YPRES

In the Westhoek the First World War is still tangibly present. The '14-'18-route departs from Ieper and leads you past the notorious battlefields and military cemetaries, silent witnesses of the heroic feats which took place during the Great War. 'Het treurende echtpaar', a statue created by a mother who lost her son in the war, leaves an ineradicable impression. In Passendale you can visit no less than four impressive military cemeteries. In the museums of Veurne, Diksmuide, Ieper and Poperinge you can find out everything there is to know about the holocaust which raged here from 1914 till 1918.
When you're in the neighbourhood you should really take a turn at Alveringem. It's no coincidence that this picturesque village was given the nickname of "Butterblomme van de Westhoek". Moreover, in malt and brewery museum De Snoek you can get acquainted with the brewing materials as they were used in the nineteenth century. Sweet-tooth's mouths start watering at the sight of Veurnse babbelutten (chocolates), Diksmuidse boterkoeken, Ieperse kassei (cake) and Poperingse keikopjes (macaroons). You'll find the Lukken (wafers) from Lo-Reninge to your taste as well. Or would you rather bite into a creamy "boule de Berlin", which over here is called "Boule de l'Yser" by the way. The Westhoek also stands in high regard with cheese lovers because of its typical cheese varieties such as boerenbroodkaas from Passendale and the cheeses of Beauvoorde and Weynendaele. Put the traditional potjesvlees from Veurne on a slice of bread and you're in for a real treat. You can wash all these goodies down with a refreshing regional brew. How about a Hommelbier, the heavier Heksenbier or a trappist from the abbey of West-Vleteren. If you now how to hold your drink, you should try a Sint-Sixtus.

Transfer ?
De Westhoek is situated ca 40 km from Bruges and can easily be reached by car over the country-roads. Unfortunately there is not a very good connection from Bruges. We can book organised excursions by minibus which pick you up at the Hotel.