Yser Tower (IJzertoren)

The basics

At the start of the war, King Albert of Belgium urged the Flemish and Walloon populations to come together to fight under a united Belgian flag. Unfortunately, the French-speaking Walloon officers expressed themselves in French, while most Flemish soldiers could only speak Dutch. The soldiers' inability to understand orders led to many deaths, and by the end of the war, 70% of the fallen Belgian soldiers were Flemish.

As a peace monument, Yser Tower commemorates the Flemish soldiers killed, but it has also become a beacon of the Flemish nationalist movement. The museum's permanent exhibit retraces the history of both World Wars and the time between them, while two floors are dedicated to the history of Flanders. The film Violence Never Brings Peace plays continuously in the auditorium. The museum also has various temporary exhibits.

Things to know before you go

• There is a nominal admission fee to explore the site and museum.

• The museum is accessible for wheelchair users, including lowered windows in the panorama room that offer a view of the Flemish fields. There’s also assistance for those with hearing and visual impairments.

• Diksmuide, where the monument is located, is known for dairy farming and is even called the “City of Butter.”

How to get there

Yser Tower is located at Ijzerdijk 49 in Diksmuide in the Flemish province of West Flanders. The closest train station is Diksmuide. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the tower. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Bruges, and from Ghent, it’s about an hour. Some guided bike tours include a stop in Diksmuide.

When to get there

Yser Tower is open daily (Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am–6pm) except for a period during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Keep in mind that you may encounter school groups during the week. The best time to visit Diksmuide is June through September, as the winters are typically very cold and windy.

Cycling tours in Diksmuide

Several cycling routes around Diksmuide allow you to explore the history of Belgium and see the sites. Along the IJzer 14-18 route, bike through former battlefields and pass by the Yser Tower and the Trench of Death. Also, visit the German and Belgian military cemetery in Keiem.