The best MTB trails around Vleteren

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.

Are you cycling in the region? Then make sure you don't miss this hidden gem on your route! The Boterweg is one of the most idyllic and characteristic country roads in the region, where you can enjoy kilometers of undisturbed peace. Why should you definitely include this stretch in your route? It's a perfect double track! No hassle from cars, just the pure cadence of your wheels on the surface. Natural air conditioning in summer: the road is beautifully flanked by a perfectly straight, stately row of trees. On hot summer days, these leafy canopies provide a wonderfully cooling shade, making cycling here extremely pleasant.

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!

A magnificent viewpoint on the edge of the nature reserve. Climb this platform and be tempted to dive into the dunes. Hiking trails lead you through an oasis of tranquility.

Centuries ago, one of the two mills of Ten Duinen Abbey stood here, and today stands the South Abbey Mill. The current South Abbey Mill of Koksijde dates from 1773 and originally stood in Houtem near Veurne (the Lootvoet mill). It was demolished there in 1951-1952 and rebuilt in Koksijde in 1953. Miller Patrick Geryl remains the only remaining full-time miller in Belgium. Anyone who visits the mill will be captivated by his every word: he'll happily give you a tour of his habitat: the South Abbey Mill. Feel the wind play with the mill, see how the grain is ground into flour, and smell the history. Highly recommended! Practical information: Individuals can visit the South Abbey Mill during regular opening hours from April to September. €2 for an adult, €1 for minors. Mill address: Jaak Van Buggenhoutlaan 120 (near the Abbey Museum). Intrigued? Click through to https://www.tenduinen.be/nl/beklim-de-zuid-abdijmolen

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.