- Ronse is famous for its 'Fiertel' procession, a 32-kilometer religious walk that circumambulates the city borders every year since the 10th century.
- The city is located in a deep valley, resulting in a unique microclimate compared to the surrounding Flemish Ardennes hills.
- Ronse was historically one of the most important textile centers in Belgium, with specialized production of fine linen and wool fabrics.
- The city hosts a unique 'Crazy Wednesday' festival (Bommels) which dates back to the Middle Ages and involves participants wearing masks and costumes.
- Ronse is officially a facility municipality, providing administrative support for both Dutch and French speakers due to its strategic position on the linguistic border.
About Ronse
Ronse is a city situated in the Flemish Ardennes, uniquely positioned on the language border between Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. Known for its historical role in the textile industry, the city features notable sites such as the Sint-Hermesbasiliek and the expansive greenspace of the communal de Ronse Garden. The surrounding hilly landscape, exemplified by the natural terrain at Hotondbos, offers distinct topographical contrasts rarely found elsewhere in the region. Visitors can explore local history and regional administration through venues like the Hôtel de Ville de Renaix and the nearby Administration communale d'Ellezelles.
Highlights of Ronse
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Explore the crypt of this basilica, which houses the relics of Saint Hermes and dates back to the 12th century.
Natural attractions
Traverse the highest point of East Flanders for panoramic views across the hilly terrain of the Flemish Ardennes.
Museums
Visit this cultural site to learn about the architectural and textile heritage of the Ronse region.
Parks
Walk through these landscaped grounds for a quiet connection to the city's botanical surroundings.
Temples
Visit this historic chapel, a landmark often included in the traditional walking routes around the city.
Historical places
Admire the historical architecture of this nearby manor house representing the heritage of the Anvaing estate.
Historical places
See the memorial dedicated to a pioneering sports journalist known for his influence on Belgian cycling culture.
Top things to do in Ronse
The 48 highest-rated places in Ronse, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
Hospital Our Lady with the Rose is a 13th-century hospital complex in Lessines, Belgium, that operated continuously for...
2
Museums
3
Museums
4
Museums
5
Temples
6
Parks
7
Temples
8
Museums
9
Parks
10
Museums
11
Temples
12
Natural attractions
13
Temples
14
Museums
15
Venues
16
Temples
17
Temples
18
Museums
19
Venues
20
Venues
21
Places of interest
22
Venues
23
Historical places
24
Temples
25
Temples
26
Parks
27
Venues
28
Venues
29
Historical places
30
Temples
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Ronse on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Ronse
Late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, for optimal hiking and cycling conditions in the surrounding Flemish Ardennes.
2 days, which allows enough time to visit the central historical sites and enjoy the surrounding natural trails.
The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, while surrounding rural attractions are best accessed by bicycle or car.
Stay in the city center to be within walking distance of the Sint-Hermesbasiliek and local dining options.
Mid-range; standard Belgian prices apply for accommodation and dining.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 48 curated attractions in and around Ronse, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hospital Our Lady with the Rose is the highest-rated place to visit in Ronse right now.
The largest category is temples, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
Explore more of Belgium
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
