Brakel

Brakel is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality's name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo which was first mentioned in 866 and which was located in the center of the town of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality comprises the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added to the municipality. On January 1st, 2005 Brakel had a total population of 13,674. The total area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 242.17 inhabitants per km².

The current mayor of Brakel is Herman De Croo.

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

The Braekel chicken received its name after this town.