The thematic ‘Nonnebossen walking loop’ focuses on the history of the once vast forests between Zonnebeke and Ypres. At the beginning of the 12th century, an abbey was founded and developed successfully thanks to a lot of donations. When iconoclasts acted violently on three occasions, the abbey burned down and only the precinct remains. The courtyard and the surrounding ‘Passchendaele Fields’ changed dramatically in the 19th century.
Shortly after the construction of the imposing Veldhoek Castle, it was completely destroyed by WW I. The Nonnebossen were then the place where the German advance on the Western Front was finally halted. The route links the various locations in a loop.
Description: Middle Ages, Nonnebossen, Polygoonbos, Passendale fields, Veldhoek castle, Abbey, WWI, Black Watch Corner, Anzac House
Practical info
- Can be guided
- Start: Café De Dreve, Lange Dreve, 8980 Zonnebeke
- Signposted via nodes: 34 – 33 – 37 – 35 – 54 – 65 -64 -63 – 55 – 56 – 57 – 53 – 34
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 80 minutes
