The best MTB trails in Slagveld Passendale

Beautiful, peaceful location in memory of the Canadian fallen!

A piece of atypical landscape in the Polygoonbos. You feel like you're on safari. And a nice gravel path through it👌

The Polygon Forest, also known as Polygon Wood, is a historically and ecologically valuable forest area in Zonnebeke. The forest is located on the Central West Flemish ridge and is an important breeding ground for birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, kestrels and buzzards. The Polygon Forest also houses important war memorials, including the Buttes New British Cemetery and the smaller Polygon Wood Cemetery. These cemeteries are a tribute to the soldiers who died during the First World War. An interesting anecdote concerns the Scott Post and the New Zealand Bunkers, which can still be found in the forest. These bunkers were built by the Germans and later occupied by the Australian divisions in 1917.

Eight memorial gardens were created, each in the shape of a poppy, a symbol of the war. Each garden was designed to commemorate the unique contribution and sacrifice of each country during the Battle of Passchendaele, using symbolic vegetation, modern art and poetry. The following countries were involved: Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, USA.

An interesting anecdote from the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 concerns the role of animals during the Battle of Passchendaele. In addition to the human toll of the war, thousands of animals were deployed, including horses and mules, often working under terrible conditions. One particular story involves a mule named "Jimmy," who, despite the chaos and danger of the battle, kept on carrying supplies to the front line. Jimmy became a symbol of perseverance and courage, and his story is often told to illustrate the hardships and resilience of both man and animal during the war.

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, located in Zonnebeke, is dedicated to the Battle of Passchendaele, an important and bloody battle during the First World War. In just 100 days, almost 500,000 men lost their lives to gain just eight kilometres of ground. The museum is located on the historic castle grounds of Zonnebeke and offers an in-depth insight into the material aspects of the war. Visitors can explore a reconstructed dugout (underground shelter) and trenches, as well as exhibitions with personal stories and authentic objects.

The Passchendaele Memorial Park combines recreation and nature with the memory of the Battle of Passchendaele. The park has 8 memorial gardens in the symbolic shape of a poppy. At the request of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, these gardens are filled by the various nations that participated in the Battle of Passchendaele, with a design that combines modern art, poetry and symbolic vegetation from that country. During the commemoration years, the various gardens were opened. After a visit to the Passchendaele Museum, you can reflect on the horrors of the First World War in a subdued way during a walk in the park. Thematic walks to Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Polygon Forest and a bike ride that connects the WWI heritage in Zonnebeke also depart from the park. Source: https://www.toerismewesthoek.be/nl/flanders-fields/groote-oorlognl/doen/passchendaele-memorial-gardens

The view over the Polygon Forest is impressive and breathes both peace and history. This vast forest area, known for its role in the First World War, offers a beautiful green panorama with tall trees and gentle slopes. From various points you can see open spaces and monuments that crisscross the landscape, which gives a special atmosphere to this historical and natural place.