Valeirroute: Cycling along the most interesting spots in Gavere

The Principality of Gavere is the northern gateway to the Flemish Ardennes. Due to its strategic location on the steep right bank of the Scheldt, halfway between Ghent and Oudenaarde, Gavere played an important role in history. After Danish Vikings had destroyed the nearby abbey of Dikkelvenne, the Lords Raes of Gavere built a stone castle there in the 12th century. After conquering that castle, Philip the Good defeated the Ghent people in the Scheldemeersen, in the Battle of Gavere in 1453. The statue of the Ghent warrior Valeir in the garden in front of the Town Hall commemorates that battle and gives the bike route its name.

The six districts, Semmerzake, Vurste, Baaigem, Dikkelvenne, Gavere, and the flat Asper across the Scheldt, each show their own rural character. Every turn, every slope, offers a surprisingly new view of mills, castles, forests, fields, old arms of the Scheldt, and natural habitats.

Start: The Gate, tourism office (Market, 9890 Gavere).

Parking: Sportdreef, Gavere

Distance: 42km

Signposting: hexagonal white signs with red printing.

Every cyclist who respects nature, heritage, and other road users is a welcome guest in our municipality.

Tip: Some points of interest along the way have a QR code. By scanning it with your smartphone, you will receive more information.

Want to know more? Surf to www.gavere.be/tourism/walking-and-cycling/cycling-in-and-around-gavere and download the information brochure.