Bayernwald

About the museum

Bayernwald lies in the Croonaert Wood between Wijtschate and Voormezele in Heuvelland. German troops captured the site from the French in 1914. Until 1917 they built an extensive position there, with rifle pits, trenches and concrete bunkers on a hill about forty metres high, from where they could overlook enemy territory. The name refers to the Bavarian units that fought under Rupprecht of Bavaria in the First Battle of Flanders.

Because of the mine warfare, the Germans dug deep listening shafts. With them they could hear whether the British were digging tunnels under their lines to set off mine explosions. In June 1917 the British army detonated a series of mines during the Battle of the Wijtschatebocht; afterwards the Allies also captured the Bayernwald position.

Only in 2004 was part of the position reconstructed on the basis of archaeological research and opened to the public. What you see today is about ten per cent of the original construction: 320 metres of trenches, a few concrete bunkers and two listening shafts. A walking path leads you through the restored trench system, and information panels explain what happened and what life at the front was like.

Highlights

• Reconstructed German trench system of about 320 metres
• Concrete bunkers from the First World War
• Two listening shafts with which the Germans eavesdropped on British miners
• Information panels along the walking path
• Activity booklet for children

Permanent exhibition

• Bayernwald loopgraven – A walking path leads through the reconstructed German trench system, past bunkers and listening shafts, with information panels on life at the front.

Founded

2004

Admission & discounts

Online you can only buy the adult rate of €5, also for children. The other rates are only available at the Toerisme Heuvelland counter in Kemmel (Sint-Laurentiusplein 1). Tickets are not available on the site itself.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to Toerisme Heuvelland the site is wheelchair-accessible; please ask Toerisme Heuvelland for more information before your visit. Dogs are not admitted.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children can make a fill-in booklet with tasks in the trenches. You can download it online or get it free at the visitor centre counter when you buy your entrance tickets.

Getting there & parking

Bayernwald lies between Wijtschate and Voormezele in the Croonaert Wood. The Het Heuvelland tourist reception (Sint-Laurentiusplein 1, Kemmel) sells the tickets.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit