Discover Bellegem: Forest, History and Trails

Bellegem brings together nature experiences, architectural history and local traditions in a compact area. The village centre lies on Sint-Leonardusberg, a ridge 65 metres above sea level. This offers several perspectives for planning your trip: you can focus on the forest and a hiking trail, follow historical traces or get to know Bellegem through its long-standing brewing tradition.

Forest and hiking trail in Bellegembos

Together, Argendaelbos and Bellegembos cover 29.05 hectares of woodland, avenues and nature. They lie along the Doornikserijksweg between Argendaalstraat and Leuzestraat. Bellegembos is part of the oak–beech forest type, with Atlantic bluebells, and has a diverse flora including several rare species. This makes the forest an informative destination for anyone who wants to appreciate the character of the landscape more closely during their trip.

Bellegembos has a freely accessible hiking trail. Only hikers are allowed there; cycling is not permitted. If you are planning your holiday without cycling excursions and would rather explore on foot, this clear rule is important when choosing your activities. Bellegem’s natural side can thus be considered independently of its cultural and historical sights.

Churches, chapels and historical traces

The parish church of Sint-Amandus was built in the 13th century on the remains of a Romanesque church dating from around 1180. Visible traces of the Gothic building have been preserved in the choir, the crossing tower and the transept arms, including exposed masonry made of Tournai stone. The church also contains a baptismal font probably dating from the Gothic period, made of bluestone and dating from the 13th century. Anyone interested in ecclesiastical architecture and older local history will find several specific details here rather than merely a date.

Opposite the farm access road of Van Mortagne Farm stands a listed chapel. It is a rare example of a concrete wayside chapel with an octagonal floor plan and a canopy-like zinc roof with fringes. It was built to ward off the ghosts said to roam around Van Mortagne Farm. Another historical trace is the neo-Gothic monastery chapel, built in 1857 and used until 1958. Kattebergmolen is also part of the local history: it is a surviving remnant of the wooden post mill Kattebergmolen, also known as Lonckes molen, which was largely demolished in 1952.

Route and local brewing tradition

The Goedendagroute passes through Zwevegem, Bellegem, Rollegem, the border with Mouscron, Aalbeke and Marke. It is signposted with hexagonal signs. This provides a broader route through several villages in addition to the individual forest trail. When planning your day, bear in mind that the route connects various stops without reducing Bellegem to just one attraction.

The local culinary history is also part of the village’s character. Omer Vander Ghinste Brewery has been brewing in Bellegem since 1892. For travellers who value regional traditions as much as landscapes and architecture, this long brewing history adds another distinct aspect to the picture of the village.

The right holiday apartment for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bellegem, you can choose between a stay focused on individual destinations and a broader tour plan. The freely accessible hiking trail in Bellegembos remains restricted to pedestrians, while the Goedendagroute connects several villages.

If you would like to compare another nearby place when planning your trip, you can also look at Heule.

For the overarching travel overview: Kortrijk.