Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is a city and municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium, located in the province of East Flanders along the river Dender in the Denderstreek. The municipality covers the urban center of Geraardsbergen and several smaller villages. It forms part of the broader historic and economic region surrounding the Dender river.

The area has a long history dating to the Middle Ages, when it developed as a market town built around a castle and a church. It gained town status in the late medieval period and served as a local center of trade and governance. Over the centuries it preserved a compact historic core with narrow streets and a market square, reflecting its medieval roots.

A defining feature of Geraardsbergen is the Muur van Geraardsbergen, a steep, cobbled climb that runs through the city and up to a chapel at the top. The Muur is one of the best-known landmarks in Belgian cycling and has featured in the Tour of Flanders. The town’s architecture and cultural life reflect a mix of medieval heritage and modern urban activity, with churches, squares, and local traditions that attract visitors.

Today, Geraardsbergen is a regional center for residents and the surrounding countryside, with a mixed economy based on services, light industry, and agriculture. The municipality hosts local markets and events, retaining a distinct local identity within the Flemish countryside.