The Dender crosses natural areas, but also the centre of important historic cities, such as Geraardsbergen, Ninove and Aalst. It is only just close to its mouth into the Scheldt, in Dendermonde, that it was deviated outside the city. Since 1978 the tide-lock of Dendermonde separates the Dender from the tidal Sea-Scheldt so the river is no longer subject to the tide effects.

The Dender meanders through the landscape. It crosses humid meadows, natural marshlands and poplar-plantations. It has a soft slope and is what we call a plane river. Originally its flow was very meandering and its level was varying. It is mainly fed with rainwater and therefore is a pluvial river.
Generally, the river flows quietly, but after heavy showers, its level may suddenly rise making its flow very turbulent. That is why the Celts called it "Tanara, the impetuous river". Forever men have tried to contain its inconstancy. It is still forbidden to navigate on the Dender by heavy stream and to make it navigable in the summertime, 12 locks were built keeping its level high enough. In dry times the Dender can be compared to a set of small standing water lakes, separated from each other by locks and dams. To make the river navigable, various successive canalisation works were executed, the first ones being achieved in 1185. Under the economical pressure, the Dender was subject to more and more adaptations. From the 19th century on, different new industries were born: the manufacturing of musical instruments in Geraardsbergen, the textile and food industries (mostly breweries) in the whole area of the Dender, and the match factories in Ninove and Geraardsbergen.

The Dender area is especially distinguished by its natural heritage. The recreational function of the river presently goes far beyond its economical importance. The development of pleasure navigation and the tourist river cruises led to the construction of harbours along the river. The beauty of this river meandering through a green country is a real attraction. The old locks that are manually operated contribute to its charm, and its fish attracts fishermenh. The water quality has indeed improved and the river does no longer smell. Now the Dender offers a wonderful leisure place for bikers, walkers and pleasure-boatmen. As far as the history lovers are concerned, they will appreciate the monuments in the cities, which testify to a rich past.


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