Valkenberg

Valkenberg is a modest hill in Brakel, in the Flemish Ardennes region of the Belgian province of East Flanders. While not a tourist landmark in the classic sense, it has earned its recognition through cycling — it is one of the short, steep climbs regularly featured in the Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen).

Where is Valkenberg located?

The hill lies within the municipality of Nederbrakel, part of the Flemish Ardennes (Vlaamse Ardennen) — a rolling stretch of terrain in southern Flanders popular with road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. Valkenberg's highest point reaches 98 metres above sea level, a genuinely noticeable elevation in an otherwise largely flat country.

Why is it known among cyclists?

Valkenberg is one of the classic climbs included in the route of the Tour of Flanders, one of the most prestigious cycling classics in the world. The hill has featured in the race a total of 27 times, making it one of the more recognisable climbs in the region. The ascent is 0.88 km long, with an average gradient of 6% and a maximum gradient reaching 15% — it's precisely these sharp changes in gradient that regularly trigger attacks from the front of the peloton on this stretch. The climb has had an asphalt surface since 1973, which made it easier to incorporate into race routes.

What makes this climb distinctive?

Valkenberg belongs to the typical short but demanding climbs of the Flemish Ardennes, known locally as "hellingen." Unlike the long mountain ascents found in the Alps or Pyrenees, these Belgian hills surprise riders with a sudden, steep section packed into a relatively short distance. It's exactly this format that makes them so spectacular during races — there's no time for long-term tactics, only power and technique matter in the moment.

Who is this place for?

Valkenberg mainly draws road cycling enthusiasts who want to ride, on their own legs, sections of routes they've watched during broadcasts of the great spring classics. It's also a good stop for anyone planning a longer cycling route through the Flemish Ardennes, linking several similar climbs in the area. The surrounding Nederbrakel countryside offers the quiet, rural landscape typical of southern Flanders — fields, small villages, and a network of local roads that largely overlap with the race routes.

When to visit?

The best time to visit or ride Valkenberg is spring, especially around the Tour of Flanders itself, usually held in April, when the whole region is caught up in race atmosphere. Summer and early autumn are also good periods for cycling through the Flemish Ardennes, thanks to more stable weather and lighter traffic on the local roads.

Frequently asked questions

What is Valkenberg? It is a 98-metre hill in the municipality of Nederbrakel, in the Flemish Ardennes, best known as a cycling climb used in the Tour of Flanders.

How many times has Valkenberg featured in the Tour of Flanders? The hill has been part of the race route 27 times, making it one of the more recognisable climbs in the region.

How difficult is the climb? It is 0.88 km long, with an average gradient of 6% and a maximum of 15%, making it demanding despite its short length.

Since when has Valkenberg had an asphalt surface? The hill has been paved with asphalt since 1973.