Hi, I’m Niels.
I’m a local First World War battlefield guide and researcher based in Belgium, close to the former Ypres Salient. I have been guiding visitors through Flanders Fields for several years, helping families, history lovers and first-time visitors understand what happened here between 1914 and 1918.
My fascination with the First World War started long before I became a guide. Growing up near these battlefields, the war was never just something from a book. The cemeteries, memorials, trenches and quiet fields were part of the landscape around me. Over time, that interest became a deeper commitment: to tell the stories of the soldiers, nurses and civilians connected to this region with care, accuracy and respect.
I am certified in First World War and remembrance tourism through SYNTRA, where I followed specialist training connected to battlefield guiding in Flanders. I have also continued my studies through The Imperial Forces on the Western Front: A Comprehensive Study with the University of Kent. This online course gave me a broader understanding of the British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Indian and other imperial forces who served on the Western Front.
On my tours, I combine local knowledge, historical research and personal storytelling. I do not simply take you from one monument to another. I help you understand the ground, the decisions, the human stories and the wider meaning of what happened here.
Every private tour is adapted to your interests. Some guests want the major sites of the Ypres Salient, such as Tyne Cot, Essex Farm, Hill 60, Passchendaele and the Menin Gate. Others come with a family story, a grave, a regiment or a battlefield they want to understand in more depth. Whether it is your first visit or a long-awaited journey of remembrance, the aim is always the same: to make the past feel clear, human and meaningful.
For me, guiding is not about reciting dates. It is about helping people stand in the right place, hear the right story, and understand why Flanders Fields still matters today.
Honouring the fallen
I may be a local, but my connection to this region is so much more than that. I’m a local WW1 battlefield guide and researcher with a deep respect for the soldiers, nurses and civilians connected to this landscape. Every Flanders Fields tour I lead is my way of paying tribute to them. I want to guarantee that rather being mere dates in a textbook, their stories are living memories that continue to inspire us today.
What I Offer
I tailor each experience to match your interests. If you want to explore well-known landmarks, we’ll do that. Curious about the hidden, lesser-known spots? I’ve got plenty to show you. My goal is for you to leave with a connection to this place and its history.
Beyond the battlefield
My aim is to make your Flanders Fields tour something you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left. I want your experience to be both educational and deeply moving, and leave you with a true understanding of the impact WW1 had on this region and the world.
Guided personally, by Niels.