Harelbeke Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Harelbeke

Oarlbeke (West Flemish)

Flag	Coat of arms

Harelbeke

Location in Belgium

Country

Flemish Community

Arrondissement

Kortrijk

Area

• Total

29.14 km² (11.25 sq mi)

Population

(2018-01-01)Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

• Total

Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1,575: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Postal codes

8530, 8531

Area codes

056

Website

www.harelbeke.be

Harelbeke is a lively city and municipality located in the West Flanders province of Belgium. It's home to about 28,000 people and includes the main city of Harelbeke, plus the smaller towns of Bavikhove and Hulste. People who live in Harelbeke sometimes call their hometown a "Weireldstad," which means "world city" in their local language. This shows how proud they are of their community!

Discover Harelbeke
Images for kids
See also

Discover Harelbeke

Harelbeke is a place with a rich history and a strong community spirit. It covers an area of about 29 square kilometers. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and its connection to arts and sports.

Famous People from Harelbeke

Harelbeke has been the birthplace or home of several talented individuals:

Andreas Pevernage (1542/1543 – 1591), a composer from the late Renaissance period.
Jacobus Vaet (1529-1567), another Renaissance composer, who might have been born in Harelbeke.
Armand Coeck (1941 - 2024), an avant-garde composer known for his experimental music.
Jan Bucquoy (1945 - ), an anarchist and film-maker, famous for movies like Camping Cosmos.
Peter Benoit, a well-known composer. You can learn more about his life and music at the Peter Benoit Huis museum in Harelbeke.
Wim Opbrouck, an actor and singer.

Harelbeke New British Cemetery

Just outside the center of Harelbeke, you'll find the Harelbeke New British Cemetery. This special place was designed by William Harrison Cowlishaw. It is where 1126 soldiers from the Commonwealth countries who died during World War I are buried. Most of them were from the United Kingdom, but there are also soldiers from Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Newfoundland. Additionally, 10 British soldiers who died during World War II are buried here. It's a place to remember their bravery and sacrifice.

Exciting Events in Harelbeke

Since 1958, Harelbeke has been the starting and finishing point for the E3 Harelbeke cycling race. This is a very important semi-classic race in the cycling world. It takes place just one week before the famous Tour of Flanders, attracting many professional cyclists and fans.

Harelbeke's Twin Towns

Harelbeke has special friendships with other towns around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities," and they help promote cultural exchange and understanding. Harelbeke's twin towns are: