The best walks and hikes around Killem

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 Sint-Jans-Onthoofdingkerk in Stavele is also known as the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' of the Westhoek! If you look closely while cycling through the Yser Valley, you'll notice something about the skyline of Stavele. No, it's not due to the Westvleteren trappist beer or the Hommel beer from the Hop Festivals: the church tower of the Sint-Jans Onthoofdingkerk is really a little bit crooked! This robust church tower has been suffering from stability problems for decades and at some point decided to subtly lean towards the countryside. Although engineers are keeping a close eye on things and the tower has fortunately been declared stable, we secretly have our own, West Flemish version of the Tower of Pisa here in the Westhoek.

Dozinghem Military Cemetery – the largest of the medical trilogy As the closing piece of the medical trilogy surrounding the field hospitals of 1917, Dozinghem Military Cemetery is an impressive stop. During the Third Battle of Ypres, the 4th, 47th, and 61st Casualty Clearing Stations were located here. Soldiers who did not survive their injuries found their final resting place here. The name is also a typical example of British soldiers' humour: Dozinghem refers to 'to doze' and winks at the rest and anaesthesia in the hospital. With 3,312 graves, this is the largest of the three medical cemeteries. Besides the Cross of Sacrifice and the Stone of Remembrance, 73 victims from the Second World War, 65 German soldiers, and three members of the Chinese Labour Corps are also buried here. Hidden in the greenery near De Lovie, this is a particularly quiet place with an impressive story.

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!

Folk nostalgia on the Yser 🍻 Anyone cycling through Stavele can hardly ignore the authentic facade of ’t Hof van Commerce. This 180-year-old inn breathes the atmosphere of the Westhoek, with old signs, horse stables, and an interior full of antiques and stories. The former stables have been given a new life as atmospheric themed rooms, the terrace is located on the spot of the former pigsty, and even the toilet is in an old rabbit hutch. 😄 On the terrace, near the historic Stavele bridge and the Yser, you can enjoy a Picon, regional beer, or a hearty Breughel buffet. A wonderful place to put your bike aside for a moment and experience the authentic Westhoek at its best!

There was already a chapel on this site around 1488. In 1805, construction of a nave was started, which was consecrated in 1806. The parish of Roesbrugge split from that of Haringe. Construction continued from 1826 to 1837. The tower was designed by the Ypres architect Lernaud. During the Second World War, the church was damaged and then restored. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Martinuskerk_(Roesbrugge)

Here you will be welcomed with great enthusiasm by Sam. Please note that it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. In Roesbrugge, a 'hop shoot' from France, the artisanal brewery Werbrouck is located. Their beer is brewed according to ancient brewing methods with their own recipes. The brewery was founded in early 2018 by brewer Conrad, son Sam and his wife Lien. The beers are brewed with 100% Poperinge hops. In their brasserie De Gouden Arend you can taste their delicious beers and recently also several of their Poperinge gins.

Within a stone's throw of each other, in the region around Poperinge, there are two churches dedicated to Saint Martin, namely the church in Haringe and the church in Roesbrugge. However, the history of both churches is far apart. The church in Roesbrugge is a lot younger than the church in Haringe. No remains of the first 15th century mentions of the chapel have been preserved. The hall church, built in the 17th-18th century, had to replace the chapel. The church suffered serious damage once in its existence, during the Second World War. Several memorial plaques hang on the left outer wall of the church. A number also commemorate the First World War. During the First World War, the church tower served as a receiving and transmitting post for communication via telegraph and telephone.