The best walks and hikes around Vleteren

A wooden footbridge 'Eversambrug' over the IJzer. Beautiful viewpoint.

During WW1 this is where soldiers condemned to execution were shot. There are detention cells here as well as the location of the post. Chilling but also a must see if you’re in this area and interested in military history.

The Old Military Cemetery contains 450 Commonwealth burials and memorials from the First World War. Twenty-four of the graves are unidentified, but there are special memorials for seven victims known or suspected to be buried there. Source: https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/55601/poperinghe-old-military-cemetery/

In the town hall courtyard, an execution post commemorates the atrocities that took place here during World War I. At least eight soldiers faced the firing squad here. From 1916 onwards, the adjacent police cells were converted into "death cells," where the condemned soldiers spent their last night. At dawn, these soldiers were executed here (shot at dawn). To enhance the experience even further, text panels and a soundtrack explain the "shot at dawn" phenomenon. You can also visit the site with a guide. More information via toerisme@poperinge.be.

An accessible site consisting of cells and an execution post in the courtyard of Poperinge Town Hall, with various memorials and information boards. The town hall is located at Grote Markt 1-4, with a side wall overlooking Guido Gezellestraat. At least eight men were executed in the courtyard of Poperinge Town Hall: Botfield, Simmonds, Poole, Fryer, Stadman, Wall, Morris, and Gore. Perhaps Crampton and Wang Jungzhi should be added. It is also possible that several others buried in Poperinge New Military Cemetery, and perhaps also McFarlane, buried in Nine Elms Cemetery, appeared before the firing squad here. Several soldiers were also arrested here and held in police cells until they were returned to their units to appear before a court-martial: Byers, Eveleigh, Nelson, Roberts, J. Smith, Hyde, Welsh, and Hughes. Thousands of others of various nationalities stayed here briefly because they were on the streets without permission, drunk, or involved in fights.

22 First World War dead from the United Kingdom are also buried here

The Anchor Artwork in Burggraaf Frimout Park – Poperinge This artwork symbolizes stability, connection, and connection. Just as an anchor keeps a ship in place, this sculpture invites peace and reflection in the heart of the park. The Anchor raises questions about what connects us, where we belong, and what anchors us in an ever-changing world. 📍 Installed in 2002 as part of the park's redevelopment. 🎨 A quiet moment of reflection amidst nature, play, and connection. "What keeps you on course?"

During World War I, Poperinge was part of a small, unoccupied part of Belgium. The town grew into the nerve center of the British sector, away from the turmoil of the front lines. In the heart of this bustling town, chaplains Neville Talbot and Philip "Tubby" Clayton opened a clubhouse in December 1915. Soldiers and nurses of all ranks left the violence of war behind to enjoy a rare moment of peace and relaxation. Even today, Talbot House offers a warm and authentic welcome. The permanent exhibition relives Talbot House's history. And in the concert hall, the Happy Hoppers put on a real show. Out and about with children? Discover the various quests. Finally, you can relax in the garden, perhaps with a delicious Westhoek picnic! Looking for a more extensive Talbot House experience? Spend a night in the guesthouse and enjoy your English breakfast in the morning!