Kortrijk: from textile to culture

Kortrijk has successfully transformed its textile past into a contemporary cultural hub where design, art and literature go hand in hand. This thematic route focuses on the story of the city: from the flax trade on the Leie to today's vibrant stages and museums. All five stops are accessible to wheelchair users and mostly within walking distance of each other.

The Kortrijk city library is an inspiring starting point. This modern building has lifts to every floor, adapted workstations and an excellent collection on local history and textiles. Ask at the desk about the historical reference works on the Leie region. The Broelmuseum within walking distance shows the art and textile history of Kortrijk in an atmospheric hotel-museum on the Leie, with adapted access via the side entrance and a lift to the upper floors.

The Groeningepark offers a green break with paved paths and the iconic Groeninge monument, which recalls the Battle of the Golden Spurs of 1302. Round off the cultural tour at the Schouwburg Kortrijk, an architectural gem with an accessible auditorium and reserved wheelchair spaces — check the programme for a matinee or evening performance. If you want to end on a sporting note, you can head to the AZ Groeninge Sportcentrum for adapted exercise.

Practical tips: Parking Schouwburg and Parking Broeltorens have reduced-mobility spaces close to the cultural cluster. Distances between library, museum, park and theatre are 200 to 500 metres each, but watch out for a few cobbled stretches along the Leie. Adapted toilets can be found in the library, the theatre and the sports centre. For lunch there are accessible terraces on the Grote Markt and along the Leie banks.