Nellekensberg

Nellekensberg is a small hill in Meerbeke, a sub-municipality of the city of Ninove in East Flanders, right on the border with the municipality of Gooik in Flemish Brabant. The spot is well known among cyclists and fans of cycling history, while also offering a rewarding walking destination for anyone looking for views over the Dender valley and the rolling hills of the Pajottenland.

Where does the name come from?

The hill takes its name from the adjoining Nellekensstraat, while "Nellekensberg" itself refers to a side road connecting Nellekensstraat with Natteschoot. The element "nelleken" points to an outlying, peripheral position relative to the center of Meerbeke — in other words, a spot lying on the fringes of the main settlement. A small hamlet of the same name lies at the foot of the hill.

Why is this place linked to cycling?

Nellekensberg owes much of its recognition to road cycling. The hill sits close to the former finish line of the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) in Meerbeke, where for many years riders in one of the world's most prestigious classic races crossed the finish line. In 1981, because of roadworks, race organizers included Nellekensberg as a one-off measure in the local finishing circuit — the climb was added to the route right after two other well-known ascents, the Muur (Kapelmuur) and the Bosberg. Although this was only a temporary arrangement, the episode permanently secured Nellekensberg a place in the history of Belgian classic cycling.

What can be seen in the surrounding area?

The land around Nellekensberg and the neighboring hamlet forms part of a protected historical landscape, meaning it has kept its traditional, rural character — fields, small patches of woodland, and winding lanes. From the higher stretches of the hill, views open up over two distinct landscapes: the low-lying valley of the river Dender and the characteristic rolling terrain of the Pajottenland. This combination has made the area appreciated as a destination for easy, day-long hikes that let visitors experience both the natural and cultural heritage of the Denderstreek region.

How to get there and what to know before visiting

Nellekensberg lies within Meerbeke, one of the sub-municipalities of Ninove, a city situated on the river Dender in East Flanders. Its proximity to the border with Gooik makes the area a useful starting point for longer cycling routes linking the Denderstreek with the Pajottenland — a region famous for its cobbled climbs used in classic cycling races. Visitors planning a trip should keep in mind that Nellekensberg is primarily a landscape and historical site rather than a location with extensive tourist infrastructure — its main appeal remains the authentic, largely unchanged character of this part of Flanders.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nellekensberg a mountain? No, it is a small hill typical of the rolling landscape found around Ninove and the Pajottenland, not a mountain in the geographical sense.

Can you cycle there? Yes, the area is popular with cyclists, partly because of its connection to the history of the Tour of Flanders and its proximity to other well-known climbs in the region.

Is the area protected? Yes, the landscape around Nellekensberg and the neighboring hamlet holds the status of a protected historical landscape.