Western Flanders: Ypres, Bruges and Flanders Fields

Make your way to Ypres and take time to explore the charming town centre, where you can admire the Lakenhalle (Cloth Market Hall). Visit the ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of those who served in the Great War.

As evening approaches, head to the Menin Gate to participate in the daily ceremony honouring the fallen soldiers. At 8:00 pm, buglers sound the ‘Last Post’, followed by a minute of silence in remembrance.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by Lijssenthoek, once the site of large wartime hospitals and now the final resting place for 11,000 soldiers from thirty different nationalities. Take a moment to visit the excellent, ever-evolving visitors’ centre.

Continuing your cycle tour to Poperinge, art lovers will be treated to a masterclass in Gothic architecture, while foodies can stop by the Hop Museum, where lively characters introduce Belgian beer and the art of hop cultivation. At St. Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Cistercian monks follow a life of prayer, reading, and brewing in their famous brewery.

The scenic roads of West Flanders will lead you past shimmering streams, charming villages, and expansive farmlands as you cycle back to Veurne, completing your journey.

Set off on your bike along the North Sea coast, where art lovers may want to stop at the museum dedicated to the renowned painter Paul Delvaux (1897-1994). The popular beach resort of Koksijde features the highest dune in the area, once serving as a natural “beacon” for sailors.

Continue your journey to Nieuwpoort, a town rich in history, recalling both the Dutch-Spanish Battle of 1600 and its strategic role on the Western Front during 1914-1918. End your day in the seaside resort of Oostende (Ostend), and take a moment to relax as you watch the sunset over the sea.

Set off on a short cycling route that allows plenty of time to explore the beautiful city of Bruges. Along the way, stop in Stalhille at a workshop beneath the church tower, where master craftsman Antonie Demonie showcases his skills as a glass-blower, basket weaver, and beekeeper.

Take a moment to relax and “ponder the polder” while enjoying a cup of honey tea or a glass of honey beer. Continue your ride through the tranquil nature reserve of Meetkerkse Moeren, where open wetlands and flower-filled meadows provide a haven for bats and birds among the poplar trees. Finally, be sure to admire the enchanting town of Bruges, both by day and by night—it’s a sight not to be missed.

Set out on a delightful, longer ride through the wooded landscapes of Houtland, where country estates and castles with exotic names are scattered throughout.

Be sure to stop and explore the estates near Oostkamp, including Pecsteen, Raepenburgh, and Lakebos. Take time to visit the charming towns of Torhout, Gitsberg, and Hooglede along the way. As the day comes to a close, head towards Roeselare to complete your journey.

In 1995, efforts began to transform farmland into the Rhodesgoed Woods, initially with the planting of poplars and willows, followed by slow-growing oak, ash, cherry, and beech trees. Twenty-five years later, the area has flourished into a rich habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, supported by numerous ponds and the meandering Rhodebeek stream.

For a change of pace, visit Izegem, Belgium’s shoe capital, where you can explore the Eperon d’Or Museum and delve into the town’s industrial heritage.

Follow the River Leie to the border town of Menen (Menin), where thousands of German soldiers are laid to rest in the War Cemetery. Continue your journey to the Passchendaele 1917 Memorial in Beselare/Zonnebeke, then take a 3-km walk to the solemn Tyne Cot Cemetery. Visit Polygon Wood, once the site of intense fighting, now home to two British war cemeteries and memorials dedicated to soldiers from Australia and New Zealand. Don’t miss Canadian Hill 62, one of the few remaining locations where WWI trenches have been preserved.

For those exploring the Ypres region, a free app helps guide visitors to the various historical sites, while the town’s impressive Lakenhalle houses the fascinating “In Flanders Fields” museum. Each evening, the poignant ‘Last Post’ ceremony is performed by buglers at the Menin Gate in remembrance of the fallen.

Departure from Ypres or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding area.