Dodengang
The last preserved Belgian trench system from the First World War, on the IJzer near Diksmuide, with a visitor centre and original objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Dodengang (Dead Man's Lane) lies beside the IJzer and was dug by the Belgian army in 1915 into the IJzer dyke as an approach trench towards the German positions. From October 1914 Belgians and Germans fought on this spot for control of the land along the IJzer dyke; construction of the trench began in May 1915. The opposing sides were more than once face to face, and the site soon acquired a bloody nickname.
The Germans dug in just as deeply, and after fierce fighting the Belgians breached the dyke, so that the two sides were separated by only a narrow strip of water. Concrete bunkers, trenches and firing posts created a dangerous stalemate that was not broken for three years.
The Belgian position and an advanced German bunker have survived to this day and give a unique insight into daily life at the front. In the visitor centre the story of Belgians and Germans is told through interactive applications, photographs, films and more than a hundred original objects. Outside you walk through the trenches and over a gigantic aerial photograph from 1916. The site is managed by the War Heritage Institute.
Highlights
- The last preserved Belgian trench system from the First World War
- Original Belgian position and advanced German bunker
- Visitor centre with interactive applications and more than 100 original objects
- Giant aerial photograph from 1916 to walk over
- ErfgoedApp with a family tour featuring soldier Jan
- Lifts to the three floors of the reception building
Permanent exhibition
- Dodengang en bezoekerscentrum – The trenches and bunkers of the Belgian IJzer front, and a visitor centre with interactive applications, photographs, films and more than a hundred original objects.
- Operated by
- War Heritage Institute
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €9Young people aged 6 to 18 and holders of a valid discount card |
| Children & teens | €9free up to age 5 · Children under 6 enter free; young people aged 6 to 18 pay €9. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €4 per personGroups of 15 or more paying people: free visit €4 per adult and €3 per pupil; guided visit (1 hour, maximum 25 people per guide) with €70 per guide on top. For every 15 paying people, one person goes free. Book a free visit at least a week in advance and a guided visit at least four weeks in advance via dodengang@warheritage.be. |
| Families | €36Family rate for up to 2 adults and 3 children, including one free visitor guide; available at reception only. |
| Extra visitor guide | €2At reception; the guide is included with the individual ticket. |
Tickets can be bought online or at reception; payment at reception is possible by bank card only. The family rate and the discount rates are available on site only. With the museumPASSmusées admission is free. The visitor guide (Dutch, French, English) is included with the individual ticket.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The reception building has three floors with a lift; the trenches are only partly accessible. Animals are not permitted, but assistance dogs are.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €36 · Family rate for up to 2 adults and 3 children, including one free visitor guide; available at reception only. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
In 2026 the museum received the blue-dot label from museumPASSmusées for child-friendly museums. Children discover the site with soldier Jan via the interactive family tour in the ErfgoedApp. A family ticket costs €36.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kaaskerke Station
The nearest railway station is Diksmuide station. The nearest bus stop is Kaaskerke Station, on De Lijn bus lines 32 and 41.
Address: Dodengang, IJzerdijk 65, 8600 Diksmuide.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A visitor guide in Dutch, French or English is included. Groups can book a one-hour tour; schools choose a traditional one-hour tour or an educational two-hour tour for the third stage of primary school. Animals are not permitted, except assistance dogs. |
