Attractions and Places To See around Bambecque - Top 20

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! 😉

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!

Cute little town with its fountains and brewery

Impressive building.

Imposing tower for the town. Small market square.

Here on the left bank there is a picnic area with an information hut: The river IJzer flows through the village centre of Roesbrugge. From its source in Lederzeele and Buysscheure in France, the river flows into Belgium in Roesbrugge after having covered 37 km on French soil, to flow into the North Sea 41 km further on in Nieuwpoort. It is the only river in Belgium that flows into Belgian territory. Today you can take relaxing walks along the towpath through the green landscape. You can do this with the junction map 'De IJzervallei' or with the 'Dode IJzerwandelroute'. The picnic area offers a quiet spot to enjoy the landscape with a snack or a drink. If the Belgian weather lets you down, you can take shelter in the information hut.