Discover art, architecture and history in Kortrijk

Kortrijk offers several themed ways to explore the city: the River Leie and its banks, historic buildings, public art and architecture. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between these highlights: alongside opportunities for walks, there is a cycling route and an afternoon of water sports and recreational activities on the water. This lets you shape your visit around whether you would rather focus on urban history, works of art or the river.

The Leie, urban spaces and buildings

The River Leie flows through the heart of Kortrijk and is a starting point for an afternoon of water sports and recreational activities on the water. Along both sides of the river, the Verlaagde Leieboorden create public space with ramps and steps. Their design works like a theatre. Ramps and steps are among the design features of this distinctive public space by the water.

When it comes to the Broel Towers, it is important to distinguish between the different protections: the towers are protected as a monument, while the bridge is not. The Church of Our Lady can be dated: it dates from the 13th century and is located in the historic city centre. When exploring the buildings, you can therefore take note of different details—the scope of protection for the Broel Towers and the century in which the church was built.

History and art in Kortrijk

The Beguinage also dates from the 13th century. You can stroll past the small houses and through the courtyard. The walk thus draws your attention both to the houses and to the courtyard. Abby Kortrijk adds its own artistic focus to these historic sites: the museum is dedicated to visual art.

The Kunst Publieke Ruimte walk focuses on public art. The route introduces twelve works of art and can be experienced individually or as part of a group. This gives you two concrete points to consider when planning: you can focus on the featured works and decide whether you would like to experience the route alone or with others. Women Bike The City offers a different focus: the five-kilometre cycling route tells the stories of well-known and lesser-known women from Kortrijk. The difference is mainly one of content: one route focuses on twelve works of public art, while the other tells stories about women.

Architectural routes and different perspectives

The Kortrijk City Walking Route combines history and contemporary architecture. It starts at Toerisme Kortrijk / Kortrijk 1302 in Begijnhofpark, 8500 Kortrijk. You can note this specific starting point when planning your visit. The route differs in content from the Kunst Publieke Ruimte walk, which introduces twelve works in public spaces: here, history and architecture together provide the thematic framework.

Sequence n°1 presents architecture in yet another way. The installation creates a sculptural walk through the language of architecture: each form suggests something, but never becomes an actual building. It was created in 2015 as part of the Flux art trail. The difference lies in the form: in Sequence n°1, architectural suggestions take sculptural form; the Kortrijk City Walking Route, by contrast, brings together history and contemporary architecture as its themes.

Discover more destinations: Bellegem, Heule, Kuurne, Izegem, Beernem, Oostende, Zwevegem, Doomkerke

For the overview of the wider region: West Flanders.