watching barges navigate the Scheldt.
- 17:45 – 19:00 | Farewell Drink & Early Dinner: Relax at a cafe along the riverbanks or on the market square for a final Belgian waffle, local cheese platter, and craft beer before heading back to the station.
- 19:15 – 22:15 | Return Journey: Board the evening train back toward Ghent/Antwerp and return to Amsterdam Centraal before nightfall.
Where to Stay
Although this itinerary is structured as a same-day trip, travelers choosing to stay the night have good options:
- Historic Center / Markt: The most atmospheric base, putting you steps away from the belfry, restaurants, and evening beer cafes.
- Scheldt Riverside & Marina: Scenic and peaceful, offering waterfront boutique lodgings within easy walking distance of both town and train.
- Flemish Ardennes Countryside: Located just a few kilometers outside town, charming rural B&Bs and farmhouse rentals cater especially to cyclists and hikers wanting access to the cobbled hills (bergs).
Budget
- Train Travel (Round-trip): €60 – €110 per person (booking standard Intercity/Eurocity trains in advance is significantly cheaper than last-minute Eurostar tickets).
- Museum Entry: €10 – €12 for the MOU Museum; €10 – €12 for the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen.
- Food & Drink: €35 – €60 per person for a sit-down lunch, evening snacks, and a couple of regional beers or coffees.
- Total Estimated Budget: €115 – €195 per person for the full day.
Know Before You Go
- Museum Schedules: The MOU Museum and several municipal sites are closed on Mondays. Plan your trip between Tuesday and Sunday.
- Currency & Payments: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, though keeping a small amount of cash on hand is helpful for small purchases or tips.
- Bicycles and Footwear: Oudenaarde and the surrounding Flemish Ardennes have sections of authentic historic cobblestones. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential.
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