Discover Ypres | A Visitor's Introduction to Ypres, Belgium

Why is Ypres Worth a Visit?

Ypres is worth visiting for its profound historical significance, particularly as a key site on the Western Front during World War I. The city is home to some of the most important war memorials, cemeteries, and museums dedicated to the Great War. Beyond its historical allure, Ypres charms visitors with its beautifully restored medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and welcoming atmosphere. The Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, held every evening, is a deeply moving tribute to the fallen soldiers, making Ypres a destination that offers both reflection and beauty.

Ypres Highlights: Things to See and Do in Ypres

1. Menin Gate Memorial

The Menin Gate is one of the most famous war memorials in the world, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War I and have no known grave. The massive archway is inscribed with the names of over 54,000 missing soldiers. Each evening at 8 PM, the Last Post ceremony is held, where buglers play in tribute to the fallen—a deeply moving experience that draws visitors from around the globe.

2. In Flanders Fields Museum

Located in the Cloth Hall on Ypres’ main square, the In Flanders Fields Museum is an award-winning museum that tells the story of World War I in the Ypres Salient. The museum uses interactive exhibits, personal stories, and artefacts to provide an immersive experience of the war’s impact on soldiers and civilians alike. Visitors can learn about the trench warfare, the daily life of soldiers, and the aftermath of the war in this beautifully designed museum.

3. Tyne Cot Cemetery

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, located near Passchendaele, just a short drive from Ypres. The cemetery contains the graves of nearly 12,000 soldiers and a memorial to another 34,000 missing soldiers. Its serene and meticulously maintained grounds offer a poignant reminder of the scale of the sacrifices made during the war. The Visitor Centre provides context and stories about those buried here, enhancing the experience of this solemn place.

4. St. George’s Memorial Church

St. George’s Memorial Church was built in the 1920s as a tribute to the British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Ypres Salient. The church’s interior is adorned with memorial plaques, regimental flags, and stained glass windows that honour the fallen soldiers. It serves as a peaceful place for reflection and is often visited by descendants of those who fought in the Great War.

5. Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater

Hill 60, located on the outskirts of Ypres, was a significant battleground during the war. It is now a preserved battlefield site where visitors can see craters caused by underground mines and trenches that remain as they were over a century ago. The Caterpillar Crater, a massive crater created by an explosive mine, is a haunting reminder of the intense underground warfare that took place in this area.

6. Essex Farm Cemetery

Essex Farm Cemetery is notable as the site where Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the famous poem In Flanders Fields. The cemetery includes the graves of 1,200 soldiers and a preserved wartime dressing station. The site’s small museum provides insight into the medical care and conditions soldiers faced during the war. The presence of the poem’s words here adds a poignant literary connection to the site.

7. Passchendaele Memorial Museum

Located in the village of Zonnebeke, near Ypres, the Passchendaele Memorial Museum focuses on the 1917 Battle of Passchendaele, one of the war’s bloodiest battles. The museum offers detailed exhibits, including reconstructed trenches and dugouts that give visitors a visceral understanding of the soldiers’ experiences. The museum’s extensive collection of artefacts, weapons, and personal stories helps bring the history of this infamous battle to life.

8. The Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall, a magnificent Gothic building, was once the centre of Ypres’ medieval cloth trade. Although destroyed during World War I, it has been meticulously reconstructed and now houses the In Flanders Fields Museum. Its impressive façade dominates the Grote Markt (main square), and visitors can climb the belfry for panoramic views of Ypres and the surrounding countryside.

9. Langemark German War Cemetery

The Langemark Cemetery is one of the few German war cemeteries in Belgium, containing the graves of more than 44,000 German soldiers. Unlike the Commonwealth cemeteries, Langemark has a different aesthetic, with dark stone markers and mass graves. The cemetery is a somber and reflective site, offering a perspective on the war from the German side.

10. Ramparts Cemetery and Lille Gate

The Ramparts Cemetery, located near the Lille Gate, is a small but beautifully situated Commonwealth cemetery along the medieval ramparts of Ypres. It offers peaceful views of the canal and the surrounding countryside. The nearby Lille Gate, a well-preserved medieval city gate, adds historical depth to the area and marks one of the few surviving parts of Ypres’ ancient defences.

11. Hooge Crater Museum

The Hooge Crater Museum, set in a former chapel, offers a fascinating collection of World War I artefacts, including weapons, uniforms, and photographs. The museum’s exhibits are laid out chronologically, providing a detailed narrative of the war in the Ypres Salient. The nearby Hooge Crater Cemetery and preserved trenches further enrich the historical experience.

12. Polygon Wood and Buttes New British Cemetery

Polygon Wood was the site of heavy fighting during the war and is now home to several memorials and cemeteries. The Buttes New British Cemetery contains the graves of Commonwealth soldiers, and the nearby Polygon Wood Cemetery is a smaller but equally poignant site. The Australian 5th Division Memorial, located within the wood, honours the Australian soldiers who fought here.

13. Ypres Market Square

Ypres’ Market Square (Grote Markt) is the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and shops. The square is dominated by the imposing Cloth Hall and is a lively spot to relax, enjoy local Belgian cuisine, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The square often hosts events, markets, and festivals, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural life.

14. Bayernwald Trenches

The Bayernwald Trenches, located near the village of Wijtschate, offer a rare opportunity to explore a preserved section of German trenches from World War I. The site includes dugouts, bunkers, and observation posts, providing a tangible glimpse into the trench warfare that characterised the conflict. Informational panels and guided tours help visitors understand the strategic significance of this area.

15. Sanctuary Wood Museum (Hill 62)

Sanctuary Wood Museum is another well-preserved battlefield site with an extensive collection of World War I artefacts, photographs, and personal items. The site includes original trenches, bunkers, and tunnels, giving visitors an immersive experience of the wartime conditions. The museum’s collection and the eerie atmosphere of the trenches make it a compelling stop for history buffs.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Ypres is accessible by car, train, and bus. The city is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Brussels. For those travelling by train, regular services run from Brussels to Ypres, with connections via Kortrijk. Ypres is also close to the French border, making it convenient for visitors from northern France.

Parking

Parking in Ypres is relatively easy, with several free and paid parking areas available near the city centre and major attractions. The city’s small size makes it easy to explore on foot once you’ve parked.

Dining

Ypres offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Belgian cuisine to international fare. Local specialities include Flemish stew, moules-frites (mussels and fries), and Belgian waffles. For a cosy meal, try De Ruyffelaer for authentic Flemish dishes, or enjoy a more casual bite at one of the many cafés around the Market Square.

Shopping

Ypres has several shops selling local products and souvenirs, including Belgian chocolates, beers, and handmade crafts. The In Flanders Fields Museum gift shop is a great place to pick up books, postcards, and memorabilia related to World War I.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ypres is in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the countryside is particularly beautiful. Summer is also popular, but the city can be busier with tourists. Winter offers a quieter, more reflective experience, especially for those interested in visiting the war memorials and cemeteries.

Local Events

The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate takes place every evening and is a deeply moving tradition. Ypres also hosts events such as the Ypres Cat Parade (Kattenstoet) every three years, celebrating the city’s medieval history with colourful floats and costumes. During November, the city holds commemorative events for Armistice Day, drawing visitors from around the world to honour the memory of those who served in the Great War.

Exploring Beyond Ypres

Ypres is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, including nearby towns like Poperinge, known for its hop-growing heritage and the Talbot House, a WWI soldiers’ club. The city of Lille in France, with its vibrant cultural scene and historic architecture, is just a short drive away. The Flanders Fields region offers numerous walking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Flemish countryside and its many war memorials and sites.