Nestled on the banks of the Lys River, the Flemish city of Kortrijk—one of the oldest in the country—is a true Belgian gem. Your exploration begins with a captivating journey through time, following in the footsteps of the famous Battle of the Golden Spurs and taking in its Gothic monuments, from its UNESCO-listed beguinage to the iconic Broel Towers. But Kortrijk also knows how to live in the present. With its lush parks, the creative Buda Island, its trendy urban beach, and refreshing boat rides along the river, the city exudes a surprising energy. An irresistible getaway that perfectly combines medieval splendor with the good life.
The City of Knights: A Journey to the Heart of Legendary Flanders
The journey through Kortrijk begins at the Grand-Place, dominated by its UNESCO-listed Belfry and its Gothic town hall. Just a stone’s throw away,St. Martin’s Church reveals its 240-step tower and mystical chapel, while its old cemetery comes alive in the summer with cozy terraces. But the real journey back in time takes place at the 1302 Museum, where you can relive the legendary Battle of the Golden Spurs, in which, in the early 14th century, Flemish militias defeated the cream of French chivalry.
This glorious past is also evident in the suspended silence of the St. Elizabeth Beguinage—a UNESCO-designated haven of peace founded in 1238—and at the Collegiate Church of Our Lady, home to the Chapel of the Counts of Flanders. Finally, the famous Broel Towers—remnants of the ramparts built by the Dukes of Burgundy, connected by a bridge where the patron saint of sailors watches over—are proudly reflected in the Lys River. A setting worthy of a swashbuckling adventure novel.
From the urban beach to trendy terraces: Kortrijk’s vibrant summer
Designated a UNESCO Creative City, Kortrijk comes alive all summer long along the river.Buda Island is its beating heart: this former industrial hub has been transformed into a hub of creativity, home to BK6, the Fabrique Buda, and the Budascoop. This is where you’ll find Buda Beach, the trendy summer hotspot where locals and travelers gather to enjoy a drink with their feet in the sand. Just a stone’s throw away, skateboarding enthusiasts can enjoy the skatebowl, while the TEXTURE museum tracesthe local history of the linen industry.
For nature lovers, the Lys River offers an idyllic setting for a bucolic boat ride or a leisurely stroll through King Albert Park, a haven of peace that is home to the river memorial. Further on,the former military grounds of ‘t Plein have been transformed into a modern garden featuring refreshing fountains and a unique open-air theater. Finally, the city’s transformation is evident in its seven designer bridges, such as the Collegebrug, which undulates over the water, harmoniously connecting the historic center to the neighboring dynamic eco-neighborhood.
