Discover Kortrijk: the Leie, art and history

Kortrijk combines historic buildings, public art and the Leie into a destination with many different facets. The Leie runs through the heart of the city and is a starting point for an afternoon of water sports and water-based leisure activities. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Kortrijk can therefore plan their stay according to their own interests: one day, history and architecture may take centre stage, while another may be devoted to a route on foot or by bicycle.

The Leie and Kortrijk’s historic sights

Along the Verlaagde Leieboorden, public space with ramps and steps is being created on both sides of the Leie. This space functions like a theatre and gives the water a special urban presence. There are also striking reminders of the past. The Broeltorens are protected as a monument, with the exception of the bridge. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is a 13th-century church in Kortrijk’s historic city centre.

The Begijnhof also dates from the 13th century. There, you can stroll past the small houses and around the courtyard. The Stadswandelroute Kortrijk is another option for a historical tour. It starts at Toerisme Kortrijk / Kortrijk 1302 in Begijnhofpark, 8500 Kortrijk, and combines history with contemporary architecture. This makes it possible to plan a day in the city that does not focus only on individual buildings, but connects different eras.

Art trails and special perspectives

Kortrijk can also be discovered through its art offerings. The Kunst Publieke Ruimte wandeling can still be experienced individually or in a group and presents twelve works of art in public spaces. This is one way to combine a walk with a clear cultural focus without limiting yourself to a single museum.

Women Bike The City offers a different perspective. The 5 km cycling route tells the stories of well-known and lesser-known women from Kortrijk. It is suitable as a separate themed element in your travel planning if you would like to combine the city’s history with exercise. Abby Kortrijk complements the cultural offering as a museum of fine art.

Sequence n°1 adds an unusual visual language: the installation creates a sculptural walk through the language of architecture. Each form suggests something, but never becomes a real building. Sequence n°1 was created in 2015 as part of the Flux art trail. The historical context of this art trail is therefore just as relevant to its interpretation as the installation’s independent concept.

The right location for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Kortrijk, it helps to first decide on the rhythm you want. If you prefer history and architecture, the Stadswandelroute, the Begijnhof, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk and the Broeltorens can form the focus. For art-focused days, you can choose from the Kunst Publieke Ruimte wandeling, Abby Kortrijk and Sequence n°1. If you would rather include a cycling route, you can combine Women Bike The City with the other city experiences.

Families and groups travelling with different interests can thus include several ways of exploring the city in their plans without making every day the same. It is best to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home according to your preferred daily schedule and which of these experiences are particularly important for your trip.

Compare other destinations

If you would like to explore other places besides Kortrijk, you can find Bellegem and Heule here. For additional comparisons, you can also choose Koekelare, Heuvelland, Nieuwpoort, Kortemark, Harelbeke and Beernem.

For the higher-level travel overview: West Flanders.