Attractions and Places To See around Izegem - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Izegem, a city in West Flanders, Belgium, highlight its industrial heritage, historical landmarks, and green spaces. The city is known for its shoe and brush-making industries, which are showcased in cultural sites. Izegem also features impressive castles and waterways like the River Mandel and Roeselare-Leie Canal. Its surrounding areas offer natural features such as the Blauwhuis Castle Park and the provincial domain Sterrebos.
Best attractions and places to see around Izegem
- The most popular attractions is Rumbeke Castle, a castle located within the 27-hectare provincial domain Sterrebos. This historical site, renovated in a classical style in the 18th century, has been inhabited by noble families for centuries.
- Another must-see spot is Broel Towers, a man-made monument consisting of two medieval towers and a bridge over the Leie river. These towers are a protected monument and one of the most important sights in the region.
- Visitors also love College Bridge, a pylon bridge for pedestrians and cyclists with a characteristic zigzag shape. This slender construction is a technical feat, completely suspended from two slanting pylons.
- Izegem is known for its historical castles, industrial heritage museums, and significant waterways. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from cultural sites detailing shoe and brush-making to extensive parklands.
- The attractions around Izegem are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 340 upvotes and 40 photos shared across 21 highlights.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
College Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Our tip: Budo Beach - who needs Bali or the Bahamas anymore?
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Broel Towers
Highlight • Monument
Here you can sit comfortably on one of the terraces and people watch or you can get a coffee to go and sit comfortably on the quay with a view of the beautiful Broeltorens, some of the few remains of the old city fortifications.
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Harelbeke Windmill
Highlight • Monument
The Province of West Flanders purchased it in 1978 for the symbolic sum of one franc with the aim of restoring it and transferring it to the De Gavers Provincial Estate. It was fully restored according to the building plan of the old Koutermolen. The restored Koutermolen was inaugurated on September 19, 1987. Thirty years later, a thorough renovation of the outer shell was again necessary.
The mill was fully restored in 2021. The mill was officially opened in April 2022 and stands proudly on its 7-meter-high mound, a guardian of the estate.
Source: westvlaanderen.be
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Bergelen Provincial Domain
Highlight • Natural
In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested.
In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there.
You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775.
A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center.
Source: wevelgem.be
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Rumbeke Castle
Highlight • Castle
source: hiking guide Flanders route GR 128
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Tips from the Community
A miniature version of the castle to give visually impaired people a tangible image of the castle. Equipped with Braille.
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The Bergelen Provincial Estate in Wevelgem developed around a 10-hectare artificial sand extraction pit. The sand was used for the construction of the E403 (A17) motorway in the early 1970s. The municipality purchased this pit and surrounding land between 1989 and 1995. Various planting activities and numerous management works (reprofiling the banks, creating a water berm, building observation huts and walls, creating walking paths, constructing a bat shelter, digging ponds, etc.) were carried out by the municipal council. This created a small but very interesting nature reserve. In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested. In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there. You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775. A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center. Source: wevelgem.be
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The mill is now open to the public. If you see the blue flag flying, you can enter. You can also arrange a visit by emailing gavers@west-vlaanderen.be or calling 056 23 40 10.
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The Koutermolen is a wooden post mill that stood from the early 19th century until 1982, about 300 meters from its current location. Fate struck twice: in 1892, the mill burned down completely, and in 1917, the Germans demolished the newly constructed mill to build an airfield. After the First World War, the Deerlijk State Mill was moved to the site of the Koutermolen. In 1948, the mill stopped operating and fell into disrepair. The Province of West Flanders purchased it in 1978 for the symbolic sum of one franc with the aim of restoring it and transferring it to the De Gavers Provincial Estate. It was fully restored according to the building plan of the old Koutermolen. The restored Koutermolen was inaugurated on September 19, 1987. Thirty years later, a thorough renovation of the outer shell was again necessary. The mill was fully restored in 2021. The mill was officially opened in April 2022 and stands proudly on its 7-meter-high mound, a guardian of the estate. Source: westvlaanderen.be
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Yes, with family. Not for a sporting activity.
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The Broel Towers are a protected monument, first dating back to 1386 & 1415 (second tower). They were built to control the traffic on the River Leie. They had to be rebuilt after the first and second world wars
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Beautiful mill, if you are lucky it also works and flour is ground.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Izegem?
Izegem boasts a rich history reflected in its landmarks. You can visit the impressive Rumbeke Castle, located within the provincial domain Sterrebos, which has been inhabited by noble families for centuries. The city's Belfry, situated in the Market Square, is another significant historical site, once part of the old cloth hall. Additionally, the Broel Towers, medieval structures over the Leie river, are a protected monument and a key historical sight in the region.
Are there any museums in Izegem focusing on its industrial heritage?
Yes, Izegem is known for its industrial past, particularly in shoe and brush making. The Eperon d'Or (Shoe and Brush Museum) offers a fascinating look into these crafts, housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that was once a shoe factory. You can also discover the Steam and Power Museum, which showcases a colossal 110-ton steam engine from 1936, providing insight into the world of steam and electricity (visits are by appointment).
What natural features or parks are there to enjoy around Izegem?
The region around Izegem offers several green spaces. The Blauwhuis Castle Park, an extensive 11.2-hectare park surrounding the Blauwhuis Castle, is open to the public for walking and cycling. The provincial domain Sterrebos, where Rumbeke Castle is located, is another significant natural feature. The River Mandel and Roeselare-Leie Canal also run through the city, with the banks of the Leie, known as 'Leieborden,' being a popular gathering spot.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Izegem?
Many attractions in Izegem are suitable for families. The parks surrounding Blauwhuis Castle and Wallemote and Wolvenhof Castles offer open spaces for children to explore. The Broel Towers area along the Leie river is also considered family-friendly, with space to relax. For a unique experience, Het Bierkasteel offers tours that can be interesting for older children and adults, showcasing the brewing process.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Izegem?
Izegem and its surroundings are great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for various activities. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Wolvenhof Castle – Wallemote Castle loop' or the 'Roeselare–Leie Canal – St. Peter's Church loop.' Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Ooigem Lock – Cycle Path Along 't Veldbos loop.' You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Izegem and Gravel biking around Izegem guides.
Where can I find unique cultural experiences in Izegem?
Beyond its museums, Izegem offers unique cultural experiences. Het Bierkasteel (The Beer Castle), the impressive brewery complex of Vanhonsebrouck, provides daily tours where you can learn about the brewing craft and taste around 30 different beers. It also features a brasserie and an authentic brown pub, making it a vibrant cultural hub.
Are there any castles in Izegem besides Rumbeke Castle?
Yes, Izegem is home to several impressive castles. The Blauwhuis Castle (Kasteel Blauwhuis) is considered the most impressive building in Izegem, with its neoclassicist architecture and extensive 11.2-hectare park. Additionally, the Wallemote and Wolvenhof Castles (Kastelen Wallemote en Wolvenhof), both designed by the city architect, are notable for their architecture and accompanying parks.
What is the best way to experience the waterways around Izegem?
The River Mandel and Roeselare-Leie Canal are integral to Izegem's landscape. You can enjoy walking or cycling along their banks, particularly the 'Leieborden' which are popular among locals. The Ooigem Lock is a key point of interest on the Roeselare-Leie Canal, connecting it to the Leie river, and offers a good spot for observing river traffic and enjoying the scenery.
What is the College Bridge and why is it notable?
The College Bridge is a pylon bridge designed for pedestrians and cyclists, known for its characteristic zigzag shape. It's a slender construction and a technical feat, completely suspended from two slanting pylons. It connects the Diksmuidekaai with the IJzerkaai over the river Leie, providing a unique architectural landmark and a convenient crossing.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots in the Izegem area?
While Izegem itself is relatively flat, the Belfry in the Market Square offers a historical viewpoint. For natural scenery, the parks of Blauwhuis Castle and Sterrebos provide pleasant environments for walks. The banks of the Leie river, especially near the Broel Towers, offer picturesque views of the waterways and historical architecture.
Are there any easy walking routes suitable for all abilities near Izegem?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes around Izegem. For instance, the 'Wolvenhof Castle – Wallemote Castle loop' is an easy 3.5 km walk, and the 'Roeselare–Leie Canal – St. Peter's Church loop' is another easy option at just over 5 km. These routes often pass through green spaces and along waterways, making them accessible and enjoyable. You can find more details in the Hiking around Izegem guide.
What is the best time to visit Izegem for sightseeing and outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Izegem for sightseeing and outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring historical sites, walking through parks, and enjoying cycling routes. Summer (July and August) is also popular, though it can be warmer and more crowded.
Most popular attractions around Izegem
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