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Bucket List: Amazing Places to Visit in Waregem, Belgium
Waregem is a municipality in the Valley of the Leie River in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. The town has a relatively small population and is famous for its annual horse races. Horses have played an important role in the tradition of Waregem, and even the Great Steeple Chase of Flanders horse race still draws thousands of spectators every August.
Besides the horse race venues and the 18th-century architecture, Waregem is also home to several First World War relics, having been the last fighting field, and is marked by the famous Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial. There are plenty of things to do in this small city, including:
Tour Hippodrome van Waregem
Waregem Hippodrome photo vai Waregem Koerse FB
As you may know by now, Waregem is billed as one of the top destinations in the world for horse racing and lovers of the sport. The sport dates back to 1855, and the most famous spot is the Hippodroom van Waregem, which hosts the annual Great Steeple Chase of Flanders.
The Grote Steeple-Chase van Vlaanderen, as it is known locally, is a 4,600-meter race with 25 obstacles, the most spectacular of which is the water jump across the Gaverbeek River, located in front of the grandstand and taken twice in the race.
Chill at the Public City Park
For a relaxing break in Waregem, Belgium, head to the city’s public park, a pleasant green space where locals and visitors can slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Away from the busier streets, the park offers an easygoing setting for a leisurely walk, a quiet afternoon, or simply a few peaceful moments surrounded by greenery.
Stroll along the pathways, find a comfortable bench, and take in the landscaped gardens and open spaces. It is also a nice spot for families, with plenty of room for children to enjoy some fresh air and for visitors to unwind at their own pace. During warmer months, the park becomes especially inviting, with trees and seasonal plants adding color to the surroundings.
Whether you are exploring Waregem between sightseeing stops or looking for a calm place to recharge, the public city park is a simple yet enjoyable way to experience the city’s relaxed side.
Learn about the First World War at HIPPO.WAR
HIPPO opened just recently in 2017.WAR focuses exclusively on the First World War and narrates the role of the American Army around the city towards the end of the war.
Here, war buffs can study audio clips, footage, photographs, firearms, uniforms, and tear-jerking letters from the families of the servicemen who unfortunately paid for their lives.
The visitor center will, of course, remain free, but advance reservations are required. Reservations can be made via hippo.war@waregem.be or 056 62 12 52.
Watch S.V Zulte Waregem football game
Football is a unifying culture in all European countries. Almost every city you go to in Europe is home to one or two popular football clubs. In Waregem, the only top-flight football club is S.V Zulte, which was promoted to the Belgian league in 2005.
Notable footballers to have donned the Zulte Waregem jersey include Thorgan Hazard, Borussia Dortmund, Nikica Jelavic, who also played in the Premier League with Everton, and Englishman Saido Berahino.
Visit medieval estate of Goed te Nieuwenhove
For a glimpse into Belgium’s medieval past, visit Goed te Nieuwenhove in Waregem, a historic estate surrounded by peaceful countryside. This charming heritage site offers a fascinating look at the region’s architectural and agricultural history, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring West Flanders.
The estate’s origins date back centuries, and its historic buildings, landscaped grounds, and rural setting create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern city life. Visitors can admire the traditional architecture while learning more about how estates like this played an important role in the local community.
A walk around the property is especially enjoyable for travelers interested in history, photography, and Belgium’s lesser-known cultural attractions. Its tranquil surroundings also provide a refreshing break from busy tourist destinations.
Goed te Nieuwenhove is a great addition to a Waregem itinerary, particularly for those looking to discover the quieter, more authentic side of Belgium beyond its famous medieval cities.
Admire art at Be-Part
If you are an art lover, critic, or writer, Be-Part in the southwest of Flanders is a place that shouldn’t be missed. This gallery focuses exclusively on visual art, covering both past and contemporary works.
The museum also features a studio that accommodates resident artists and programs workshops to help young children experience art with a playful approach.
Enjoy beer at ‘T Geverhopke
‘T Geverhopke is located at Goed te Nieuwenhove’s yard and has been there since 2015. This family-run local brewery has been brewing beer for more than twenty-five years. Some of the served beers include double IPA, cherry-infused kriek, and abbey tripe, among many others.
Visitors can also tour the tasting room, which is open only on weekends and on Fridays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from May to September.
For visitors with kids, you will be pleased by the bouncy castle and playground, all of which are located in the courtyard.
Pay respect at Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial.
Located in the southeast of the city, the Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial is the only WWI memorial for American soldiers in Belgium.
Most of the soldiers laid to rest here died during the last week of the war.
The cemetery was situated on the battleground site where Allied Forces’ 91st Division clashed in the Ypres-Lys Campaign. Tourists are allowed to visit the cemetery all year-round.
Ride a bike on Gaverbeek Bicycle Trail
If you are a cyclist, you will be thrilled by the well-maintained network of tracks for bicycle riding in West Flanders.
One of the popular cycling loops starts at Park Baron Casier and extends 35 kilometers through the Leie Valley and into the slopes of the Flemish Ardennes, before turning back through the forests of Wortegem and Oud-Moregem to the city.
Chill at Beukenhof Vichte
This charming park is located in front of a 19th-century neo-Renaissance estate in Vichte. You can explore numerous buildings around the park, including a porter’s quarter and a gardener’s house.
Stables and sheds are now occupied by the city’s youth group.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from Uitkijktoren Kruishoutem.
Launched in 1963, this 30-meter-tall tower was built from recycled concrete telegraph poles and offers a great spot to enjoy the city’s scenic views below, especially of Deinze, Zulte, the Leie Valley, and the undulating Flemish Ardennes hills.
Take a semi-classic professional cycling race.
Waregem, with its hilly landscape, is ideal for cycling as well as horse racing. If you are up for the task, a 180-kilometer loop through Flanders is one of the city’s toughest cycling tests, having been inaugurated in 1945 and promoted to the UCI World Tour in 2017.
Spend time at Stadionvijvers
This recreational park features a football stadium and a footbridge crossing over the pond. Visitors can chill here and enjoy a cup of coffee at the nearby coffee shops. It is also a great place to take a walk, go for a morning jog, or go for a bike ride.
Check out Brouwerij ‘t Verzet
Another great place to enjoy a cold beer, Brouwerij Verzet, is located in the southeastern part of Waregem. It was founded in 2011 and is known for brewing a mixture of innovative and traditional beers.
Admire the works of Roger Raveel
Roger Raveel, a graphic artist and painter, was born in Machelen, a small village outside Waregem. After his stellar career, the artist returns to spend several years in the village, creating a wide range of artworks depicting everyday objects.
Today, there is a Reveelmuseum in the village housing over 2,500 drawings, 300 paintings, and the artist’s sketch collections.
Waregem Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan out your visit to Waregem, we listed places to visit and other amazing activities in Waregem, Belgium. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, flight deals, and accommodation options.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Waregem hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Waregem, Belgium? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
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