Oedelemberg

Oedelemberg is a modest hill in the municipality of Beernem, in the Belgian province of West Flanders, named after the nearby village of Oedelem. At roughly 23 metres above sea level, it isn't a dramatic elevation — but in the otherwise flat landscape of this part of Flanders, it stands out as a noticeable rise and a familiar local landmark.

How did the hill form?

The Oedelemberg took shape through a long process of sedimentation and erosion, with the small Bergbeek stream playing a central role. Over centuries, flowing water reshaped the surrounding terrain, gradually carving out the gentle slope that defines the hill's profile today.

A history rooted in clay

Beneath the surface, the Oedelemberg held deposits of clay that were extracted for generations. The raw material was used to supply brickworks scattered across the region, tying the hill directly to the area's traditional building industry. Once the clay extraction ceased, the site gradually shifted from an economic resource into a recreational destination.

A favourite for cyclists and hikers

Today, the Oedelemberg is best known as a target for cycling and walking trips. Its slope has been incorporated into the Ronde van Beernem, a local initiative connected to Beernem's role as the so-called "Village of the Tour" for the Tour of Flanders in 2023, 2025 and 2027. For road cyclists, the climb is more than just a bump in the road — it's a small piece of a route associated with one of the region's most prestigious cycling events.

Walkers can explore the hill via a signposted 11.3 km walking route that starts in Beernem and leads through the surrounding countryside toward the Oedelemberg. The trail showcases the quiet, rural character of this corner of West Flanders: open fields, small watercourses, and gently rolling ground.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Oedelemberg located? It lies in the municipality of Beernem, in the West Flanders province of Belgium, close to the village of Oedelem, from which it takes its name.

How high is the Oedelemberg? The hill rises to about 23 metres above sea level — modest in absolute terms, but enough to serve as a clear landmark in the flat surrounding landscape.

Can it be reached on foot or by bike? Yes. The hill is part of a signposted 11.3 km walking route starting in Beernem, and its slope is also used in local cycling routes, including the Ronde van Beernem tied to the Tour of Flanders.

Does the Oedelemberg have any historical significance? Yes, though not in the sense of monuments or architecture — its historical importance comes from clay extraction, which for centuries supplied nearby brickworks and formed part of the local economy.

Why is the hill popular with cyclists? Because of its connection to the Tour of Flanders. Beernem served as the "Village of the Tour" in 2023, 2025 and 2027, and the Oedelemberg became part of a symbolic local cycling route referencing that event.