Westhoek

The green region of the Westhoek stretches from the coast over the West Flemish Hills to the French border. As part of the Western Front in World War I, the area was for four years the scene of terrible trench warfare with countless victims.

Now, a century later, the First World War is commemorated around the world. In Flanders and the Westhoek in particular, numerous museums, exhibitions and events offer you the opportunity to learn more about the history of the war, to understand how the various countries became involved, and to consider the impact that the First World War has on us today.

Some examples:

• The Last Post Ceremony - Every evening at 20:00 a moving ceremony takes place under the great Menin Gate in Ypres.
• In Flanders Fields Museum - Discover the personal stories of civilians during World War I and climb the bell tower for exceptional views over what was once an utterly devastated landscape.
• Tyne Cot Cemetery - This is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's largest military cemetery in continental Europe, with almost 12,000 tombstones.
• Talbot House - The most famous soldiers' club of World War I. A brand new app leads visitors around the museum, the garden and the house.
• Vladslo German Military Cemetery - the largest German military cemetery in Flanders with 25,638 dead.

Fortunately not everything was destroyed during World War I, and following major reconstruction Ypres can once again show off its ancient layout and medieval charm. Many buildings, such as the Cloth Hall, date from the golden age and many historical gems remain undiscovered.

More tourist information at http://www.westtoer.be/nl and at http://www.toerismewesthoek.be/nl.

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi ©westtoer