Things to do in Belgian Westhoek, Flanders: The Best History Museums

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 presents the historic story of the First World War in a poignant and vivid way, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle in 1917 is known as one of the most horrific battles from the First World War, with more than half-a-million casualties for a territorial gain of merely eight kilometres. ‘Passchendaele’ not only became a concept in the history of the First World War, it also became a symbol of the great futility of the violence of war in all its horror. The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 combines the interactive design of a modern museum with the exceptional aspect of experiencing the Dugouts & Trenches. Last admission at 16:30.

The Ypres region was the backdrop to on of the bloodiest battles in history, 100 years ago. Now the last witness have died too, the In Flanders Fields Museum is more than ever the gateway to the First World War in Flanders. The In Flanders Fields Museum confronts the visitor with the consequences of the Great War. Old and young are faced with life and death in the Ypres front region. The exhibition with touching video projects, unique sound fragments and the most up-to-date multimedia applications immerse you in the life at the front. each visitor also receives a poppy bracelet that enables him/her to discover four personal stories of 'Joe Public' in the Great War. By logging in you can meet your peers in the war, a century ago.

Full scale reconstructions of war scenes, an extended collection of weapons, war equipment and photos make this museum to a true must-see!The chapel, in which the museum is located, dates back from the early twenties. This chapel was built directly across the Hooge Crater cemetery in memory of the many fallen soldiers on the battle fields of ‘Hooge’ over a period of 4 years. Rare military clothing of the troops, that where fighting in the ‘Ypres Salient’ (Ieperboog) are exposed in glass displays. Also you can see some full scale scenes of the Great War battle fields, very authentically reproduced. The theme of the scenes is very divers: German bunkers, British trenches and full scale horses with cavalry troops on their backs.

The MUSEUM AT THE YSER is a museum with a message. This message is PEACE, FREEDOM AND TOLERANCE and the idea that violence never brings peace. The museum has 22 floors. Entrance Fees Per person € 8,00 ; CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Younger than 7 free ; 7-17 year € 4 The Museum at the Yser (the Yser Tower) is open daily January - February - March - October - November - December: from 9.00 to 17.00 (Sat., Sun-. and Bank Holidays: from 10.00 to 17.00) April - May - June - July - August - September: from 9.00 to 18.00 (Sat., Sun. and Bank Holidays: from 10.00 to 18.00) Closed on 24/25/26/31 December , on 01/02 January + 3 weeks after the Christmas holidays. => The domain is accessible up to 1 hour before closing time. => Dogs are not allowed (except guide dogs).

The Lange Max Museum is a must-see place for the World War I tourist on the German side of the western frontline. The farmyard is the centre of this curtural and touristic location. A long lane takes you from the farmyard to the remains of the artillerie platform of the former German cannon 'Lange Max'. In a brand new contemporary museum, the visitor learns all about the huge cannon that was designed to bombard Dunkirk. The German occupation of Koekelare gets full attention. A unique exhibition tells you all about the organisation behind the frontline. The production of army goods ran at full speed in Koekelare. The little bakehouse still contains traces of the German presence and is redesignated as a multi-media room. You can relax on a cosy terrace enjoying a 'Kanonbier' or homemade pancakes.

Talbot House is typical British club, founded during the Great War to offer a home from home to over half a million soldiers. It was and very much still is run on the basis of some engenius house rules, such as the Every Man's Club principle. Here you can find peace in the beautiful English garden, enjoy a cuppa in the canteen whilst the old piano plays another tune. Upstairs, you'll find comfort in the original chapel of the House. A visit to Talbot House is truly an authentic experience. But there's more. Why not go and enjoy the Happy Hoppers show in the original Concert Hall? Explore a temporary exhibition, have a chat with the resident wardens or discover the new permanent exhibition (2020) which showcases 500 artefacts from the Talbot House archives, spanning over a full century. Also, did you know Talbot House is a Guest House where you can stay the night? It's by far the most authentic accommodation on the Western Front with every room having its own story. See you soon!

The oldtimermuseum consists of a collection of 95 cars from 1899 until the years 70 plus about 25 old motorcycles. Everything is beautiful decorated with a few old publicities, also mannequin dolls dressed up in the passed time. Together with the Cafetaria and the Shopping Center is it an ideal place for an afternoon outing for schools or with the family, with friends or with a club or for a surprise outing or a planned journey.