Hotond-Scherpenberg

Hotond-Scherpenberg is a nature area spread across two hills — the Hotondberg and the Scherpenberg — in the Flemish Ardennes region of south-east Flanders, Belgium, straddling the border between the city of Ronse and the municipality of Kluisbergen (specifically its sub-village of Zulzeke). At roughly 150 metres, it is the highest hill in the entire Flemish Ardennes range.

Where exactly is this area located?

The hill sits right on the boundary between Ronse and the village of Zulzeke, part of Kluisbergen. Its coordinates are approximately 50.76° N, 3.57° E. The Hotond slopes gently down towards the north, while the Scherpenberg faces south — parts of its slopes remain very open and sun-exposed, in contrast to the more densely wooded sections of the Hotond.

What are "witness hills" and why is this site notable?

The Hotond and Scherpenberg belong to a chain of so-called witness hills (getuigenheuvels) that stretches from northern France all the way to Diest in Belgium. These are isolated elevations left standing after the surrounding landscape was gradually worn down by erosion, while harder rock layers within these particular hills resisted that flattening process — leaving them as prominent, higher remnants of an older land surface.

What protection status does the area have?

The site is part of the European Natura 2000 network, within a designated area covering the forests of the Flemish Ardennes and other woodland complexes of southern Flanders. It also forms part of the Flemish Ecological Network (Vlaams Ecologisch Netwerk), a system of areas recognised for their importance to the region's biodiversity. This status means the area receives dedicated conservation management aimed at preserving both forest and open habitats.

What can visitors see at the top?

The summit is home to the Hotondmolen, a former windmill of which only the body has survived. Today it serves as a lookout tower next to a sports hotel and grill restaurant called "Hotond". On a clear day, visitors looking out from the tower can spot more than a hundred church towers scattered across the surrounding countryside — one of the main reasons the spot draws hikers and day-trippers in search of a panoramic view over the Flemish Ardennes.

What kind of landscape surrounds the hills?

The area combines patches of deciduous woodland, open clearings, and the drier, sun-exposed slopes typical of the Scherpenberg. This mix of habitats, ranging from shaded forest to open sunny ground, supports a variety of plant and animal life characteristic of the hilly, wooded terrain found across southern Flanders.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Hotond-Scherpenberg? The hill reaches approximately 150 metres, making it the highest point in the entire Flemish Ardennes.

Which municipalities does the area belong to? It lies on the border between the city of Ronse and the municipality of Kluisbergen, specifically its Zulzeke sub-village.

Can you climb the lookout tower? Yes, the former windmill known as the Hotondmolen now functions as a viewpoint next to a nearby sports and dining venue.

Is the area protected? Yes, it is part of both the Natura 2000 network and the Flemish Ecological Network, meaning its forest and natural habitats are actively conserved.

What distinguishes the Scherpenberg from the Hotond? The Scherpenberg faces south and has more open, sun-exposed slopes, while the Hotond slopes gently towards the north and is more densely wooded.