The IJzertoren: A Symbolic Guardian Of Peace In Belgium

While it’s no secret individuals can see the traces of World War I within various parts of Belgium, most tend to initially think of Ypres, a city where there are undoubtedly many memorials and museums documenting Belgium’s stake in the conflict. However, nestled in the West Flanders region lies another significant reminder that peace should be upheld by honoring the victims and soldiers of World War I.

Rumblings of World War I

With the outbreak of World War I, Germany began to set its sights on conquering the West and began to move its forces to attack France. With the Schlieffen Plan, German troops planned to invade certain points of Belgium for access to key defensive posts for the French military. Although Belgium did not initially allow the troops to cross through the country, the German forces answered with a declaration of war on Belgium and invaded the country at the beginning of August. This was followed by a series of battles between the Belgians, along with Allied comrades, to secure key territory from the Germans.
One of the heated battles between the Belgian and German troops occurred when the German military attempted to cross Belgium through the Southern province of Arlon, with the intention to head to the North Sea to access key French ports. The confrontation between the troops manifested near the towns of Nieuwpoort and Diksmuide, and the confrontation became known as the Battle of the Yser. Beginning in October 1914, the battles lasted throughout the course of two months and ended with Allied troops narrowly defeating Germany’s advances for territory. This marked a significant end for the ‘Race to the Sea,’ but at a cost as Belgium suffered many casualties from the battles.

Regional identity and the war

Advocating peace

Measuring at 84 meters (275 feet), the Ijzertoren Tower is a significant monument in Belgium from a historical and cultural perspective. The memorial itself is dedicated to those soldiers that sacrificed their lives in battle – but it has also come to be seen as a symbolic reminder that peace should prevail, as detailed through the inscription on the tower, ‘Nooit meer Oorlog’ (No More War), written in four different languages to represent all Allied troops on the front line in Flanders.
While recognizing all soldiers involved in the war effort, there is also the intention to display the pride for the Flemish community as well, by including the abbreviations ‘AVV-VVK,’ meaning ‘Alles Voor Vlaanderen, Vlaanderen voor Kristus,’ (All for Flanders-Flanders for Christ).

The museum and its ceremonies

The Ijzertoren also houses its own museum composed of temporary and permanent exhibitions about the history of the region, the Battle of Yser and individuals involved in the war effort, delivering an underlying message of peace by honoring military and civilian victims.

The Yser Museum also hosts other initiatives, including the Yser Pilgrimage – a ceremony of remembrance for the fallen soldiers of World War I – while extending its focus to incorporate the greater Belgian and international communities. This message of tolerance continues to reverberate through the memorial’s efforts to stand as a message for peace that certainly extends beyond borders.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.