Taaienberg, Mountain pass in Maarkedal, Belgium

Taaienberg is a cobbled hill and road in Etikhove, Maarkedal, East Flanders, rising to 90 m. The climb is about 800 m long, with an average gradient of 8.4 percent and sections up to 16.1 percent. The narrow, irregular road is laid with light grey cobbles in rows, bordered by a grassy bank and a low metal guardrail.

The pass first appeared in the Tour of Flanders in 1974 and became a defining feature of the race. It received protected monument status in 1995, with the original cobblestones undergoing careful restoration in 1993 to preserve their character.

The hill is nicknamed Boonen Hill after Tom Boonen, who launched decisive attacks here in four of his five E3 Harelbeke wins. Since 2023 a bronze sculpture of his legs, Boonen benen, stands at the summit. The name Taaienberg, written Taeyenberg in 1843, is thought to mean the hill of (De) Taeye.

The slope demands careful gear selection and pacing, especially through the steeper sections that test a rider's strength. The cobblestone surface can become slippery in wet conditions, so riders should adjust their approach accordingly for traction and balance.

The bronze sculpture Boonen benen, cast with Tom Boonen's legs, was placed on the summit in 2023. Boonen used this climb to launch decisive attacks, winning E3 Harelbeke five times, and commentators call the hill Boonenberg.