Roeselare Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Roeselare, Belgium with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, suggested itineraries, food and drink scene, accommodations, and local customs and traditions.


Introduction to Roeselare

Located in the heart of West Flanders in Belgium, Roeselare is a charming city that holds a significant place in the history and culture of the country. The city’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, and it has witnessed several transformations since then. Today, Roeselare is a thriving city that boasts a unique blend of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will showcase the best of Roeselare, including the top things to see and do, where to stay and eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Roeselare

Roeselare offers a plethora of exciting attractions that cater to travelers of all interests. Here are some must-visit places in Roeselare:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Roeselare City Museum: This museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, ranging from archaeology to fine arts, that showcase the rich history and culture of Roeselare.

  • Rumbeke Castle: Built in the 19th century, the castle reflects the Gothic Revival style and is a perfect example of Belgian architectural heritage. It features a museum dedicated to the castle’s history and some magnificent gardens.

  • Memorial Museum Passchendaele: This museum commemorates the horrors of World War I and pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict. The museum showcases a range of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and photographs.

Natural Attractions of Roeselare: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sterrebos forest: A lush green haven situated at the outskirts of the city, this forest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking here.

  • De Kleiputten: Nature lovers will be awed by this ecological reserve. It features ponds, swamps, and wetlands, and a range of freshwater flora and fauna.

  • Arboretum: A splendid showcase of Roeselare’s natural bounty, this botanical garden is famous for rare and exotic tree species, plants, and flowers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Roeselare

The natural landscape of Roeselare is perfect for hiking and biking. The city offers numerous hiking and biking trails, catering to the needs of all levels of fitness enthusiasts. Some of the exciting routes include:

  • The Green Route: An easy trail that takes you through the city’s parks and green spaces, covering 15 km in length.

  • The Heritage Route: A trail for history buffs that spans 28 km and takes you through Roeselare’s historical landmarks and museums.

  • The Forest Route: This is a challenging trail that covers the Sterrebos forest and the countryside of Roeselare, spanning 30 km.

Best Things to Do in Roeselare: Activities and Tours

Roeselare has something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in the city:

  • Beer tours: Belgium is synonymous with beer, and Roeselare offers several beer tours that take you through the city’s breweries and pubs.

  • Walking tours: A walking tour of Roeselare is an excellent way to soak in the city’s rich history and attractions.

  • Culinary tours: Roeselare is famous for its culinary delights, and taking a food tour will give you an immersive experience of the city’s gastronomic scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Roeselare

To experience Roeselare fully, we suggest dedicating at least a week to explore the city. Here’s a recommended itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Roeselare - explore the city center and visit the Roeselare City Museum.

Day 2: Tour Rumbeke Castle and its gardens, followed by lunch at a local eatery.

Day 3: Visit the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, followed by a trip to the Arboretum.

Day 4: Take the Forest Route hiking trail and enjoy the natural beauty of Roeselare.

Day 5: Biking tour of the city’s breweries, followed by a beer tasting session.

Day 6: Visit the De Kleiputten nature reserve, followed by a culinary tour of the city.

Day 7: Departure from Roeselare.

Food and Drink Scene of Roeselare

Roeselare has an eclectic food and drink scene that ranges from fine dining restaurants to street food stalls. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stoofvlees: A Belgian classic, this beef stew is a mouth-watering delicacy that is a must-try for all visitors.

  • Flemish Carbonnade: Another delicious beef stew that is slow-cooked in dark beer and served with fries.

  • Waterzooi: A creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs; it’s a light and tasty meal.

Local Beverages

  • Belgian beer: Belgium is known for its beer scene, and Roeselare offers several local breweries that produce some of the best beers in the country.

  • Jenever: A traditional gin-like Dutch-Belgian spirit that is popular amongst locals.

Where to Stay in Roeselare: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Roeselare has a range of accommodations to suit the budget and preference of all travelers. Here are some options to consider:

  • Hotel Mercure Roeselare: A stylish and modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city.

  • Hostel Groeninghe: A budget-friendly hostel that offers shared and private rooms, located close to the city center.

  • B&B Bellavista: A cozy and charming guesthouse that offers personalized hospitality and stunning views of the city.

What to Buy in Roeselare: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Roeselare has several souvenir shops and local stores that offer unique and authentic gifts to take back home. Some popular items include:

  • Chocolate: Belgian chocolate is world-renowned and makes for an ideal gift.

  • Lace: Belgium is famous for its intricate lacework, and Roeselare offers some of the best lace products in the country.

  • Jenever: Jenever is a quintessential Belgian drink and a great souvenir to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Roeselare

Roeselare has a diverse and welcoming culture that is evident in its art, architecture, and cuisine. It is a multilingual city, and knowledge of French, Dutch, and English is helpful while communicating with the locals. Belgians are generally reserved and value their privacy, and this is evident in their social interactions. Tipping is customary at restaurants and cafes, and 10-15% of the total bill is a standard tip.

Best Time to Visit Roeselare

The best time to visit Roeselare is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the city comes alive with festivals and events. Summer is a peak season in Roeselare, and visitors should book their accommodations and tours well in advance. Winter is off-season in Roeselare, and many museums and attractions have reduced hours or are closed during the period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Roeselare

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages.

  • Do dress appropriately while visiting churches and other religious places.

  • Do carry credit or debit cards, as cash transactions are becoming less common.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or throw garbage on the streets.

  • Don’t use mobile phones in museums and galleries.

  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Roeselare

Roeselare is a safe city to visit, and visitors should take standard precautions while traveling. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, but it’s not prevalent in the city. Visitors should ensure that they have a copy of their passports and other essential documents, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Health in Roeselare

Belgium has a high standard of healthcare services, and Roeselare has several hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors are advised to obtain travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Tap water is safe to drink in Roeselare.

Getting to Roeselare: Transportation Options and Logistics

Roeselare is well-connected via air, rail, and road. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Roeselare

  • Brussels Airport: The nearest airport to Roeselare is Brussels Airport, located approximately 112 km away.

  • Ostend-Bruges International Airport: Located approximately 30 km away from Roeselare, this airport offers flights to several destinations in Europe.

Bus Stations Near Roeselare

  • Roeselare Bus Station: Located in the city center, this station offers both local and regional bus services.

  • Kortrijk Train Station: Located approximately 15 km away, this station offers bus services to Roeselare.

Other Options

  • Train: Roeselare has a railway station that connects to several cities in Belgium and Europe.

  • Car: Roeselare is well-connected via highways, and visitors can rent a car and drive to the city.

How to Get Around in Roeselare

Roeselare is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot or bike. There is also a local bus service that connects the city’s attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis are available, but they can be expensive. Visitors can download the local transportation app to access real-time schedules and fares.

Where to Go Next from Roeselare: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Roeselare is centrally located and offers several exciting destinations nearby. Here are some options to consider:

  • Bruges: An hour’s drive from Roeselare, Bruges is a picturesque city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

  • Ghent: A 40-minute drive from Roeselare, Ghent is a cosmopolitan city that offers a blend of ancient and modern sights and experiences.

  • Ypres: A historical and charming city, Ypres is a 30-minute drive from Roeselare and offers several World War I sites and museums.

Conclusion

Roeselare is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its museums and historical landmarks to its culinary delights and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you a glimpse of the city’s attractions and inspired you to plan your next trip to Roeselare.