Brakel, Belgium

Brakel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbraːkəl] ^ⓘ) is a municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes. The name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo first mentioned in 866 and located in the center of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality has comprised the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added. On 1 January 2018, Brakel had a population of 14,781. The area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 262 per km². The mayor is Stefaan De Vleeschouwer.

For other uses, see Brakel.

Brakel
Municipality
Lilare Castle in St-Maria-Oudenhove
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Brakel
Brakel Location in Belgium Location of Brakel in East Flanders
Coordinates: 50°48′N 03°45′E
Country	Belgium
Community	Flemish Community
Region	Flemish Region
Province	East Flanders
Arrondissement	Oudenaarde
Government
• Mayor	Stefaan De Vleeschouwer (Open VLD )
• Governing party/ies	Open VLD
Area
• Total	56.96 km2 (21.99 sq mi)
Population  (2018-01-01)[1]
• Total	14,781
• Density	260/km2 (670/sq mi)
Postal codes	9660, 9661
NIS code	45059
Area codes	055
Website	www.brakel.be

The region is known for the green hills and valleys, which attract cyclists and walkers and play a role in the Tour of Flanders cycling race.

The Braekel chicken is named after the town.

The Uitkijktoren

The Uitkijktoren, a 32 metres (105 ft) high^[2] viewing tower was opened in April 2001.^[3] It is located at 50.8124°N 3.7391°E / 50.8124; 3.7391 on the Twaalfbunderstraat, north-west of Nederbrakel. Orientation boards at the top enable visitors to identify places of interest in all directions.

Famous inhabitants

• Alexander De Croo, politician, Prime Minister of Belgium since 2020
• Herman De Croo, politician, former president of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium
• Robbie McEwen, cyclist, won 12 stages in the Tour de France
• Peter van Petegem, cyclist, won Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders

See also

• Zwalm (River)

References

1. "Wettelijke Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2018". Statbel. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
2. "Uitkijktoren Brakel" (in Dutch). Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 12 May 2009.
3. "Sign at the foot of the Uitkijktoren" (in Dutch). 22 March 2009.

External links

• Media related to Brakel, Belgium at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website (in Dutch)