Kuurne between heritage and nature

Kuurne offers different perspectives on culture and landscape: the protected Verschaeve flax mill, historic buildings and paths through natural areas invite you to discover the town in your own way. For your planning, you can choose between a heritage route, hikes, nature walks and a signposted cycling circuit.

Discover Kuurne’s heritage

The Verschaeve flax mill dates back to 1936. The protected monument includes the chimney and the integrated cultural assets. Its location by the Leie and the typology of its various components also shape its distinctive character: the mill is therefore considered a typological example. A visit focuses not just on a single structure, but on how the elements work together.

Another historical landmark is Sint-Michielskerk. The present church building was constructed in 1878 in the Neo-Gothic style, based on plans by architect Arthur Croquison. Hoeve Vandewalle, in turn, is one of the oldest known farms in Kuurne. The farm was mentioned as early as 1405 under the names Ten Driessche and Goet te Coppenholle. These dates and buildings provide tangible points of reference for Kuurne’s history, which spans more than a single era.

On the Kuurne heritage route, you’ll encounter buildings, monuments, squares and façades, as well as characteristic landscapes, viewpoints and architecture. Information boards along the route add historical photographs, interesting facts and interactive activities for younger visitors. This lets you combine looking at the buildings with little discovery tasks; the stops along the way give the route its own narrative thread.

Walking trails and natural areas

The four colour-coded Ezelgem walks cover the cardinal directions, each showing a different side of Kuurne. They all start at the Kubox car park and are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you’re planning these walks, the shared starting point is a useful landmark for finding your way.

The Groene Long is a nature development park of around seven hectares, within walking distance of the centre. Its landscape features include water and marsh areas with boardwalks. Children aged seven to twelve can also enjoy the family-friendly Blobspeurtocht: the search is about 1.5 kilometres long and leads through the Groene Long. If you’re looking for a shorter nature break, you can also consider the Heulebeekdomein; it’s suitable for a short walk and is home to one of the most beautiful and species-rich woodland plant communities.

The Vlaspark has a woodland playground with several different play features: a barefoot trail, a log obstacle course, a Hobbit playhouse and a climbing frame. So, alongside its walking and nature trails, Kuurne also offers specific opportunities to play outdoors. Families can choose activities according to their interests and children’s ages: the Blobspeurtocht is specifically recommended for children aged seven to twelve, while the woodland playground in the Vlaspark has other play options.

Cycling and choosing the right location

The “Paters en hertoginnen” cycling route is a 37.7-kilometre circular route. You can start at the Damier car park in Lt.-Gen.-Gérardstraat and follow the signs from there to junction 67. Route details may be updated, so check the latest information before setting off. Trotting races and events are held at Hippodroom Kuurne. The programme may change, so it’s worth checking the event dates when planning your visit.

When choosing a holiday apartment, the different starting points and activities you’re interested in may be relevant. If you’re planning to visit the Groene Long on foot, its stated walking distance from the centre is a helpful reference when searching. The Ezelgem walks and cycling route, on the other hand, start at Kubox and the Damier car park, respectively. Consider which activities matter most for your stay, and check your plans against the relevant starting-point and route information.

Discover more destinations: Koekelare, Damme, Bredene, Wingene, Kortemark, Diksmuide, Koksijde, Menen.

For the regional travel overview: West Flanders.