Heule – Mills, castle park and local history

Whichever of these topics interests you most can give your trip planning a clear direction.

Mills and local history

Preetjesmolen is a windmill with a solid base and the now extremely rare function of a flax scutching mill. It was built around 1866 for the farmer Pieter Deprez-Holvoet from Heule. Heule Watermolen is mentioned as early as 1284. The two mills therefore highlight different aspects of history: the early mention of a watermill and the construction of a flax scutching mill in the 19th century.

The centre of Heule-Watermolen developed at the intersection of the Heulebeek and the main road from Kortrijk to Bruges. This local history adds the origins of the centre to the information about the mills. The history of the farm offers another perspective: the lord of the lordship of Heule held the farm as a fief from the Count of Flanders, specifically from Kortrijk Castle. This also brings the former feudal system into view.

Castle park, farm and Streuvels

Kasteel van Heule was built between 1883 and 1895 in the eclectic style. Kasteeldomein van Heule includes a landscape-style park with a characteristic pond and bridges with wrought-iron railings. The building history and the park design are distinct aspects of the estate. The Streuvels Monument has stood in Heule Castle Park since 1971. It consists of a sturdy millstone made of hard stone, set on a pillar. A four-armed sun symbol is engraved on the surface of the stone.

Hof van Heule is a well-preserved, late-medieval complex of two parts surrounded by a moat. It is divided into an upper court and a lower court; the lower court contains a farm. The residence is now protected heritage and the only surviving place in Heule where the young Streuvels grew up. The portrait of Tineke van Heule depicts a country girl in a long shirt, in a carefree and playful pose. The farm complex, the literary remembrance and the portrait offer different ways to explore the historical themes.

Routes, trails and access

The “Streuvelen door Heule” themed walk is a circular route of approximately 7.5 kilometres, starting and ending at Heuleplaats. It is available through the Erfgoedapp. Its approximate length and fixed start and end point give you a clear framework for planning this walk.

De Groene Verbinding is a cycling and walking route that provides a safe connection from Heule to the city centre. The route information was published on 1 October 2025; as trail conditions can change, check the latest information in advance. Heule centre has also been converted into a bicycle zone. The connection to the city centre and the bicycle zone in the village centre are two distinct points of reference for planning your trip.

De Warande is freely accessible from sunrise to sunset. This time frame can help you plan your day around a visit.

Discover more destinations: Bellegem.

Return to the main travel overview: Kortrijk.