Things To Do
in Harelbeke
Harelbeke is a small Flemish town in West Flanders, Belgium, situated on the banks of the Leie river a few kilometers west of Kortrijk. It blends a modest historic centre with active cycling culture, green recreation areas and a legacy of textile and industrial heritage. The town is best known internationally for the spring professional cycling race (E3 Harelbeke) and locally for its lakes, riverside paths and quiet neighbourhoods.
Harelbeke makes a practical base for exploring the Leie valley, nearby medieval towns and the Belgian-French border region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Harelbeke by visiting the local bakery to enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque streets to see the charming architecture and vibrant street art that reflects the region's culture. Don't forget to stop by the local market to experience the lively atmosphere and perhaps purchase some fresh produce or handmade crafts.
In the afternoon, head to the Harelbeke Town Hall to admire its stunning architecture and learn about the town's history in the museum located within. Afterward, make your way to the beautiful De Beulepark, where you can relax and soak up the serene environment surrounded by lush greenery. For a more active adventure, rent a bicycle to explore the scenic cycling paths that lead you through the beautiful countryside.
As the sun sets, choose from one of Harelbeke's cozy restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in authentic Belgian cuisine such as moules-frites. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Leie River, enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water. Finish your evening at a local pub, sampling some of Belgium's finest beers while mingling with the friendly locals.
Begin your day with a visit to the nearby Kortrijk to explore the artistic exhibits at the Texture Museum. Enjoy the coffee at the museum's café while immersing yourself in the stories of textile history that shaped the region. Once you leave the museum, take a short walk along the riverbanks to appreciate the lush landscapes.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby provincial domain of Boucomment, where you can enjoy a leisurely hike through the expansive natural park filled with diverse flora and fauna. The tranquil scenery offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxed picnic lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings. After your hike, visit a local artisan workshop to learn about traditional crafts and maybe even try your hand at one.
For dinner, seek out a local eatery that specializes in farm-to-table dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients from the region. Enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere as you share stories with fellow diners, enhancing the experience of local hospitality. Conclude your night with a visit to a nearby music venue, where you can enjoy live performances showcasing local talent.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Local train/bus ticket (single) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature with lakes and riverside trails (De Gavers, Leie).
- Strong cycling culture and access to famous race routes.
- Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared with larger Belgian cities.
- Good base for day trips to Kortrijk, Bruges and French border towns.
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself.
- Weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain.
- Fewer international transport links directly to town — airports require onward travel.
- Some smaller businesses may have limited English support.
- "Hallo / Goeiedag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u (of dankje)" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ik heb hulp nodig" - I need help
Places to Visit in Harelbeke
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light on the towpaths, reflections, boating activity and old bridges make the riverside ideal for landscape and lifestyle shots.
A lake, wetlands and open skies provide varied nature photography: waterfowl, reeds, sunsets and seasonal flora.
Traditional Flemish facades, market stalls and everyday town life are perfect for street and architectural photography.
Sections of the famous E3 race route and surrounding country lanes capture dynamic shots of cyclists and rolling Flemish countryside.
Food in Harelbeke
Harelbeke Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew made with beer, onions and thyme — comforting and widely available in local brasseries.
Must-Try!
Mussels cooked in white wine or cream served with crispy fries; common in the region, especially on market days or at brasseries.
Thick-cut double-fried fries sold at fry stands and cafes — a must-try street snack.
A variety of regional cheeses and smoked meats often sold at markets and delis.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market (typically held on weekends) offers fresh produce, breads, cheeses and local snacks — great for assembling a picnic or sampling regional specialties.
Street vendors and bakery counters around the centre sell fries, waffles and pastries that are ideal for quick, tasty local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
West Flanders is Dutch-speaking (Flemish). Simple greetings like 'Hallo' or 'Goeiedag' are appreciated; many people speak English, especially younger residents, but try a few Dutch phrases as a courtesy.
Belgians value punctuality for appointments and tours; be polite, wait your turn in queues and keep noise levels moderate in public places.
Recycling is common — follow local bins for paper, plastics and glass. Don’t litter and follow any posted rules in nature reserves.
Safety
Tipping in Harelbeke
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not required. For taxis, cafés and small services, round up or add a euro or two.
Contactless cards and debit/credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; carry some cash (euros) for small market stalls, fry stands and very small businesses. ATMs are available in town and nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest months with temperatures usually in the mid-teens to mid-20s °C (60s–70s °F). Great for lake activities at De Gavers, cycling and outdoor dining, but expect occasional rain showers and busy weekends.
Crisp air, colourful foliage along riverbanks and quieter trails; ideal for cycling and photography. Temperatures cool and rainfall increases toward late autumn.
Mild but chilly and damp rather than severely cold; short daylight hours and occasional frost. Some outdoor facilities may have reduced hours — bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
Blossoming countryside and the return of cycling events (including E3 Harelbeke typically in March). Unpredictable weather — a mix of sunny days and showers — is common.
Harelbeke at Night
Hiking in Harelbeke
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of well-marked trails around a lake and wetland reserve suitable for short walks, birdwatching and family outings.
Scenic riverside paths that run for many kilometres, offering flat, easy hiking and photography opportunities through farmland and small villages.
A collection of regional walking routes through the Leie valley that link small villages, fields and riverside viewpoints — ideal for longer day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Harelbeke by plane.
A small regional airport close to Harelbeke used mainly for general aviation and some charter flights; best for private flights and some small commuter services.
Approximately 40–60 km away (drive time ~40–60 minutes depending on traffic); good low-cost flight options and convenient for cross-border visitors with car or bus connections.
Belgium's main international airport about 90–110 km away (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or 1.5–2 hours by train from Kortrijk); many international connections and car hire options.
A medium-sized airport to the northwest that offers seasonal and some international flights; reachable by car in around an hour depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Dutch-speaking (Flemish) Belgians, including families and older long-term residents.
Harelbeke attracts commuters who work in Kortrijk and nearby cities, and young families seeking quieter residential life close to urban amenities.
Proximity to the French border means some cross-border workers and cultural exchange with neighbouring French communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is almost a local religion — road cycling, racing and recreational routes are everywhere, and the town is associated with the E3 Harelbeke professional race.
Local amateur football clubs are active and popular for participants and spectators alike.
Common community sports with clubs and facilities available in the area and neighbouring towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harelbeke.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in cafes and larger restaurants (salads, cheese plates, vegetable stews). Always ask for 'vegetarisch' dishes and staff usually can adapt classics by swapping meat for seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options are more limited in traditional eateries but growing; specialists and larger towns nearby (Kortrijk) offer dedicated vegan restaurants. Look for vegetable-based soups, salads, fries and vegan-friendly bakeries.
Tolerance for gluten-free diets is improving; many cafes can provide gluten-free options but always specify 'glutenvrij' and check for cross-contamination in bakeries and fry stands.