Things To Do
in Wervik
Wervik is a small Flemish border town in West Flanders, Belgium, sitting on the banks of the Leie (Lys) river and close to the French border. It blends quiet residential streets, a compact market square and riverside green spaces with a history tied to agriculture and light industry. The town is known locally for its sweet onions and approachable, down-to-earth hospitality rather than big tourist crowds.
Wervik makes a convenient base for cycling along the Leie, short cross-border day trips into northern France, and visiting larger West Flemish centers like Kortrijk and Ypres.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Wervik and check into your cozy accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the local architecture. Don’t forget to stop by a local café for a fresh pastry and coffee, fueling your adventure ahead.
Visit the historic St. Amandus Church, where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture and colorful stained glass. Afterwards, take some time to explore the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs. Consider having lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling traditional Belgian dishes.
End your first day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, possibly trying some authentic Flemish stew. After dinner, take a walk by the river, enjoying the serene views as the sun sets. Reflect on your day while sipping a Belgian beer at a riverside tavern.
After breakfast, delve into Wervik’s rich history at the local museum to learn about its past and cultural significance. Spend the morning exploring artifacts and exhibits that tell the stories of the area. Engage with the friendly staff, who can provide insights and recommendations for your stay.
Join a guided tour of the town, where a local historian will share fascinating tales and anecdotes about its developments over the centuries. As you wander, take in the beautiful parks and scenic spots that outline the town. Grab a light lunch at a quaint café in the town square to refuel.
On your return to your accommodation, plan for a low-key evening in a local pub, enjoying live music and the friendly ambiance. Sample a variety of Belgian snacks while mingling with locals. Wind down your day with a quiet evening walk, taking in the lovely nighttime atmosphere of Wervik.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $3-5 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (within town) | $6-12 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries (basic, per person) | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Flemish small-town atmosphere with riverside charm
- Excellent cycling and walking routes along the Leie
- Close to cross-border destinations in France and larger West Flemish cities
- Affordable compared with major Belgian tourist centers
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions within the town itself
- Fewer dining and accommodation options than nearby regional hubs
- Public transport connections are modest—best with a car or bike
- Weather can be changeable with frequent rain
- "Hallo / Goedendag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u wel (or Dankjewel)" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft (formal) / Alsjeblieft (informal)" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
Places to Visit in Wervik
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque riverside views, reflections of bridges and boats, especially attractive at golden hour and in calm weather.
Charming streets, market scenes, local architecture and everyday life provide strong documentary-style photo opportunities.
The crossing points and smaller bridges near the French border offer strong compositions with water, stone and rural backdrops.
Nearby agricultural landscapes—fields, hedgerows and country lanes—are ideal for seasonal photography, especially during harvest or spring blooms.
Food in Wervik
Wervik Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew made with Belgian beer, served with fries or mashed potatoes; commonly found in local brasseries and a must-try for comfort-food lovers.
Must-Try!
Wervik is known in the region for its sweet onions—look for onion tarts, soups and dishes that highlight this local produce at markets and seasonal menus.
Classic Belgian fries from a local fritkot with a choice of sauces; a simple staple often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical small-town market selling fresh produce, breads, cheeses and deli items—best for sampling local onions, seasonal vegetables and baked goods; check local listings for market day.
Occasional stalls and festivals along the Leie offer street-food snacks, local beers and regional specialties during summer and town events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake for first meetings is standard; a friendly greeting in Dutch (Flemish) such as 'Hallo' or 'Goedendag' is appreciated.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; French may also be spoken near the border. Many locals speak at least some English—trying a few words in Dutch is polite.
Be respectful of quiet residential areas in the evening; Flemish communities value punctuality and polite, low-key behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Wervik
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills; leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. In cafés and for taxis, rounding up to the next euro or adding a few euros is common.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small vendors, market stalls and some cafés may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, increasingly sunny days interspersed with showers; blossoms and green riverbanks make it a pleasant time for walking and cycling. Bring a light waterproof jacket and layers.
Warm but rarely very hot, with long daylight hours—ideal for outdoor activities, riverside dining and regional festivals. Pack light layers for cooler evenings and sun protection for daytime.
Cooler temperatures and more rain; beautiful autumn colors along the Leie make for scenic walks. Bring waterproof footwear and a warm jacket.
Cold and damp with occasional frost or light snow; some attractions and cafés may have reduced hours—dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Wervik at Night
Hiking in Wervik
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, easy paths along the Leie for short or extended walks—suitable for all fitness levels and ideal for birdwatching and riverside photography.
A short drive away, the hills around Heuvelland and Kemmelberg offer more challenging walks with elevated viewpoints, World War I sites and panoramic landscapes.
Historic walking routes and memorial trails around Ypres provide a combination of rural scenery and significant cultural and wartime heritage sites.
Airports
How to reach Wervik by plane.
A small regional airport close to Kortrijk, used mainly for business and general aviation—useful for private flights or charters; main commercial flights are limited.
About a 45–60 minute drive depending on traffic; offers both domestic and international flights and good rail and road connections to West Flanders.
Major international airport roughly 1.5–2 hours by car or train; best option for long-haul and many international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Dutch (Flemish)-speaking Belgians, including families, local business owners and agricultural workers.
Proximity to France means there are frequent cross-border interactions—residents, shoppers and workers often travel between Belgium and nearby French towns.
Like many small towns, Wervik has a steady mix of families and an aging population, with strong local neighborhood networks.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular in Flanders, both as recreation and sport—numerous road and off-road routes, and a strong local cycling culture.
Local amateur football clubs are common and community-oriented, with youth and adult teams playing regional leagues.
Running, walking groups and river-based leisure activities are typical for residents who use local green spaces and paths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wervik.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants; expect salads, omelettes, and vegetable-based mains, but always ask about stocks and sauces that may contain meat or fish flavorings.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are becoming more common but may be limited in small-town restaurants—plan ahead, look for larger venues in Kortrijk or bring snacks, and ask staff for ingredient details.
Staff are generally helpful—carry translations of allergy requirements in Dutch or English, and verify when ordering, since traditional recipes often use dairy, gluten or nuts.