Cycling in the Dender region

The most famous building in Herne is the Carthusian monastery from the 14th century, the oldest in the Netherlands. The original building was demolished by Protestants in 1580, only the gate with the guest quarters from 1710 are still standing. The first Dutch-language Bible, the Hernse Bible, was written in this monastery around 1360. From the village you cycle west towards the Denderstreek, a region in East Flanders. The region takes its name from the 65 kilometer long river Dender that flows into the Scheldt. For a small part of the route you will be accompanied by the meandering river. You drive through low-lying grasslands, with alternating natural swamp areas and poplar plantations. You will also get to know Geraardsbergen. On the Grote Markt you can admire the neo-Gothic St. Bartholomew's Church and a Manneken Pis that is no less than 160 years older than the famous little guy in Brussels. For culinary enthusiasts, Geraardsbergen has the mattentaart: a pastry made from soured milk that has been given the 'protected geographical indication' label by the European Union. Cycling enthusiasts are of course familiar with the steep and bumpy slope De Muur van Geraardsbergen. The Wall is a cobblestone road on the Oudenberg, the hill against which the city center of Geraardsbergen is located. If you like a challenge, you can of course try to climb this infamous executioner. The steep slope has a length of 1075 meters, the highest gradient is 20%. At the top of the 110-metre peak you have a beautiful view of the surroundings. There is also a chapel where cyclists can say thank you for making the climb. You drive back to the Dender through the gently rolling agricultural landscape. After a few kilometers the route bends again towards the end point. You will pass the Congoberg, a witness hill that offers you a beautiful panorama of the landscape.