The historic Beguinage

A few streets from the Grote Markt, step into a quieter chapter of Kortrijk’s religious history. Small houses and charming cobbled paths draw you into the Beguinage, another of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For us, much of its charm lies in its scale. Small and intimate, it invites you to notice the little details of each house.

Who were the women known as beguines who lived here? What was daily life like for them in the 13th century and beyond? The visitor centre brings their stories to life, adding a new perspective to your walk through the grounds.

To delve a little further into the past, head to the nearby Church of Our Lady. Here, Kortrijk 1302 uses interactive installations to tell the story of the Battle of the Golden Spurs. It puts one of the defining events in the city’s history into context.

What was the Battle of the Golden Spurs?

The Battle of the Golden Spurs grew out of a struggle for power in the County of Flanders. The French king wanted greater control, while the Count of Flanders and rebellious townspeople resisted French rule.

On 11 July 1302, an army from the County of Flanders defeated the French army on the Groeningekouter, just outside what was then Kortrijk. It was a remarkable victory: soldiers fighting on foot overcame heavily armed knights on horseback.

The battle takes its name from the defeated knights’ gilded spurs, which the people of Kortrijk hung in the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk as trophies. This is why Kortrijk is known as the City of the Golden Spurs. Its other nickname, Groeningestad, refers to the site of the battle.

The victory later became an important symbol of Flemish identity. Today, 11 July is celebrated as the official holiday of the Flemish Community.

Take the scenic route by the Broel Towers

Some places have you reaching for your phone almost without thinking. The Broel Towers are one of them. These imposing towers may look like twins, but they were built at different times: the southern tower in 1385 to control traffic on the River Lys, known locally as the Leie, and the northern tower in 1415 to store weapons and house artillery. Once part of the city’s defences, they now form one of Kortrijk’s most recognisable views.

Stay by the water a little longer. The lowered riverside walkways bring you close to the river, with places to sit and enjoy the view. The Leietuin adds a welcome touch of greenery. With the centuries-old towers in the background, it’s a lovely spot to pause and savour your city break.

Walking in and around Kortrijk

After a day of historic streets, shops and museum galleries, you might fancy a change of scenery. Time to lace up your walking shoes and decide how far you’d like to venture. In Kortrijk, you can choose between a short green escape in the city centre and a longer walk through woodland, meadows and waterside landscapes.

A breath of fresh air without leaving the centre

As you’ve already discovered, Begijnhofpark fits easily between sightseeing stops. Sitting on a bench after Abby and chatting about the exhibition is every bit as much a part of a weekend away.

Just under ten minutes’ walk from Begijnhofpark lies Groeningepark, where a former car park has made way for greenery, flowers and a play area for little ones. In 2024, the park won the Prijs Publieke Ruimte award for the finest public space in Flanders.

Nature has also found a home in the city at Kortrijk Weide ecological park, close to the river. Rainwater collects in a water garden, while some areas are left to grow a little wilder. The park provides plenty of space for the city’s insects, birds and amphibians.

Stretch your legs in Marionetten or Preshoekbos

Ready for a longer walk? Head to Stadsgroen Marionetten on the southern outskirts of Kortrijk. The scenery changes as you go, from woodland to meadows and from open spaces to ponds. In the Smokkelpot area, paths take you past water and reed beds. Around Te Coucx farm, you’ll find an orchard and a butterfly meadow. Pack a picnic and allow yourself a leisurely half-day.

Preshoekbos is another lovely choice for a longer walk. Young woodland, flower-filled grassland, fields and ponds keep the scenery varied. Prefer a marked route? There are two signposted walks, the Preshoekpad and the Markebeekpad, each around 4.3 kilometres long. Children can burn off some energy in the woodland play areas, too.

Smaller pockets of nature

At Kleiputten ’t Hoge, your walk comes with a little local history. Former clay pits have become a nature reserve with a park area open to the public. It’s a lovely place to discover a lesser-known side of Kortrijk’s green surroundings.

Prefer to follow the water? Take the towpath towards Bissegem. Along the way, you’ll pass Rotersmeers, a small, relatively new nature reserve marked by pollarded willows and a Natuurpunt sign. Stadsgroen Ghellinck in Bissegem also offers room to wander among young woodland and grassland.

De Gavers: slow down by the water

For an outing beyond Kortrijk, De Gavers in Harelbeke is a lovely choice. The lake at this recreation area immediately catches the eye, but take time to explore the nature around it, too. Follow the boardwalks through the meadows or stop at a bird hide. A little patience can be more rewarding here than a brisk pace.

On warm summer days, you can also swim in the designated swimming area when it is open. Check the latest visitor information before setting off, so you’ll know whether to pack your swimwear alongside your walking shoes.

Prefer biking? The routes and ideas from Toerisme Leiestreek will help you explore the countryside around Kortrijk. Choose a ride that suits the time you have, and leave room for a well-earned stop along the way.