The Ypres Salient, one of the most intensely fought-over regions during World War I, is scattered with battlefield sites and bunkers that offer a direct connection to the conflict. These locations, preserved and open to the public, allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of soldiers and experience the history of the war firsthand. Here are some of the most significant battlefield sites and bunkers in the Ypres Salient.

Hill 60: A Battlefield Scarred by War

Hill 60, located just outside Ypres, was a strategic vantage point during World War I and the scene of intense fighting. The site is famous for the mining operations carried out by both Allied and German forces, resulting in massive underground explosions that reshaped the landscape. Today, the craters and trenches are still visible, making Hill 60 a haunting reminder of the brutal warfare that took place here. A memorial on the site honors the soldiers who fought and died in the battles for control of the hill.

The Caterpillar Crater: The Power of Underground Warfare

Close to Hill 60 is the Caterpillar Crater, another result of underground mining operations during the war. This massive crater, formed by the detonation of explosives placed deep beneath German lines, is now a quiet, water-filled reminder of the destructive power of trench warfare. The site offers visitors a striking contrast between the serene present and the violent past.

Bayernwald Trenches: A Glimpse Into the German Front Lines

The Bayernwald Trenches, near Wijtschate, are a restored section of German trenches that provide a unique perspective on the war from the German side. The network of trenches, bunkers, and listening posts has been carefully preserved, giving visitors a clear sense of the harsh conditions soldiers faced. Walking through the narrow, muddy paths offers an immersive experience of what life in the trenches was like during the war.

Polygon Wood: A Battle in the Forest

Polygon Wood, located near Zonnebeke, was the site of major battles in 1917, including the Battle of Polygon Wood during the Third Battle of Ypres. The dense forest provided cover for both sides, and fierce fighting left the landscape heavily scarred. Today, the wood has regrown, but remnants of the war remain, including bunkers and craters. The Buttes New British Cemetery and the Australian Memorial in Polygon Wood commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in the area.

Hooghe Crater: A Battlefield Transformed

The Hooge Crater, created by the explosion of a massive mine in 1915, is one of the most striking battlefield remnants in the Ypres Salient. Located near the Hooge Crater Museum, the site is now a tranquil pool surrounded by trees, but its origins as a scene of destruction are still evident. The museum nearby displays an impressive collection of artifacts from the battlefield, adding depth to the experience.

The Yorkshire Trench and Dugout: Preserved Trenches in the Heart of Ypres

Located in the industrial zone of Ypres, the Yorkshire Trench and Dugout is a restored section of British front-line trenches. Discovered during construction work, the trench system has been preserved to show visitors what the front lines looked like. The site includes original trench structures and a dugout that was used by British troops. It’s a hidden gem for those looking to experience a real piece of WWI history.

The Zonnebeke Bunkers: Hidden Defenses of the War

The Zonnebeke area is home to several bunkers that played a crucial role in the defense of the German and Allied lines during the war. These concrete structures, often hidden in forests or fields, were used for shelter, command centers, and machine-gun posts. Some of the bunkers can still be explored, offering a glimpse into the defensive strategies employed during the trench warfare that characterized much of the conflict in the Ypres Salient.