The Westhoek

Endless panoramic views, gently rolling hills, flat polders and a breath-taking silence. The landscape where the terrible battles of the Great War were once fought are now a calm and peaceful natural paradise with limitless pleasure. This green region, sandwiched between the French border and the North Sea coast, is peppered with numerous picturesque villages and attractive towns, where you can not only discover the sad history and silent witnesses of the First World War, but also enjoy a bite to eat and a refreshing drink at one of the many charming restaurants and taverns, often located in the most idyllic settings. A joy for walkers and cyclists. Why not sample a Picon, the delicious borderland aperitif? One thing is certain; wherever you go and whatever you do, you will always be welcomed with the same Westhoek friendliness.

The "capital" of the Westhoek is Ypres, once almost completely destroyed in World War I and rebuilt down to the last stone. Thanks to the In Flanders Fields Museum, Yper Museum and the daily Last Post Ceremony, echoes of the past are never far away. The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 in Zonnebeke is also a must-visit. This museum, with true-to-life reconstructions of trenches, is dedicated to one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

Various (day) trips are organized from Bruges to Ypres and other sites of interest in the Westhoek.

www.toerismewesthoek.be