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Harelbeke

Oarlbeke  (West Flemish)
Harelebeke Paretteplein -3.JPG
Flag of Harelbeke
Flag
Coat of arms of Harelbeke
Coat of arms
Harelbeke is located in Belgium
Harelbeke
Harelbeke
Location in Belgium
Country Belgium
Community Flemish Community
Region Flemish Region
Province West Flanders
Arrondissement Kortrijk
Area
 • Total 29.14 km2 (11.25 sq mi)
Population
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 • 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

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:

  • Germany Kinheim, Germany (since 1997)
  • Namibia Eenhana, Namibia (since 2007)
  • Czech Republic Frýdek-Místek, Czech Republic

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Harelbeke para niños

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