Oudenaarde: Cycling, Architecture and Brewing History

Oudenaarde appeals to travelers with a range of interests: cycling, distinctive buildings and brewing history offer different ways to explore the town. The MOU is housed in the town hall, Sint-Walburgakerk stands out for its tall tower, and the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen is devoted entirely to cycling. To plan your trip, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Town Hall, Tapestries and Architecture

The belfry tower of Oudenaarde Town Hall is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the MOU, the tapestry collection offers a concrete insight into the museum’s themes: it comprises 37 tapestries, 18 of which are on display in the adjacent Lakenhalle. These figures distinguish the full collection from the selection on display and give you precise guidance when planning your visit.

Sint-Walburgakerk can also be explored through its clear architectural features. The church faces east and is now entirely freestanding. Its massive, square west tower is 88 meters high. Its orientation, freestanding form and tower give the building a distinctive character, clearly different from the tapestries at the MOU. You can also admire a Neo-Gothic chapel at Oudenaarde’s beguinage.

The Tour of Flanders: Exhibition and Your Own Ride

The Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen is devoted entirely to Vlaanderens Mooiste. The permanent exhibition explores the emotions, strength and perseverance associated with the Ronde. The Centrum also serves as a starting and finishing point for riding the Ronde yourself. This offers two different ways to engage with the subject: you can explore its presentation in the exhibition or ride the Ronde yourself.

Brewing History with Different Dates

Brouwerij Liefmans was founded around 1750. For Brouwerij Roman, the first mention of what today bears this name dates back to 1545. These two dates mark different historical reference points: a founding date for Liefmans and an early mention for Roman.

A visit to Brouwerij Roman takes two hours in total, including the guided tour and tasting. As the duration of the visit may change, check the latest visitor information before making plans. This will help you fit the visit into a suitable time frame.

Explore on Foot and through Archaeology

The walking tour of Oudenaarde begins in the market square by the town hall and passes historic sites. This gives your walk a specific starting point and a historical focus. If you would rather explore buildings and places in context, the walk offers a different approach from a visit to a single museum or church.

The foundations of a Benedictine abbey have been preserved at the Archeopark van Ename. The focus here is on archaeological remains, making this visit thematically different from the architecture of Sint-Walburgakerk or the MOU collection.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

If you want your trip to focus on cycling, the Centrum and the Ronde take center stage. If you are more interested in architecture and history, the church, the MOU, the walking tour and the Archeopark offer different points of interest. Brewing history adds another distinct theme. If you want to combine several topics, first decide which ones you want to guide your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Merelbeke, Denderleeuw, Aalst, Aalter, Maarkedal, Maldegem, Evergem, Kruishoutem.

Back to the main travel guide: East Flanders.