Horebeke, Brakel and Schorisse

This region in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes is known for its panoramic views, vast meadows and beautiful villages. Sint-Kornelis-Horebeke, the starting point of your route, and Sint-Maria-Horebeke, which you cycle through soon afterwards, are among the most beautiful villages in Flanders. Further on you drive through the Zwalm region, another area to write home about. From hill to valley, between fields and forests, splashing streams or old Scheldt arms, you will find a fascinating past in the water and windmills, old farms, beautiful statues and picturesque churches. The small villages with their cozy authentic places and squares are to fall in love with and you can enjoy unique regional products in cozy restaurants. Brakel, located further on, is an attraction in itself. The village took its name from those of Nederbrakel and Opbrakel, now part of the municipality, which in turn are named after the Carolingian villa Braglo, which was already mentioned in 866. The villa must have been located on the site of the current village center of Opbrakel. This special place can no longer be seen, but the monumental buildings, protected churches, mills and farms are all worth a visit. Step off and immediately enjoy one of the renowned regional specialties with bizarre names such as geutelingen and mattetaarten. And that is not all. Between Brakel and Schorisse you cycle through the Burreken, one of the most picturesque spots in the Flemish Ardennes. The nature reserve is home to a special fauna and flora. The fire salamander - the symbol of the Flemish Ardennes - deposits its larvae here in the source streams. The rare source dragonfly can also still be seen here. You may be tempted to get off for a while, it's worth it!