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Paterberg

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Paterberg (Belgium)

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The Paterberg is a short, notoriously steep hill in the municipality of Kluisbergen within the Flemish Ardennes. Standing at 80 meters high, it features a maximum gradient of 20.3%, making it one of the most grueling sections of the Belgian cycling classics. Uniquely, the road was not historically paved; it was surfaced with cobblestones in 1986 by a local farmer specifically to attract the Tour of Flanders race to pass his house. Geologically, the hill is composed of a mix of sand and loam, characteristic of the tertiary relic hills in Central Belgium. Since 2012, the Paterberg has served as the final decisive climb of the Tour of Flanders, located just before the flat run-in to the finish in Oudenaarde. The road was designated as a protected monument in 1993 to preserve its characteristic stone paving. Its steep, narrow passage through the rural landscape features a scenic overlook of the Scheldt Valley, attracting both professional athletes and leisure hikers year-round.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151174
Rain mm696055385964768157677379

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This iconic short cycling hill in the Flemish Ardennes is usually accessed from the nearby local village. It serves as a common starting challenge for amateur cyclists following famous historical race routes.
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Best season
Spring is undeniably the most popular time for cycling enthusiasts, especially around the major spring classics, but the paved stretch is fully accessible year-round for hikers and hardy bikers.
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Terrain & paths
The notable ascent is famously short but extremely steep, featuring rough, historical cobblestone paving that requires significant effort to conquer whether on a bicycle or on foot.
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What to bring
Cyclists should absolutely ensure they have appropriate low gearing for the severe gradients, while walkers need sturdy, high-grip footwear to comfortably navigate the uneven and steep cobblestones.
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Parking
Visitors typically park their cars in the center of the adjacent village or at designated rural parking spots nearby before making the short approach to the bottom of the legendary hill itself.
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Safety
Extreme caution is advised on the steep cobbled sections, especially when the surface is wet, as they can become incredibly slick and dangerous for both struggling cyclists and unwary pedestrians.
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Time needed
Most casual visitors and cyclists spend about 30 minutes to an hour at this specific location, which is usually just enough time to tackle the grueling climb, take celebratory photos, and recover at the top.

Geography

Coordinates
50.80300, 3.54500

Facts

  • Elevation: 80 meters
  • Maximum gradient: 20.3%
  • Construction: Paved in 1986 by a local farmer
  • Status: Protected monument since 1993
  • Location: Kluisbergen municipality, East Flanders
  • Cycling: The final climb in the Tour of Flanders

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KoppenbergKoppenberg2 km · EExplore →
OudenaardeOudenaarde6 km · NEExplore →
KanariebergKanarieberg7 km · SEExplore →
RonseRonse7 km · SEExplore →
Mont de l'EnclusMont de l'Enclus7 km · SWExplore →
Mont PanoramiqueMont Panoramique12 km · SEExplore →
Trinity HillTrinity Hill12 km · SExplore →
WaregemWaregem12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Paterberg (10)

Domein de Ghellinck🏰 castle

Domein de Ghellinck is a castle in Elsegem, Belgium.

Sint-Martinuskerk

Sint-Martinuskerk is a church in Melden, Belgium.

Paterberg

Paterberg is a hill in Belgium, famous in cycling races.

Sint-Jan-in-de-Oliekerk

Sint-Jan-in-de-Oliekerk is a church in Zulzeke, Belgium.

Sint-Mauruskerk

Sint-Mauruskerk is a church in Elsegem, Belgium.

Oud Kasteel🏰 castle

Oud Kasteel is a castle in Petegem-aan-de-Schelde, Belgium.

Paddenbroek

Paddenbroek is a natural landscape in Berchem (Kluisbergen), Belgium.

Rotelenberg

Rotelenberg is a hill in Oudenaarde, Belgium.

Koppenberg

Koppenberg is a hill in Belgium, famous in cycling races.

Spijkerbos / Elenebos

Spijkerbos / Elenebos is a forest in Kluisbergen and Maarkedal, Belgium.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why was the Paterberg cobbled?
A local farmer cobbled it in 1986 so that cycling races would pass by.
How long is the climb?
The cobbled section is only about 360 meters long.
What is the maximum gradient of the Paterberg?
In the curve, the gradient reaches peak values of 20%.
Is there a good viewpoint?
From the summit, you have a wide view over the Flemish Ardennes.
When does the famous race take place?
The Tour of Flanders usually crosses the Paterberg in early April.
Paterberg: where is it located?
Paterberg is located in Belgium.
Paterberg: what is there to see?
Highlights include Domein de Ghellinck, Sint-Martinuskerk, Paterberg.
Paterberg: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Paterberg: why is it worth visiting?
The Paterberg is a short, notoriously steep hill in the municipality of Kluisbergen within the Flemish Ardennes.
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