Aalst is an industrial centre in a predominantly green environment. A city along a waterway that leads you past medieval villages. The Dender valley culminates into the Scheldt. The Waasland which surrounds the Scheldt is bordered by the Dender Valley and the Pajottenland, which is situated east of the city of Aalst. To the south we find the Flemish Ardennes. Each one of them areas which have never lost their rural character. Those who want to experience a city without being overwhelmed are sure to get their money's worth in Aalst. Numerous shops, famous coffee houses, markets and so on. But if you want to explore the entire region, make sure to top up your energy levels. Walking and cycling routes in abundance, nature reserves and forests in the immediate vicinity

Visit the website of Aalst

The carnival of Aalst is a cultural shock and a not-to-be missed experience. For three days it is not the city that you see, but the people like you have never seen them before. Because food and drink are an essential part of our culture, there will be plenty of that too.

In the years of industrialisation Realism emerged in Aalst in response to the dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the way people became capitalist tools. Louis Paul Paul Boon expressed in words what De Saedeleer showed in painting. Long before that father Daens, who was born in Aalst, lived and worked in the city. Aalst likes to convert this wealth into a permanent heritage. A statue of Daens is displayed near the splendorous administrative centre of the city. Both Boon and Saedeleer are immortalized in bronze. Along walking and cycling routes the books of the world-famous writer can be relived. Aalst Tourism is happy to set you on your way with plans and explanations.

Thanks to the rural character of the region, you can still enjoy a visit to authentic breweries such as the Glazen Toren and De Ryck brewery. Beers brewed in the region can be tasted and bought in the neighbouring regional shop: Ambarosa.

The hotel offers bicycles for rent. The' Explore Aalst' package offers our guests free use of the bicycles. Contact us if you require more information. The reception will gladly help you with booking a great experience.

Aalst has a number of beautiful and interesting cycling tours with a focus on the beauty of nature, but do not forget about the cultural attractions.

Take a look at the website below for more information about the different cycling routes in and around Aalst: http://www.fietsroute.org/fietsen/gemeente/Aalst

7-9 February: Carnival

Annually at the end of July: Pikkeling (harvesting festival recognised by the Unesco

21-24 August: Cirk! Aalst (open air summer festival)

11 September: Blender Undercover (free music festival)

21-24 October: Metal Female Voices festival

The Dender is a calm flowing river with quite a bit of difference in altitude, especially in Wallonia. However, when it’s raining the flow rate is significantly higher and the rainwater supplied is drained quickly. River tourism is mainly focused on motorised pleasure boats. Rental in Pollare, Ninove, in the de Black Flesch café - and make sure to taste the Black Flesh beer there - and also kayak rental. You can rent canoes at the provincial domain the Gavers.

Ninove and Geraardsbergen make great efforts to make sure tourists have a great time. A beautiful pedestrian bridge over the Dender in Ninove connects both banks and makes the marina very accessible. You will regularly notice foreign yachts mooring here to explore the region. Geraardsbergen also has a beautiful marina and has many tourist attractions. At the foothills of the sloping Pajottenland region, this town is an excellent starting point.

Alternating stunning nature and industry. It is really not crowded on the water, but it is along the tow path that is eagerly used by tourist bikers and recreational cyclists. Despite the fact that there is still some foam near the locks, the water quality has improved and contains plenty of fish. On summer days you can see dozens of carps on the water surface.

The route is recommended with canoe trolley when transferring at the locks. Or a ‘strong’ team.

In 2007 the infrastructure along the waterfront is steadily advancing: the new Schiptrekkersbrug in Denderleeuw, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, slipway, beautiful jetty, picturesque rectory with playground 'Hof Ter Leeuwe' and benches.
 Just one more jetty down the river at the lock in Huisegem and a lovely canoeing route from Geraardsbergen to Denderleeuw, with restaurants, picturesque village centres on the way, some even with shops and restaurants within walking distance. A nice boost for gentle water recreation and tourism!

If you are looking for more information about the city of Aalst and the many attractions for you to discover, visit the website of the Tourist office: www.aalst.be/toerisme And make sure to visit the tourist office centrally located at Hopmarkt. A 360° film about the city and its surrounding villages is definitely recommended to immerse yourself completely.