WWI and WWII
Belgium, Battlefield of Europe
THE ATLANTIC WALL AND OSTEND
During the second World War, Hitler constructed a defense wall of 3500 miles all along the Atlantic coast, from Norway till Spain. In the natural park of Raversijde, resort of the former Belgian Prince Karl, remarkable remains of this wall are to be seen. Visit the batteries, the trenches and the bunkers and the staff accommodation. What you have seen in the movies, you will see for real!
After this visit, stroll along the promenade of Ostende, the “Queen of beaches”. See the fish harbor and the beautiful yachts.
This excursion can be done from Bruges or Ghent and can be combined with the visit of Nieuwpoort, Ypres and the Flanders Fields, sights of WWI
YPRES AND THE FLANDERS FIELDS
Ypres is a city with a very rich and varied past. During the Middle Ages Ypres was a flourishing trading centre. In those days Ypres was one of the main Flemish cloth centres next to Bruges and Ghent. During the First World War the charming town was reduced to a heap of rubble. Ypres was almost entirely destroyed by four years of senseless violence. The citizens of Ypres rebuilt their city with respect for the past.
Today, Ypres is a charming city for you to discover. The memory of the Great War is kept alive in one of the museums or on the historic sites. The medieval character of Ypres can be experienced in the cosy centre or on the ramparts. Ypres has all facilities to accommodate each one of you.