Located in West Flanders, this Belgian city has medieval roots and a lively center. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets, historic churches, and museums like the Begijnhof and Broelmuseum.
Kortrijk, located in Belgium's Flemish region, is a city where you can climb a UNESCO-listed belfry, stroll through a 13th-century beguinage, and walk along a renewed riverfront. The city center is car-free, making it easy to explore on foot. Kortrijk also has an active music scene and good train connections to other Belgian cities and nearby Lille in France.
Modern Kortrijk
Kortrijk has transformed its urban landscape in recent years. The Leie River, once crucial to the city's flax industry, now forms the centerpiece of urban renewal. You'll find landscaped quays, an urban beach, and seven new bridges with unique designs along the riverfront. Take a walk along the river banks to see the medieval Broel Towers, remnants of the city's old defenses.
The K in Kortrijk shopping center, opened in 2010, brought over 90 shops to the city center. For a taste of Kortrijk's contemporary culture, head to Buda Island. This former industrial area now houses artists and innovators. You can visit the cafes or cultural venues in the Buda Street area to experience the city's modern atmosphere.
Exploring Kortrijk's Historic Center
The Grote Markt forms the heart of Kortrijk. This spacious square is lined with cafes and restaurants. The square's most prominent structure is the 14th-century belfry, a 92-foot tall tower with four distinctive spires. It's part of UNESCO's World Heritage list, and you can climb to the top for views across the city. Next to the belfry stands the town hall, a blend of late-Gothic and early Renaissance styles, adorned with statues of the Counts of Flanders on its facade.
A short walk from the Grote Markt takes you to the Saint Elisabeth Beguinage, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This area of small white houses with orange roofs dates back to 1238. As you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, you'll see where the Beguines, lay religious women, lived in past centuries.
Kortrijk's Textile History
To learn about Kortrijk's past as a linen production center, visit the Texture museum. Located in an old flax warehouse by the Leie, the museum uses interactive displays and historical objects to tell the story of the region's textile industry. You can view flax-processing machines, touch different fabrics, and learn how linen production influenced Kortrijk over the centuries.
Kortrijk for Food and Music
You can try Belgian dishes in Kortrijk's restaurants and cafes. Local foods include Kalletaart (apple cake with Calvados) and Peperbollen (spiced cookies). For coffee, visit Perles & Confiture, known for its cappuccinos.
Kortrijk is becoming a music hub in Flanders. The city hosts various concerts and festivals throughout the year, ranging from classical performances to rock and electronic music events.
Getting to and Around Kortrijk
Kortrijk has frequent train services from Brussels (about 1 hour), Ghent (20-30 minutes), and Lille in France (30 minutes). In the city, much of the center is pedestrianized, making it easy to explore on foot. Kortrijk also has a large public transport network run by De Lijn, with bus services in the city and to nearby areas.
