Discover Harelbeke

If you are looking for a hotel in Harelbeke, building history, remembrance culture and routes can help shape your stay. The Sint-Salvator parish church and historic mills offer points of interest for those interested in architecture and history. Routes range from the Heritage Walk, with information panels, to trails with specified distances. De Gavers offers opportunities for nature watching and water-based activities, whose seasonal operation may change. Before booking, you can consider which themes suit your stay.

Churches and mills from different eras

The Sint-Salvator parish church dates from the 18th century and is based on a design by architect L. Dewez. The crossing tower and transept remain from the Romanesque church building of the 12th century. The church combines neoclassical style and a marble interior with a Romanesque tower; its building history therefore encompasses different architectural elements.

The Muizelmolen also illustrates a change in mill construction: the stone gallery windmill was built in 1840 on the site of an older wooden mill. It is a protected monument; its protection dates from 14 April 1944. The Koutermolen, in turn, was erected in 1986 on an artificial mound in the provincial recreation area De Gavers. At the Muizelmolen, the wooden predecessor building is the focus; at the Koutermolen, it is the mill’s location in the recreation area.

Places of history and remembrance

The Peter Benoit Huis tells the story of composer Peter Benoit (1834–1901). His birthplace also conveys the living conditions of a family in the 19th century. Harelbeke’s Erfgoedapp includes a route following in the footsteps of the First World War to several places in Harelbeke associated with wartime events.

The Harlebeke New British Cemetery commemorates the consequences of the First World War with specific historical details. It is the final resting place mainly of fallen soldiers from Northern Ireland’s 36th (Ulster) Division who died after 16 October 1918 and were transferred to Harelbeke in 1920. In 1924, graves from more than forty German cemeteries in the Ypres Salient were added to the cemetery.

Nature and water-based activities

De Gavers has a beekeeping site, birdwatching hides and an arboretum. The Gaverput walking route in De Gavers is 4.7 km long. There is a designated swimming area at Gavermeer, and you can kayak on the lake. Seasonal operation may change for both the swimming area and kayaking. Check the latest information before your visit.

At Moleneiland in Harelbeke, cyclists and walkers can take a break by the water. The Oude Leiearm in Bavikhove is an area where you can go for a walk. In winter, it is a well-known resting place for various duck and heron species. The nature experiences differ: winter birdwatching is the main attraction at the Oude Leiearm, while De Gavers also offers a walking route and water-based activities.

Choose routes by theme and distance

Harelbeke’s Heritage Walk takes you through the town centre and explains notable buildings using information panels. The 27 km Peter Benoit cycling route begins at the Peter Benoit monument in Harelbeke’s town park on Stationsstraat. For walks, the signposted Oude Leie walk covers 10.8 km from Bavikhove via the Oude Leiearm to the three-stage lock at Ooigem and Desselgem. Its length may change if the route is revised, so check the route information before setting out.

The two walking routes mentioned differ clearly in distance: the Gaverput walking route, at 4.7 km, is shorter than the Oude Leie walk, at 10.8 km. The “Trage Wegen” paths in Harelbeke have name signs that help you identify each path. They are part of the walking and cycling network and offer an alternative to asphalt roads with heavy car traffic.

Guided visits and reservations

A guided tour of De Roterij explains in detail the development of the water mill, built in 1128, and flax processing. A visit ends with a tour of the host’s artworks, including sculptures and paintings. You should plan to make a reservation for a visit.

At De Brabandere, individual visitors and groups of fewer than 20 people can join a visit on Wednesday afternoons after making a reservation. A tasting is included in the price. As operational visit details may change, check the conditions before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Bavikhove, Spiere-Helkijn, Koksijde-Bad, Oudenburg, Diksmuide, Ichtegem, Beernem, Ingelmunster.

Go to the regional travel overview: West Flanders.