Easy hikes and walks around Ieper

St. Eligius Church: a church with scars ⛪ The St. Eligius Church in Westouter has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. The striking Romanesque octagonal east tower largely survived the devastation of the First World War. The bricked-up arch at the bottom still reveals the origin of the former basilica church. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1922-1923 to a design by Jules Coomans, in the typical yellow polder brick. Around the church lie the Westouter British Cemetery and an impressive bluestone war memorial. A place where centuries of history and the scars of the Great War meet.

St. Eligius Church of Westouter: a church that remained standing ⛪ The St. Eligius Church of Westouter appears at first glance to be a neo-Gothic church, but a closer look reveals a much older story. The octagonal Romanesque east tower largely survived the destruction of the First World War. The bricked-up arch at the bottom still recalls the medieval cruciform church. After the war, the church was rebuilt in 1922-1923 to a design by Jules Coomans, with the typical yellow polder brick. This was not superfluous luxury, as the church had already experienced setbacks: in 1794, a fire destroyed the building, after which it was extended in the early 19th century. Even today, the war is still palpable here. The Westouter British Cemetery lies around the church, and in front of the church stands an impressive bluestone war memorial. A place where centuries of history and the scars of the Great War meet beautifully.

From Belgian WWI rest zone to Trappist pickup point Today, cyclists and beer lovers come here to pick up their reserved crate of Westvleteren. More than a hundred years ago, this was a very different place. At the end of 1917, the area around St. Sixtus Abbey was set up as a Belgian rest zone. Soldiers could catch their breath here after their deployment at the front. Initially, the monks feared that the Belgian troops would cause nuisance, but that concern proved unfounded. The soldiers behaved exemplarily and helped the abbey where needed. A British officer described the place as an “oasis of rest and peace in the middle of the war desert.” Today, that peace still reigns here, only with a very different mission: no soldiers resting, but cyclists picking up their crate of Blond, 8 or 12. 🍺 Tip: picking up your Westvleteren here? Then take a look at the information board. You are standing in a place where war history and Trappist beer come together beautifully today.

In de Vrede: the ultimate trappist stop After kilometers of cycling through the Westhoek, In de Vrede, right opposite the Saint-Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren, is a wonderful place to rest your legs. Here you can taste the famous Westvleteren trappists – Blond, 8, and 12 – directly from the abbey. A great reward after a hearty bike ride! And while you enjoy the peace on the terrace, your bike can also catch its breath. Charging points are available for electric bikes. You with your coffee or trappist, your e-bike with power: everyone continues with fully charged batteries. 😉 Beer, cheese, and more delicacies Those who stop here can, of course, hardly ignore the combination of beer and abbey cheese. The characterful Saint-Sixtus abbey cheese is a great partner for the Westvleteren. You can also discover trappist pâté and beer ice cream here, among other things. Prefer non-alcoholic? Then the choice is a bit more limited: Westvleteren is not offered non-alcoholic here. Fortunately, there are also coffee and soft drinks for those who still have miles to go or are simply the designated driver. Fancy a look inside? Before you hop back on your bike, it's worth popping into the abbey shop. With a bit of luck, you'll find Westvleteren and other abbey products to take home. Tip: feel free to schedule some extra time here. Because at In de Vrede, it's not just the bike that comes to a standstill... the pace of the day can also slow down a notch here. 🍺🚲

St. Sixtus Abbey & In de Vrede: Trappist beer with a touch of mystery 🍻 A bike tour through the Westhoek is not complete without a stop at the St. Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren. The brewery itself remains closed to visitors, but the abbey walls and the information center Het Claustrum offer a beautiful glimpse into the lives of the monks and the rich history of this special place. Right next to the abbey, you'll find In de Vrede, the meeting center where you can enjoy a Westvleteren Blond, 8, or 12, accompanied by a snack on the terrace. In the abbey shop, depending on availability, you can also purchase Trappist beer and official glasses. A delightful stop where tranquility, history, and an authentic West Flemish beer moment come together!

You walk over this when you do the city walk.

The cemetery grounds were assigned to the United Kingdom in perpetuity by King Albert I of Belgium in recognition of the sacrifices made by the British Empire in the defence and liberation of Belgium during the war.

A very well-maintained cemetery right by the water.