Guide to Ypres: The beating heart of Westhoek

Ypres is steeped in history, as a medieval trading hub and later as a key site during World War I. Rebuilt after the war, the city’s grandeur has not been lost. These days, Ypres is thriving with a bustling city centre, cultural activities and culinary gems. And there are no less than four beer cycling routes, whizzing past verdant hop farms, family-owned breweries and buzzing beer cafés – for curious and thirsty explorers.

During the Middle Ages, Ypres was one of the most important cities in Flanders, and a hub for the international cloth trade. The wealth of Ypres was reflected in its imposing Cloth Hall, located on Grote Markt in the heart of the city. Dating back to 1304, the Cloth Hall is a stunning example of medieval architecture. Destroyed during World War I, it was carefully reconstructed and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Photo: Studio Copain Flanders Fields Museum

Located in the Cloth Hall is the award-winning In Flanders Fields Museum, which tells the story of World War I in the Ypres Salient. With interactive exhibits, personal stories, archive footage and artefacts, the museum provides an immersive experience of the war’s impact on the landscape and the people of Flanders.

Photo: ToerismeIeper

Menin Gate and The Hauntings

The Westhoek, also known as Flanders Fields, was one of the most important battlegrounds during World War I. Seven major battles took place in the Ypres Salient, and war cemeteries, memorials and other monuments can be found all over the region. For instance, the military cemetery at Tyne Cot and Hill 60, just south of Ypres. In 2023, 27 of these memorials were officially recognised as UNESCO world heritage.

One of the world’s most famous war memorials is located in Ypres. The Menin Gate is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War I and have no known grave. In the archway, names of over 54,000 missing soldiers have been inscribed. Since 1928, every evening at 8pm the Last Post ceremony takes place, with buglers of the Last Post Association – a moving tribute to the fallen.

Near the Menin Gate stands The Hauntings, a 6.5 metre high artwork in wrought iron. The statue is based on a story about a young soldier wandering through misty fields, searching for his home and loved ones. The Hauntings will be on display until 19 April, when it will return to the UK for its permanent home.

Photo: Brouwerij Kazematten

Culinary gems and ramparts route

In Ypres, you will find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants – especially around Grote Markt, serving local specialties such as Flemish stew, moules-frites and Belgian waffles. One example is Vivaldi next to the Cloth Hall. This stylish restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, with a warming fireplace in winter and a sunny terrace overlooking the square.

Ypres city centre is convenient to explore on foot, with most tourist attractions within walking distance. For instance, a great introduction to Ypres is the Ramparts Route, a 4.5 kilometre walk around the city, with five entry points and info panels about the fortifications built by Louis XIV’s military engineer Sébastien Vauban.

The Ramparts Route passes Kazematten Brewery, which is one of the oldest surviving structures in Ypres. Located in the casemates under the fortifications, this is also a great place to stop and learn more about the morale-boosting newspaper The Wipers Times, produced by British soldiers during World War I. Join a tour of this brewery in a former bomb shelter, and try some of its award-winning beers.

Cycle routes for thirsty explorers

With an expansive network of cycling routes, you can easily explore the beautiful surroundings in Westhoek by bike. Destinations such as traditional family-owned breweries, vibrant beer cafés, hop farms and hop fields await. The Flanders Fields cycling network has no less than four beer cycle routes, where signs in the shape of beer bottles will provide information on what to see (and where to stop for a beer).

Photo: ToerismeIeper

The hop bike tour in Flanders fields is a 40.4 kilometre route from Poperinge to Vleteren. Starting at the Hop Museum, it takes you along four hop farms, three breweries and numerous pubs – so you can try some delicious beers. On the longer From brew-kettle into glass tour, you start in Poperinge too, go via Vleteren to Ypres. Passing hop fields, this 46.5 kilometre route will take you to Leroy Breweries, for instance, which produces the iconic Hommelbier.

Photo: Visit Flanders

Another popular route is the 33.1 kilometre Between bar and pedals. It starts at In de Vrede in Vleteren, the only pub authorised to serve the famous Westvleteren Trappist beer, which is brewed in the nearby Saint-Sixtus abbey, and goes via Alveringem to Lo-Reninge. And on the Hop and polder bike ride, you will start at the Market Square in Diksmuide, go via Lo-Reningen to Alveringem. This route is 44.6 kilometre in total.

In Flanders Fields Museum

Until 14 June 2026, Displaced – The Belgian refugees of the First World War

This exhibition tells the story of Belgian refugees during the First World War through personal accounts. These were selected from the museum's collection or material shared by the public. Nine illustrators have brought these hidden stories to life.

28-28 March, Displaced, international conference

The museum will host the international, multi-day conference Displaced. As part of the eponymous research project and permanent exhibition, experts and researchers will examine various aspects of displacement, flight and exile caused during World War I.

www.inflandersfields.be

Free concerts in Ypres

This summer, you can enjoy free concerts at Grote Markt in Ypres.

2 June, 3pm - Taverham Brass Band

20 June, 3pm - Royal British Legion Victory Brass Band

21 June, noon - Hillview School for Girls

23 July, 3pm - Manx Youth Orchestra

To read about the four cycle routes:

www.toerismewesthoek.be/en/biking/beer-cycle-routes
More information on what to see and do in Ypres:

www.visitieper.be and www.visitflanders.com

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