Things To Do
in Geraardsbergen
Geraardsbergen is a small historic town in the Flemish Ardennes of East Flanders, Belgium, known for its steep cobbled climb the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the distinctive Oudenberg hill. The town center features a medieval market square, an atmospheric town hall and narrow lanes lined with cafés and bakeries famous for the local mattentaart pastry. Geraardsbergen sits on the River Dender and is a popular base for cyclists and hikers exploring rolling hills and quiet country lanes.
Despite its modest size it hosts lively local traditions, markets and cycling heritage that give it a strong regional identity.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Town Hall, an iconic symbol of Geraardsbergen, where you can admire its beautiful architecture and intricate details. Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with charming shops and cafes, soaking in the local atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by the Manneken Pis statue, a delightful representation of the city's playful spirit.
Head to the nearby Geraardsbergen Castle ruins for a glimpse into the city's rich history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, indulge in a leisurely lunch at one of the traditional Belgian eateries, savoring local specialties such as stoofvlees and fries. Spend your afternoon visiting the local museum to learn more about Geraardsbergen's fascinating past.
As the sun sets, make your way to the famous Geraardsbergen Wall, where you can witness both locals and tourists tackling this iconic cycling challenge. Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro in the city center, sampling some of the finest Belgian beers alongside your meal. Conclude your day with a peaceful evening walk along the river Dender, taking in the serene surroundings.
Begin your morning with a refreshing walk around the serene Provinciaal Domein De Gavers, where lush greenery and tranquil waters await. Rent a bike or simply stroll along the scenic paths, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. The fresh morning air will invigorate you as you spot local wildlife and vibrant flowers.
After a delightful morning, find a picturesque spot for a picnic lunch by the lake, surrounded by the beauty of the park. Spend your afternoon engaging in various outdoor activities such as paddle boating or fishing, making the most of your time in this natural oasis. Take a moment to unwind and soak in the peaceful ambiance before heading back to the city.
As dusk approaches, return to Geraardsbergen and visit a local pub to experience the warm hospitality and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring local dishes, complemented by a glass of Belgian ale. End your day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated town center, appreciating the blend of history and modern life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (draft, 0.4 L) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cycling and outdoor landscape (Flemish Ardennes)
- Authentic small-town atmosphere and local specialties (mattentaart)
- Compact historic center that’s easy to explore on foot
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than larger cities
- Public transport is less frequent in rural areas—car or bike often needed
- Weather can be changeable and rainy outside summer months
- "Hallo / Dag" - Hello / Hi
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the train station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Geraardsbergen
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic steep cobbled climb popular with cyclists—great for dramatic action shots, textures and sweeping views of the valley.
A small hill with a chapel and Stations of the Cross offering panoramic views over the town and surrounding farmland—excellent at sunrise or sunset.
Historic square with colourful façades and the town hall; lively during market days and atmospheric under evening lights.
Peaceful riverside scenes, reflections and seasonal wildlife—nice for tranquil landscape photography and long exposures.
Narrow lanes and traditional Flemish architecture provide charming detail shots and street photography opportunities.
Food in Geraardsbergen
Geraardsbergen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A protected local pastry specialty from Geraardsbergen—rich, slightly tart cheese tartlets often found in bakeries and the market square.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in beer and onions; commonly served with fries or mashed potatoes in local brasseries.
Classic Belgian comfort food—fries with mayonnaise and steamed mussels when in season at local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular market selling fresh produce, baked goods including mattentaart, cheeses and local charcuterie; best for tasting regional specialties and mingling with locals.
During events and festivals you’ll find street-food stands offering waffles, frites, and grilled snacks—an easy way to sample quick local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; basic greetings in Dutch are appreciated. Polite, brief greetings when entering shops and restaurants are customary.
Belgians value orderly queues and polite behavior—wait your turn and avoid loud or intrusive behavior in public spaces.
Follow local recycling rules and dispose of rubbish responsibly—many towns have strict waste sorting.
Safety
Tipping in Geraardsbergen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not required. Tip taxi drivers or personal guides a few euros for good service.
Euro is used; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small vendors and markets may be cash-only. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasantly sunny days make it ideal for cycling, hiking and outdoor terraces; festivals and markets are frequent. Expect more tourists and busy weekends on popular climbs.
Cooling temperatures and beautiful foliage in the Ardennes hills—excellent for hiking and photography. Rain can be more common; bring waterproof layers.
Cold and damp with occasional frost or snow; quieter tourist season and reduced outdoor activity options—but atmospheric for cozy cafés and local restaurants.
Mild weather, blooming countryside and increasing outdoor activity—good for cycling before the summer crowds and for seasonal markets.
Geraardsbergen at Night
Hiking in Geraardsbergen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short circuit around Oudenberg hill with viewpoints, chapel and rural lanes—good for a 1–2 hour walk.
A classic walking/cycling loop that includes the cobbled Muur and Bosberg—offers varied terrain and iconic cycling heritage views.
Network of longer trails through the rolling hills and farmland of the Flemish Ardennes, suitable for half-day to multi-day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Geraardsbergen by plane.
Major international airport (~70 km / about 1–1.5 hours by car or train via Brussels). Offers many international connections and good rail/bus links to the region.
Budget airline hub (~50–70 km / about 1 hour by car depending on route). Useful for low-cost carriers; requires a combination of road and public transport to reach Geraardsbergen.
Smaller regional airports (1–1.5+ hours by car); practical for some regional flights but with fewer connections than Brussels hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Dutch-speaking Belgians with deep local roots and community traditions.
Some inhabitants commute to larger nearby centers for work, contributing to a mixed daily population.
Like many Belgian towns, there are modest immigrant communities (North African, Eastern European, etc.) that enrich local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is the region’s standout sport—famous climbs and spring classics attract amateur and pro riders alike.
Local clubs and community teams are popular for participation and spectating at amateur level.
The rolling terrain encourages trail running and walking among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Geraardsbergen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities—look for salads, cheese-based dishes, omelettes and vegetable stews; mention dietary needs in Dutch or English and seek out bakeries and cafés which often have vegetarian snacks.
Vegan choices can be scarce in traditional restaurants; plan ahead, bring snacks, and check supermarkets for plant-based alternatives. Specialty cafés in larger nearby towns may offer more options.
Some establishments can accommodate gluten-free needs but cross-contamination is possible; communicate clearly and consider buying gluten-free products from supermarkets.