Geraardsbergen Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and more in Geraardsbergen, Belgium with this complete travel guide.


Introduction to Geraardsbergen

Nestled in the heart of East Flanders in Belgium, Geraardsbergen is a scenic town that’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rustic charm and quaint architecture, Geraardsbergen is a delight to explore, with plenty of things to see, do, and experience. Whether you’re looking to hike in the hills, explore historical sites, or savor the local cuisine, Geraardsbergen is a destination that will leave you enchanted.

In this travel guide, we’ll tell you all about the best places to visit, things to do, and sights to see in Geraardsbergen. From outdoor adventures to cultural expeditions, we’ve got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Geraardsbergen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Geraardsbergen is steeped in history, with lots of museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into its rich past. These are some of the top cultural attractions in Geraardsbergen:

  • Manneken Pis: This statue of a little boy urinating is an iconic symbol of Geraardsbergen and a must-see for anyone visiting the town.
  • Geraardsbergen City Hall: Built in the 16th century, this Gothic-style town hall is a stunning example of medieval architecture and houses a museum showcasing historical artifacts from the town.
  • The Geraardsbergen Wall of Honor: This wall features the names of all the winners of the legendary Geraardsbergen cycling race, one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world.
  • The Farmer’s Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the rural life of Geraardsbergen’s past, with exhibits showcasing traditional farming tools and techniques.

Natural Attractions of Geraardsbergen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Geraardsbergen is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic vistas that are perfect for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top natural attractions in Geraardsbergen:

  • The Muur: Also known as the Wall of Geraardsbergen, this steep cobbled climb is a favorite among cyclists and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Dender River: This picturesque river flows through Geraardsbergen and is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
  • The Gavers: Located just outside of Geraardsbergen, this nature reserve features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake that’s perfect for swimming and water sports.
  • The Bosberg: This forested hill on the outskirts of Geraardsbergen is a popular spot for hiking, walking, and birdwatching, with stunning views of the town and surrounding region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is famous for its hills and is a magnet for cyclists and hikers looking to explore the beautiful countryside. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes in Geraardsbergen:

  • The Muur and Bosberg Loop: This 25 km loop takes you up the famous Muur climb and the picturesque Bosberg hill, with stunning views and challenging climbs.
  • The Dender Valley Trail: This trail follows the Dender River from Geraardsbergen to Aalst, passing through picturesque villages and countryside along the way.
  • The Flemish Ardennes Trail: This challenging 75 km route takes you through the heart of the famed Flemish Ardennes, passing by steep hills, cobbled climbs, and stunning vistas.

Best Things to Do in Geraardsbergen: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking, biking, and exploring cultural attractions, Geraardsbergen also offers a range of other activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Geraardsbergen:

  • The Geraardsbergen City Walking Tour: A guided walking tour of the town’s historical sites, including the Manneken Pis statue and the Geraardsbergen City Hall.
  • The Beer Tasting Tour: Geraardsbergen is famous for its beer, and this tour takes you through some of the town’s top breweries and pubs, with plenty of tasting along the way.
  • The River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise down the Dender River and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Cycling Tour: Join a guided cycling tour of the town and explore the hills and countryside around Geraardsbergen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Geraardsbergen

Here’s how you can spend a week exploring the best of Geraardsbergen:

  • Day 1: Visit the Manneken Pis statue and the Geraardsbergen City Hall and take a guided walking tour of the town.
  • Day 2: Explore the natural beauty of the Muur and the Bosberg.
  • Day 3: Take a beer tasting tour and visit some of the town’s top breweries and pubs.
  • Day 4: Go hiking or biking along the Dender Valley Trail.
  • Day 5: Go birdwatching and explore the Gavers nature reserve.
  • Day 6: Take a river cruise down the Dender River and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Day 7: Join a guided cycling tour of the town and explore the surrounding hills and countryside.

Food and Drink Scene of Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen boasts a rich food and drink scene, with a range of local dishes and specialty beers that you won’t find anywhere else.

Must-Try Dishes

Here are some of the top dishes that you should try in Geraardsbergen:

  • Mattentaart: A traditional pastry made with cheese and often filled with cream or fruit.
  • Witloof in den oven: A delicious dish of chicory baked with ham and cheese.
  • Waterzooi: A creamy soup made with fish or chicken and vegetables.
  • Stoemp: A hearty dish that’s similar to mashed potatoes, made with a mix of mashed potatoes and other vegetables.

Local Beverages

Geraardsbergen is famous for its beer, with a range of specialty brews that you can’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the top local beverages in Geraardsbergen:

  • Geraardsbergen Oudenberg Tripel: A strong, flavorful beer with a fruity finish.
  • Saison de Geraardsbergen: A refreshing beer with a spicy, hoppy flavor.
  • Kasseien: A dark, malty beer with chocolate and coffee undertones.
  • Mattetaartbier: A unique beer inspired by the town’s famous Mattentaart pastry.

Where to Stay in Geraardsbergen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Geraardsbergen offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top places to stay in Geraardsbergen:

  • Hotel Geeraard: A stylish, modern hotel located just outside of the town center, with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Gaverland: A cozy, family-run guesthouse that’s located in the heart of the Gavers nature reserve, with comfortable rooms and a peaceful setting.
  • Oppoeteren: A charming bed and breakfast that’s located in a historic building in the town center, with comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts.
  • De Korrele: A budget-friendly hostel that’s located on the outskirts of town, with basic rooms and a laid-back atmosphere.

What to Buy in Geraardsbergen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Geraardsbergen is famous for its beer, cheese, and pastries, so these are some of the best things to buy as souvenirs:

  • Geraardsbergen Oudenberg Tripel: Bring home a bottle of the town’s famous beer to share with friends and family.
  • Mattentaart: Buy some traditional Mattentaart pastry to enjoy as a snack or to give as a gift.
  • Local Cheese: Geraardsbergen’s cheese is a must-try delicacy, and you can buy it in local markets and grocery stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a friendly and welcoming town, and locals take pride in their history and culture. Some of the local customs and traditions that you might encounter in Geraardsbergen include:

  • Cycling: Geraardsbergen is a popular destination for cyclists, with many residents who are enthusiastic about the sport.
  • Festivals: Geraardsbergen hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Mattentaart Festival and the Geraardsbergen Cycling Race.
  • Local Hospitality: Locals are friendly and welcoming, and you’re likely to be greeted with warmth and generosity wherever you go.

Best Time to Visit Geraardsbergen

The best time to visit Geraardsbergen is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the hills and countryside are at their most beautiful. The Mattentaart Festival, which takes place in August, is a must-see event, and the Geraardsbergen Cycling Race, which takes place in March or April, is also a popular attraction.

Do’s and Don’ts of Geraardsbergen

Do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine: Geraardsbergen is famous for its beer, cheese, and pastries, so make sure to try some of the local specialties.
  • Respect Local Customs: Geraardsbergen is a friendly and welcoming town, so be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the Outdoors: Geraardsbergen is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, so make sure to get out and explore the hills and countryside.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep Geraardsbergen clean by disposing of your trash properly.
  • Ignore Traffic Rules: Geraardsbergen can be a busy place, so be sure to follow traffic rules and stay safe on the roads.
  • Forget Your Camera: Geraardsbergen is a beautiful town, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the stunning scenery.

Safety and Health

Safety in Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a safe and welcoming town, but it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips for visitors to Geraardsbergen:

  • Keep an Eye on Your Belongings: Keep your belongings close and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Stay Alert When Driving or Cycling: The hills and winding roads around Geraardsbergen can be challenging, so be sure to drive or cycle carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be Careful After Dark: While Geraardsbergen is generally safe at night, it’s always a good idea to stay in well-lit areas and avoid unfamiliar or isolated places.

Health in Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a healthy town, with modern medical facilities and a range of health services available. However, it’s always a good idea to take some basic precautions when traveling, such as:

  • Get Travel Insurance: Make sure that you have travel insurance that covers medical fees and emergencies.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking or biking in the hills.
  • Bring Medications: If you have any medical conditions, make sure to bring enough medication to last your trip.

Getting to Geraardsbergen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Geraardsbergen is easily accessible by car, train, or bus, with a range of transportation options to suit every budget and preference.

Airports Near Geraardsbergen

The closest airport to Geraardsbergen is Brussels Airport, which is located approximately 70 km away. From there, you can take a train or bus to get to Geraardsbergen.

Bus Stations Near Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen has a bus station located in the town center, with connections to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also reach Geraardsbergen by train, with connections from Brussels, Ghent, and other cities in Belgium.

How to Get Around in Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bike. If you need to travel further afield, there are also buses and taxis available.

Where to Go Next from Geraardsbergen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Belgium, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions that are worth a visit. Here are some of the top places to go:

  • Brussels: The capital city of Belgium is just a short train ride away from Geraardsbergen, with a range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife to explore.
  • Ghent: This charming medieval city is home to a range of historical sites and museums, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
  • The Flemish Ardennes: This hilly region is a favorite among cyclists and hikers, with plenty of scenic vistas and challenging climbs to explore.

Conclusion

Geraardsbergen is a beautiful and charming town that’s well worth a visit for anyone looking to explore the best of Belgium. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine, Geraardsbergen is a destination that will leave you enchanted. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or a history buff, Geraardsbergen has something for everyone.

Geraardsberge Town Hall. One of the most characteristic buildings in the town, dating back to medieval times. Geraardsberge Town Hall. One of the most characteristic buildings in the town, dating back to medieval times.