Moving to Roeselare — an introduction to the city

Planning to make a home in the historical city of Roeselare? With its seamless blend of rich cultural heritage and thriving commerce, it’s no wonder this picturesque Flemish gem brought you to its doorstep. But do you know all there is to know about this city ahead of your move? Let’s brush up on some facts and tips for living in this locale. 

Background on Roeselare

Roeselare is a Belgian city located in West Flanders, as well as a municipality encompassing the city of Roeselare proper and the towns of Beveren, Oekene, and Rumbeke. Covering an area of just under 60km², Roeselare is home to a population of more than 65,000 people. 

The name Roeselare is believed to have originated from the Germanic words roes (meaning “reed”) and laar (meaning “open space”), pointing to its historical roots as a marshy clearing in a forest glade. 

Community & culture

Moving to Roeselare, you’re sure to get a warm welcome since the city upholds hospitality as a core value! As a member of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR), Roeselare has plans in place to encourage tolerance towards all groups, combat discrimination, and promote cultural diversity. 

Here, there’s no need to feel like an outsider — in fact, in 2020, out of 63,600 citizens, a total of 11,500 reported having non-Belgian roots! So whether you’re moving from another town or even another country, your foreign flair will only add to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Transportation 

Roeselare is a fairly accessible city — it’s both walkable and cyclist-friendly. For longer distances, there are buses and trams operated by De Lijn, with several stops throughout the city; you can even download De Lijn’s app to keep up with your bus or tram’s schedule. You won’t have any trouble hailing a taxi or booking one through a private app. 

Visiting neighbouring towns or cities is also easy, being fairly connected from Roeselare; you can get to the capital city in under two hours via car or train. 

Things to do in Roeselare 

There’s something for everyone in Roeselare, whether you’re a cycling fanatic, history buff, or nature lover. This versatile city offers several activities and attractions. Here are a few ways to pass the time: 

Take up cycling

Roeselare is serious about cycling, and you can tell by the various monuments commemorating the sport throughout the city — these include street names after famous cyclists; a mural in honour of world champion Jean-Pierre Monseré; and a statue of Odiel Defraeye, the very first Belgian winner of the Tour de France. 

Of course, you’ll also find the famous KOERS Cycling Museum in Roeselare, where you can learn all about the Belgian cycling heritage, view 300+ bicycles and cycling items, and admire the extensive documentary collection. 

Once the city fuels your love for the sport (or should we say lifestyle?), you can enjoy a regular ride through the hospitable streets or head to the Defraeye-Sercu cycling track in Rumbeke to meet up with other enthusiasts. 

Explore the sites 

A big part of Roeselare’s charm is its stunning architecture. The Rococo-style Roeselare Town Hall is a standout, with the oldest part of the building dating back to the 1700s. The Belfry, a more modern addition, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with 55 others across Belgium and France. 

If you’re a fan of neo-Gothic buildings, you’ll love the Ter Posterie Art and Heritage House on Ooststraat. This building has lived many lives. First a prison, it served all sorts of purposes over the years, like post building, information centre, and even storage space. Now, it organises heritage projects and hosts many free exhibitions.

Of course, you can’t miss Sint Michiel’s Church, which was originally built in the Middle Ages, and then rebuilt in the late Gothic style in the 15th century after being destroyed by a fire. Inside its tower, you’ll find a museum of bells. The main building hosts a Baroque 17th-century pulpit, wooden sculptures, paintings by several accomplished artists, and one of West Flanders’ largest organs.

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the famous Rumbeke Castle — one of Belgium’s oldest Renaissance castles. Though much of the castle was built during this period, the original fortress dates back to the mediaeval period. It also gained some Neoclassical features after its renovation in the 18th century. This landmark is said to be the birthplace of the County of Flanders, so it truly is a bit of history! 

Grab a drink

Roeselare is known for its beer; more specifically, it’s known for the Rodenbachstad Brewery, with its famous and delectable red-brown beer. Head over to Spanjestraat for a tour of the brewery, where you’ll be guided from the restored malt oast house through foeders of beer, as the guide explains the history of the Rodenbachstad family. Indulge in a tasting, with the option of booking a lunch or dinner before or after your tour. 

For a more casual setting, there is no shortage of cosy bars in Roeselare, like Barlaban and Sherry’s Pub. And if you want some drinking and dancing, head to MOJO for a vibey atmosphere and delicious cocktails. 

Spend time in nature

For some family-friendly fun, make sure to explore Roeselare’s parks, waters, and walking trails. The City Park offers some great options for winding down, with five parts: Sint-Sebastiaanspark, Goat Park, Grote Bassin, Kattenstraat Park, and the North Court.

Rent a paddle boat at Grote Bassin and spend a serene afternoon on the water, or set up a picnic on the green lawns of Sint-Sebastiaanspark. 

For serious immersion in nature, head to Roeselare’s forests and nature reserves — Krommebeekbos is the perfect spot for a daily dog walk, and Bergmolenbos is great for walking and cycling. 

Preparing for your move to Roeselare

Moving comes with a lot of admin — securing housing, notifying service providers, booking flights, enrolling the kids in schools, and the list goes on. If there’s any way to make things simpler, you should jump at the chance.

One of our best moving hacks? Renting a self storage unit. Who needs extra stress when you could have extra space instead? When you’re moving to a new city, finding a place to stay is one of the biggest challenges — especially one big enough for all your stuff! Give yourself time to land on your feet and simply store your things during the transition. Plus, you can start to move your things before your new accommodation becomes available — far better than doing it all in one go. 

At STORO, we have a range of storage options to choose from at our secure and modern Roeselare facility. Contact us today, and we’ll arrange the extra space you need for your move in no time. We’d love to welcome you to the city!