The Flemish Ardennes, an area of outstanding natural beauty in East Flanders province, are becoming increasingly popular with tourists. In 2025, 487,070 overnight stays were recorded. That is 5.5 per cent more than in 2023. The towns of Oosterzele and Brakel stand out in particular: the number of overnight stays in Oosterzele rose by 72.6 per cent, and in Brakel by 56.2 per cent. In Brakel, the mayor has clearly noticed this growth. “We get enquiries about opening new holiday accommodation almost every week,” says Marleen Gyselinck.
The figures from Statistics Flanders and Tourism Flanders show the East Flemish town of Geraardsbergen recorded the highest number of overnight stays in the Flemish Ardennes, with 96,734, followed by Oudenaarde with 83,123. Brakel ranks third with 50,654 overnight stays.
Not all municipalities have seen this growth. In Ronse, the number of overnight stays fell by almost 12 per cent, to 40,762. Oudenaarde also saw a slight decline of just over 3 per cent.
Oosterzele and Brakel stand out
Oosterzele has seen the largest percentage increase of all municipalities. The number of overnight stays rose from 6,664 in 2023 to 11,499 in 2025. Brakel is also performing remarkably well: from 32,438 to 50,654. “A lot of B&Bs and holiday homes are springing up here,” says Brakel’s mayor, Marleen Gyselinck.
“We’re receiving more and more applications, practically every week. People are inheriting houses from their parents and converting them into holiday lets. Most holiday lets are fully booked every week. I see this happening in my own neighbourhood too. It really is a beautiful region, and one we can be quite proud of it.”
Cycling tourism also plays a part, but Brakel’s appeal is not limited to the racing season. “Tourists flock to Brakel even outside the cycling season. In fact, we welcome visitors all year round,” says Gyselinck.
In Oosterzele, the number of holiday lets has risen further. Six new ones have been added since 2024. Sixteen of the 21 accommodation options in Oosterzele are lets. The council is pleased with the figures, but notes that the number of overnight stays in holiday lets is an estimate by Statbel, and therefore not an exact figure.
Tourism generates nearly 6,000 jobs
The tourism sector of East Flanders is estimated to account for 5,945 jobs and an annual turnover of 85.4 million euros. “Compare it to two or three large factories,” says Boris Dewolf, team lead for researchers at Tourism East Flanders. “These jobs are locally based and often have low entry barriers.”
Cycling contributes to the appeal of the Flemish Ardennes, but it is not the only reason why people stay overnight there. “We record the highest number of overnight stays in the summer. Often, these are people taking a short holiday at home,” says Dewolf.