A website by War Heritage Institute

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Trench of Death

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Attention

At this point in time we strongly advise visitors to wear wellies when visiting the site!

Attention

One-way traffic on IJzerdijk towards Dodengangstraat from 16 September

Due to roadworks, starting Monday 16 September, IJzerdijk will be restricted to one-way traffic for at least a month, from the Hoge Brug towards Dodengangstraat. Drivers wishing to reach the Hoge Brug from the Trench of Death side should follow the diversion via Dodengangstraat and Kaaskerkestraat. Cyclists are allowed to pass in both directions.

Dodengang - © War Heritage Institute
Follow in the footsteps of the Belgian soldiers on the Yser Front!

The Trench of Death runs alongside the river Yser and was initially dug by the Belgian army in 1915 as an approach trench towards the German positions. The Germans did the same on their side. After a period of heavy fighting the Belgians made a breach into the Yser dyke, which led to both camps separated by only a narrow strip of water.

Both camps fortified their positions with concrete bunkers, trenches and firing posts. This dangerous stalemate remained for three long years. The Belgian position and an advanced German bunker have been preserved to this day. They provide a unique insight into daily life at the front. The story of Belgians and Germans is also told in the visitor centre by means of interactive applications, photographs, film footage and more than one hundred original artefacts.

During the First World War, the Trench of Death was hell on the Yser Front, today it is a poignant reminder of those times, striking a chord with each and every visitor!

museumPASSmusees Dodengang rechts
With your museum pass, come to the Trench of Death!

Did you know that you can also visit the Trench of Death with your museum pass? The museum pass is the most generous subscription to Belgian museums. It gives you access to all participating museums in our country for a whole year. When you want and as often as you want!

Are you ready for a year full of wonderful experiences? Then opt for the museum pass, which costs only €59 and can be purchased directly at the museum reception desk!