"Ypres Salient memories of a bloody war" Ieper by irisbe

Ieper Travel Guide: 479 reviews and 1,208 photos

In Flander's fields

All we are saying! Is give peace a chance! Yoko & John
Whether it is Summer, whether it is late Autumn, the area of Ypres will never leave you untouched.
The soil still red of the blood that has been spoiled. Soldiers, too young kids often, picked from the schoolbanks and driven into the battlefield. The ultimate sacrifice for their countries: their innocent lives.

Walk around the city

World War I site

Ypres itself is a very small city. You can easily walk through and around. There is a nice hiking path on the previous citywalls that will take you around the city.

In this picture you can see the Majoorgracht around Ypres, in the back the towers of the Cathedral and Lakenhalle.

click on the picture to get the whole view!

Enemies once, now united in death

World War I Passendale, Tyne Cot Cemetary

He who forgets is doomed to repeat
When you are in the neighborhood, it is interesting to visit all those different kinds of graveyards. They all have their own atmosphere, they all have their own story to tell.
British, French, Canadians, brave soldiers of the Common Wealth, Belgians, Italians... Germans...

You can't visit all cemetaries, but do visit at least three different ones and you will understand the meaning of the words above.

At each cemetary there is a book you can sign. Last visit I signed several ones: No more war please!
but what are those few words meaning in the face of power of a few men? A cry in the dark!
Already my heart bleeds when it travels the miles and carries my worries and thoughts to those young ones who once again will risk their lives, in the name of ?

Click on this picture to get the panoramic view.

Pros and Cons

Pros:rural area, great for cycling, interesting WWI site
In a nutshell:He who forgets is doomed to repeat

Last visit to Ieper: Aug 2001
Intro Updated Jun 12, 2003
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Reviews (6)

In Flanders Fields, war museum Ieper - Ieper

War Museum Things to Do (2)

You can't miss a visit to the War Museum! It is right up there in the centre, housed in the Laken Hallen. I don't add an... more travel advice

Ypres Salient Off The Beaten Path (1)

In Ypres Salient, area so called around Ypres where the battle was fought severely and hard in the trenches, digged in... more travel advice

Menin gate Things to Do (2)

Ypres Salient. The Meense Poort, Menin Gate, only a few minutes walk from the market square, is the memorial statue,... more travel advice

cycling around Ypres Salient, healthy and fun! - Ieper

-DAY TRIPS Transportation (2)

The traincompany offers a lot of different combined train tickets. If you plan to do something extra, please ask for... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Eye catcher from the moment you enter...

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Comments (14)

irisbe Jul 30, 2009 at 11:43 AM Report Abuse

well Jo, YOU can say that :) that would be perfectly safe.
jo104 Jul 29, 2009 at 1:49 AM Report Abuse

Very sad feeling when I visited Ieper, could it be safe to say I shed a silent tear?
wandeljp Nov 8, 2006 at 12:18 PM Report Abuse

I wil bij deze U bedanken voor de vlotte inschrijving voor onze toekomstig meeting!Leuk om U te mogen terug zien , en in W-Vl deze keer! We maken er een leuke dag van. Groetjes , JP
iandsmith Oct 22, 2006 at 4:50 AM Report Abuse

I'm on my way over next March, my grandfather's name is there somewhere. Thanks for the tips, very moving. You probably should visit my Canberra page. The lions from the Menin Gate are there, donated to Australia by a grateful mayor.
Luchonda Mar 16, 2006 at 8:31 PM Report Abuse

Thx for the transportation tips ! Ypres is just great to visit
diamonddog Mar 8, 2005 at 3:57 AM Report Abuse

Remember the nice hilly bike ride there. Ooh and the beerstops also:-) Great page!!
grayfo Feb 10, 2005 at 5:10 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips and travelogues, I must return very soon ........ thanks
Makart Nov 3, 2004 at 6:02 AM Report Abuse

Impressively informatic pictures.
roamer61 May 28, 2004 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

Marvelous site. Not many people think of the Great War since it is so long ago. But it was the first conflict of the 20th century that included Total War.
Sjalen Aug 18, 2003 at 7:00 AM Report Abuse

I will never forget those gasmasks - the hand with the cloth...thanks for bringing it back!