During World War I, the city was surrounded on three sides by German troops seeking to take the city. The British defenders called this arch in the front the Ypres Salient or Ypres Arch. War memorials can be seen in many places in the area today, and there are several bicycle tours along these monuments.
Be prepared
There are wonderful cycling routes in the area that you can explore with the whole family. There are a number of things you need to think about in order to prepare properly:
- Is your bike still in good condition?
- When do you plan breaks during the bike ride?
- How much food and drink will you take with you for along the way? Or are you planning a tasty regional dish?
- Make sure you have a good lock to keep your bike safe.
- Always bring a tire patch kit just to be sure.
The Peace Route and the Ypres Bow Route
So there are these two tours you can take. The first route follows the Ypres Salient past a number of World War I remnants. For example, there are many, impressive military cemeteries along the route that is about 45 kilometers long.
Starting point is in Ypres and the route is signposted.
The Ypres Salient is the name for the arched front around Ypres, created in 1914. As many as half a million soldiers of over 50 nationalities died here. That fact alone is unimaginable. The "Salient" was therefore one of the most infamous areas of the western front. This bicycle tour of 36 kilometers takes you along the front lines around Ypres and is indicated by hexagonal signs.
Folk tale route
Don't feel like going to war but love a juicy story? Then this route is great fun! The Folk Tales Route runs just northeast of Ypres between Langemark and Poelkapelle. A quiet route of about 37 kilometers with fun stops in the form of 16 beautifully illustrated "story posts. Press the button and listen to "la petite histoire" about that place. The stories are about events and/or figures from the past. Discover, for example, what happened at the Steenakkermolen and what was special at the Langemark annual fair.
Crossing through the woods with Jaek and Nink
Explore the beautiful forests around Ypres. Stop at monuments or beautiful places to admire the view. Let the kids romp around in the playground of Kasteeldomein Zonnebeke or the play area of the Polygoonbos. Also take a moment to relax in provincial domain De Palingbeek or come watch the sun in AstroLAB Iris. A fun, varied 29-kilometer route that starts at the Grote Markt in Ypres and is marked with hexagonal signs showing Jaek and Nink leading the way.
Recreational Loop
Southeast of Ypres is a loop route. You cycle towards Wervik, making a break along the way at Recreation Domain De Balokken and you can visit the National Tobacco Museum. The return trip takes you along the Palingbeek and back to the center of Ypres. A varied tour of about 46 kilometers that is quite tough at times.
So you see, there is plenty to see in and around Ypres. Cycle an existing route, or create your own!
Discover even more at www.fietsenvanuitieper.be
