A city with 75,000 inhabitants in the southern part of the province of West Flanders that achieved fame and glory thanks to the flax and linen industry: there’s not much more that people think of when they hear the word Kortrijk. But this city is definitely worth more than just one visit. An unbelievable dynamic rules here and this is clearly visible in the special urban renewal projects.

The Middle Ages are still visible in the city centre, as testified for instance by the sturdy Broel towers on the banks of the Leie, also known as the Golden River. The sober Beguinage is an oasis of peace and is also, in addition to the Belfort, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The late-Gothic city hall, the Baggaertshof, the impressive Church of Our Lady and St. Martin’s Church are the loveliest treasures of Kortrijk’s art-historical heritage.

Inside the regional visitors centre for Kortrijk and the Leie region, you can get to know the touristic interests to be found within this multifaceted region. Among others, the extensive cycling network is a definite must.

Kortrijk 1302 is a multi-media museum that tells the true story behind the Battle of the Golden Spurs that took place on 11 July 1302. Experience the historical battlefield, search for the Golden Spurs, get to know the heroes and the footmen, hear the clash of the weapons and much more. There is also the National Flax Museum and the Broel Museum.

Renowned architects and town planners have redesigned the city with due respect for its past. Whether it concerns renovated or new squares and streets, the preference in Kortrijk is given to sober, contemporary architecture with an eye for detail. For example, the inner city has been given beautified shopping streets and a completely re-laid Grote Markt (Great Market), Veemarkt (Livestock Market) and Diksmuide quay. Other examples of contemporary architecture include the “transparent” courthouse, the Tack brewery towers that have been artistically transformed into a production centre, the new wing of the hospital on the banks of the Leie, the unique skatebowl, the social housing project Pradopark, the repeatedly laurelled new city hall, and much more.

Along the edge of the city, in High Kortrijk, traditional and contemporary architecture are stylishly united on the Kulak University campus and in the design of the new scenic cemetery.

The line games played by curves and right angles also participate in Kortrijk’s design. It all started in the 20th century, when fellow Kortrijkian Jozef De Coene brought together craftspeople and artists in his City of Art. His progressive designs for furniture and complete interiors acquired global fame. Today, the hunt is on for one-of-a-kind items and new trends at the Interieur design biennale, the international meeting point for contemporary home creativity. The design exhibitions and many design shops in the inner city also offer stylish ideas for the home.

There is no lack of economic hotbeds in the dynamic city of Kortrijk. There are various stylish hotels and picturesque bed & breakfasts, as well as many bistros and cafes offering samples of Kortrijk in all its glory. The largest indoor shopping centre, K in Kortrijk, was built in the heart of the city.

Practical information:

Kortrijk is a 30-minute drive from her big French brother, Lille, and a 60-minute drive from Brussels.

Information is available at the Tourist Information and the regional visitors centre for Kortrijk and the Leie region, Begijnhofpark, Kortrijk. Tel. 056/277840, e-mail: toerisme@kortrijk.be, www.kortrijk.be/toerisme