Ypres: Along green ramparts and in the revived city center

This varied city walk of approximately 9 km (split into two loops) shows you the two faces of the 'Cat City'. The first loop takes you along the impressive medieval fortifications and the green city outskirts, while the second loop dives deep into the architectural richness of the rebuilt center.

Starting point: Free parking Sporthal Ieper (Leopold III-laan 18)
Located just outside the city walls.

Loop 1: The Fortifications (approx. 5 km)
We start on the edge of the city for a journey over the best-preserved fortifications in the country.

- The Fortifications: We enter the city via Hoornwerkpark and the hidden Poternetunnel, an atmospheric passage through the thick walls.

- Willempad: We walk north towards the St. Jacob's Church and seek the Willempad along the Vesten at the back. Along the way, we pass Brasserie De Kazematten, located in a unique historic building under the arches.

- Menin Gate: Via the ramparts, we reach the world-famous Menin Gate. An iconic moment on the route, where every evening at 8:00 PM sharp the Last Post resounds.

- The Crossing: Via the Grote Markt and Astridpark, we pass through to the western side of the Vesten at the Powder Magazine. Sweet lovers can pause along the way at Mimi's café.

- Majoorpad: At the Powder Magazine, we leave the high ramparts and cross the ditch to Pacific Island. Here, the visual highlight begins: from the lower Majoorpad, you have a phenomenal view of the Predikherentoren and the Leeuwentoren majestically rising from the water.

- Rijselpoort: We re-enter the city at the oldest city gate of Ypres. Note the massive arches; a showcase of top-level military architecture.

- Ramparts Cemetery: Immediately to the left of the gate lies this unique British cemetery serenely atop the ancient walls.

- Conclusion: We walk back over the Vesten towards the Kazematten (ideal for an authentic "Wipers Times") while we already see the starting point emerging again across the ditch.

Loop 2: The city center (approx 4 km)
After the green tranquility, we seek out the historical dynamism of the city center.

- Towards the Market: Via St. Peter's Church and Rijselstraat, we walk to the center. Along the way, we pass the Merghelynck Museum. This stately city palace with its beautiful 18th-century salons and original French-style furniture is an absolute gem (visit by reservation only).

- Grote Markt: The beating heart of Ypres. The Lakenhallen and the Belfry (UNESCO heritage) are masterpieces of reconstruction architecture. In the halls, you will find the In Flanders Fields Museum, the ideal preparation for a visit to the front region.

- Fish Market: Via the neo-Gothic Vleeshuis and atmospheric side streets, we reach the Fish Market with its characteristic stone "miniature houses", where fish was once traded.

- The Coombpad and Waterside:
Via this idyllic Coombpad, we walk back towards the Rijselpoort. This is one of the quietest spots in the city, where you walk along the back gardens of historic buildings. At the Rijselpoort, we leave the city walls via the stone bridge. Instead of following the main road directly, we now walk along the banks on the opposite side of the fortification ditch.
This last section is highly recommended: from the opposite side, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the fortifications you walked on earlier that day. You pass the waterside until you come back out at the sports hall on Leopold III-laan.

Tip: Plan your walk so that you are at the Menin Gate around 8:00 PM for the Last Post.