The Scheldt Route, or Schelderoute, brings together waterside scenery and Flemish cities on a journey through the Scheldt valley. Part of Tourism Flanders’ iconic cycle-route network, it offers a framework for a multi-day ride with opportunities to pause in Oudenaarde, Ghent, Dendermonde and Antwerp.
From the Flemish Ardennes towards Ghent
Toerisme Scheldeland describes the Schelderoute as a journey from Spiere-Helkijn through Oudenaarde and Ghent towards Antwerp. Between Kluisbergen and Ghent, the river accompanies the ride as the hills of the Flemish Ardennes give way to the more open Scheldemeersen landscape beyond Oudenaarde.
This combination makes the southern part of the route a way to connect a city visit with time in the river landscape. Oudenaarde and Ghent are both named stops, so riders can decide how much time to give to the towns as well as the journey between them.
The Scheldt valley and Dendermonde
Between Ghent and Antwerp, Toerisme Scheldeland highlights the landscape of Scheldt Valley National Park: riverside villages, castles and open fields sit alongside areas shaped by the tides. The wider valley includes wetlands, reed beds and habitats for waterbirds.
Dendermonde is a useful place to break the journey: Visit Dendermonde places the town centrally on the route. Its town hall and belfry provide a cultural stop amid the river scenery. Ferry services also allow cyclists to cross the Scheldt along the route; check the crossing arrangements when planning your ride.
Planning the ride
The route is signposted in both directions and forms part of the cycle-node network. Visit Flanders explains that the numbered nodes can also be used to put together a route of your own, making it possible to adapt a trip around the places where you want to stop.
Allow time for both the river and the cities: the regional tourism organisation suggests planning accommodation along a multi-day journey, while Visit Dendermonde points to picnic places and riverside ferry crossings. The iconic routes also connect with other long-distance cycling itineraries.
Check the current route before setting out. Grote Routepaden notes that the Flemish iconic routes were adjusted in 2026 following changes to the cycle-node network; its earlier official guide therefore predates those revisions. Published distances differ between sources, so use a current route planner when deciding how to divide your trip.