The best traffic-free bike rides around Houtkerque

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.

The Kallebrug – small bridge, big challenge! This striking wooden arch bridge over the Yser is the legendary Kallebrug, also known as the foot and cycle bridge near Stavele. It connects the towpaths between Stavele and Roesbrugge and forms a special and photogenic stretch of cycle route in the middle of the open landscape. But don't be fooled by its charming appearance… this bridge has a reputation! 😄 In the region, it's jokingly called 'the steepest bridge in the country'. The steep incline means that as a cyclist, you'll have to get out of the saddle here. And for those who find it a bit more difficult: the stairs on the side offer a solution to push the bike up by hand. A small bridge, in other words, where the budding Flandrien can prove themselves for a moment. 💪🚲 Once at the top, the reward awaits: a beautiful view over the Yser and the vast landscape. Take a moment to catch your breath, get your camera out, and then pedal on towards the next highlight. The Kallebrug: small in length, large in gradient… and even larger in cycling stories! 😉

Sint-Bavokerk – Watou's historic heart Anyone walking or cycling through Watou can hardly fail to notice the striking Sint-Bavokerk. This historic church has been the heart of the village for centuries and, with its graveyard wall and characteristic architecture, is an atmospheric eye-catcher on Watouplein. The church also has a special connection to the art that so typifies Watou. During the Kunstenfestival Watou, the historic interior is regularly given a contemporary interpretation, bringing together old and new in a surprisingly beautiful way. So, during your visit, be sure to take some time to look up, step inside the church, or enjoy the view from the square. History, art, and the typical atmosphere of Watou come together beautifully here.

The special story behind the Stone of Remembrance of Bandaghem Anyone visiting Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery quickly notices a striking detail: among the 816 white gravestones stands an imposing Stone of Remembrance. Why is it here, in a cemetery that is relatively small today? The answer lies in the history of the cemetery. When architect Sir Reginald Blomfield designed Bandaghem in the 1920s, the site was considerably larger. There were then four large plots with French fallen soldiers. Together with the other graves, the total exceeded a thousand, and the cemetery received its monumental Stone of Remembrance. Later, the French soldiers were repatriated or transferred to other French cemeteries. The four plots disappeared, but the heavy memorial stone remained. As a result, Bandaghem has a special character today: a relatively small and intimate cemetery with a monument that commemorates the much larger site that once existed here. A beautiful piece of hidden history to reflect on when visiting this special place.

Casualty Clearing Stations (CCS) – medical aid stations behind the front A Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) was, during the First World War, a type of medical transit station behind the front line. Wounded soldiers were brought here by ambulance from the front zone. Doctors and nurses assessed the wounded and determined who needed immediate care or surgery and who could be transported further. A CCS was not a regular hospital: soldiers usually stayed there only for a short time. After initial medical care, if their condition allowed, they were transported further to larger hospitals, often by hospital train. The location was deliberately chosen: close enough to the front to reach the wounded quickly, but far enough to remain out of range of the heaviest enemy artillery. In Haringe, the 62nd and 63rd Casualty Clearing Stations were located in 1917. The thousands of wounded who passed through here temporarily made the area an important medical center behind the front.

Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery A quiet, impressive place with a special war story. During WWI, two British Casualty Clearing Stations were located here, where wounded soldiers were cared for and operated on. The name Bandaghem is British soldier humour: bandage combined with the Flemish suffix -gem. The 62nd CCS also treated around 5,000 soldiers with shell shock. Today, 816 war victims are buried here, including 39 German soldiers. The imposing Cross of Sacrifice and the sober white gravestones make this a poignant stop for those who want to experience the history of the Westhoek.

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!

Stavelebrug: from French riders to a lively war camp 🐎 Today, the Stavelebrug is a quiet passage for hikers and cyclists along the Yser. During the First World War, it looked very different here. A historical photo on the information board shows French soldiers on horseback wading through the Yser at this strategic crossing point. Stavele grew into a large army camp during the war, where thousands of soldiers stayed, rested, or were on their way to the front. The bridges over the Yser were also of great importance for the supply of troops, food, and ammunition. Nice detail: in June 1915, the French Zouaves even organised a big party with theatre and music here to boost the soldiers' morale. A beautiful spot to stop for a moment and compare today's peaceful landscape with the activity of more than a hundred years ago.