Waregem: Parkland, Nature and History

Waregem offers several distinct reasons to stay: a protected park in the English landscape style, natural areas associated with birdlife, and places where history comes to life. There is also street art in several districts and a large racecourse. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether park walks, nature or culture and remembrance will shape your stay.

Parkland and Public Parks

Baron Casier Park is a protected park in the English landscape style. Visitors can stroll along its walking paths and footbridge. The park is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; from 1 November to 31 March, it closes at 7:00 p.m. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Ter Elst Park offers a different point of reference: it is a public park in the Waregem station area. Baron Casier is notable for its English landscape style and walking paths with a footbridge; Ter Elst can be identified by its location near the station. This means Waregem offers different connections to parks, without both places offering the same experience.

Nature Along a Former Railway Embankment and Sand Pit

The 1.5-kilometre-long former railway embankment, Oude Spoorwegberm, lies in the former floodplain of the Gaverbeek, the Mei- and Gaverbeekse meersen. This area is characterised mainly by pasture and hay meadows. On the signposted route through the Oude Spoorwegberm, white posts mark the way. More than 100 migrating and breeding bird species have already been observed there.

The Zavelput has a different origin: it is not a natural pond, but a former sand pit. After excavation ceased, it filled with water, creating a biodiverse ecosystem. Today, the area is managed as a nature reserve. The Zavelput is also a draw for birds that follow the Leie during their spring and autumn migrations. While the Oude Spoorwegberm’s connection to nature is characterised by more than 100 observed migrating and breeding bird species, the Zavelput is specifically associated with both migration seasons along the Leie.

Remembrance and Cultural Heritage

Flanders Field American Cemetery is the only American First World War cemetery in Belgium. In its Visitor’s Room, visitors can learn more about American involvement in the First World War in Belgium, the cemetery’s origins and personal stories of fallen soldiers. These topics connect the historical context with individual life stories.

Another landmark is the 58-metre-high tower of the Sint-Amandus en Sint-Blasiuskerk. It has been a protected monument since 1858. The history of the Lordship of Nieuwenhove dates back to the Middle Ages. Goed te Nieuwenhove is a separate site: its buildings originally date from the 18th century, and the site on the border between Waregem and Deerlijk is now protected cultural heritage.

Street Art and Racecourse

Tour Elentrik adds a contemporary touch. The street art project decorates 20 electricity cabinets with artwork. They are spread across Beveren-Leie, Desselgem, Sint-Eloois-Vijve and central Waregem, with five cabinets in each district or area. This distribution makes the project’s connection to several parts of Waregem clear.

The Gaverbeekhippodroom adds a large racecourse to these attractions: the complex covers 17 hectares and includes, among other things, stables, an all-weather track and a body of water. This clearly distinguishes it from the parks and natural areas, which can be explored through their walking paths, landscapes and birdlife.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment, it can help to first weigh up your interests: park walks, nature and birds, or culture and remembrance each offer a different focus. Guide your search for a base by which of these topics you would like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Zedelgem, Koksijde-Bad, Knokke-Heist, Ingelmunster, Tielt, Koekelare, Pittem, Vleteren

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