Top Things to do in Belgian Westhoek
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Things to do in Belgian Westhoek, Flanders: The Best Military Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Belgian Westhoek, Belgium including In Flanders Fields Museum, Hooge Crater Museum, Lange Max Museum, Ramparts War Museum, Het Guynemerpaviljoen.
Restaurants in Belgian Westhoek
1. In Flanders Fields Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,564 reviews
The Ypres region was the backdrop to on of the bloodiest battles in history, 100 years ago. Now the last witness have died too, the In Flanders Fields Museum is more than ever the gateway to the First World War in Flanders. The In Flanders Fields Museum confronts the visitor with the consequences of the Great War. Old and young are faced with life and death in the Ypres front region. The exhibition with touching video projects, unique sound fragments and the most up-to-date multimedia applications immerse you in the life at the front. each visitor also receives a poppy bracelet that enables him/her to discover four personal stories of 'Joe Public' in the Great War. By logging in you can meet your peers in the war, a century ago.
Reviewed By GemsNI - Armagh, United Kingdom
The In Flanders Fields Museum is housed in a beautiful historic building in the centre of the main square. Ypres was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in First World War in Flanders and the exhibitions show how the battle progressed, how the soldiers survived in the trenches and the senselessness of death in battle. The In Flanders Fields Museum gives the visitor a Poppy bracelet to wear which allows you to interact with the exhibits and read more information - this allows you to immerse yourself in the exhibits and makes the experience more 'personal'. The living history videos with first hand accounts were excellent. I cried several times throughout the museum as it was so personal/real. A Must see museum- the more you immerse yourself into the exhibits, the more emotional it becomes.
2. Hooge Crater Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Full scale reconstructions of war scenes, an extended collection of weapons, war equipment and photos make this museum to a true must-see!The chapel, in which the museum is located, dates back from the early twenties. This chapel was built directly across the Hooge Crater cemetery in memory of the many fallen soldiers on the battle fields of ‘Hooge’ over a period of 4 years. Rare military clothing of the troops, that where fighting in the ‘Ypres Salient’ (Ieperboog) are exposed in glass displays. Also you can see some full scale scenes of the Great War battle fields, very authentically reproduced. The theme of the scenes is very divers: German bunkers, British trenches and full scale horses with cavalry troops on their backs.
Reviewed By TopTraveller18 - Four Marks, United Kingdom
Hooge Crater Museum is an interesting and informative museum, which really helped me understand some of the features of the warfare in World War One. There were many visual elements to the museum, with plenty of artefacts and objects that helped explain the key features of the warfare. The museum was a lovely tribute to those who had died and served in the war. There is a café and also a small gift shop, where, amongst other things, bullets found in nearby battlefields can be bought for a very reasonable price. The museum is well kept and a must - go if you are in the area.
3. Lange Max Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
The Lange Max Museum is a must-see place for the World War I tourist on the German side of the western frontline. The farmyard is the centre of this curtural and touristic location. A long lane takes you from the farmyard to the remains of the artillerie platform of the former German cannon 'Lange Max'. In a brand new contemporary museum, the visitor learns all about the huge cannon that was designed to bombard Dunkirk. The German occupation of Koekelare gets full attention. A unique exhibition tells you all about the organisation behind the frontline. The production of army goods ran at full speed in Koekelare. The little bakehouse still contains traces of the German presence and is redesignated as a multi-media room. You can relax on a cosy terrace enjoying a 'Kanonbier' or homemade pancakes.
Reviewed By Aggyscapes - Deurne, Belgium
The museum depicts the logistical side, and the impact on the local population of WW1 from an interesting perspective. (Forced) participation of the local community under the German control is shown. The construction of the canon is depcited within the whole happening, and not just shown as a "fait divers". I absolutely recommend the audio guide (for just 2 euros extra), because it gives a lot more information than can be found otherwise. We spent about 2,5 hours in the museum and enjoyed a nice beer in the cafeteria afterwards.
4. Ramparts War Museum
5. Het Guynemerpaviljoen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By gerardc402
Great little museum, check opening hours as it's limited, well worth a visit. Historical information about this great French Aviator and his exploits during WW1.
