de Kortweunste

The battle of Merkem

The Battle of Merkem was a battle of the First World War, fought near the Belgian village of Merkem. The battle was delivered by Belgian and German troops on April 17, 1918, after four years of war. The reason for the battle was a German attempt to recapture the village on the Belgians, who, however, managed to repel the attack. Although the conditions at the end of the day were unchanged from therefor, success in Merkem was an important moral victory for the Belgian troops.

The three canal walking route

Starting point: Castle of Merkem (Houthulst)
Distance: 6,5 km

The Yser front during WWI was situated mostly in the countryside around Diksmuide and its surroundings. The Three Canal Walking tour explores the historic landscape of the borough Merkem, south of Dixmude. The walk starts at the castle of Merkem, then the tour continues to the ‘broeken’ and flat meadows with magnificent views. You’ll step along low-traffic roads aside the Ypres-Yser canal. Through the towpath you can visit the Iseraboot and the historic site of “The Three Canals’. The tour continues past the Martjevaart. Nice to know: The Iseraboot a barge from the twenties. It serves as an educational visitor center. Read more...
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De “Blankaart”

A jewel in the Yser valley

Along the right bank of the Yser, between Oost-Vleteren and Diksmuide are the 'ijzerbroeken'. These are low-lying, marshy meadows and hay fields that form the winterbed of the Yser. During abundant rainfall and winter months, parts of the 'broeken' are quite regularly flooded.

Central and at the lowest point of the 'broeken' is "De Blankaart", a bird and plant paradise. De Blankaart is a nature reserve with an international reputation. Read more...

 

De “Boot”

“De Boot” is a non-profit organization and offers guided tours in the broadest sense of the word and (playful) packagesaround ecotourism. We are doing that in Nl/Fr/Eng/Spanish. We live in the Westhoek, located in the West of Belgium at a stone’s throw from both the French border as of the North Sea. You can sail with us and lodge, or the boats can be hired for meetings, receptions and team building or you come to us just to take a break.
In terms of content, the themes are fauna and flora, World War I and ecology.
We visit the flat polders, the liable trousers, a low–energy House and an old windmill.
We are specialized in looking after small groups (schools, families, companies, friends).
During the summer we live of cycling and hiking tourism and our bar is open daily. You can bring your own picnic or taste our exclusive House TISNATINDEBROEKEN beer.
“De Boot” also offers schools and/or associations, information sessions about ecology. Visit their website.