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Historic site · Diksmuide, West Flanders
Dodengang (Trench of Death)
The only preserved Belgian trench from the First World War, on the IJzer bank, 1.5 km from the IJzertoren. It has a museum with original objects and a German casemate a few metres away.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Dodengang (Trench of Death)
Dodengang means "death corridor." It is a section of trench on the IJzer bank, north of Diksmuide, which Belgian soldiers defended from the Battle of the IJzer in 1914 until the final offensive on 28 September 1918. The position was surrounded by water because of the flooding and lay very close to the German lines.
The Germans built a concrete casemate on the other side, a few metres away. Both sides kept watch constantly, and the trench became known for its high number of casualties.
Today about 270 metres of trench can be walked, with sandbags reconstructed in concrete. The site was one of the first war memorials opened to the public in Belgium. A pink granite stone, inaugurated by King Albert I in 1922, marks the limit of the German advance there.
The museum at the entrance uses interactive applications, life‑size photos, films and more than a hundred original objects to tell the story of life in the trench.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the museum and the trench.
Best time
Open from mid‑February to the end of November and closed from December to mid‑February. From April to October the walk through the outdoor trench is more comfortable. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is located on the IJzerdijk, north of the IJzertoren, along the riverbank. There is parking for cars; on foot or by bicycle the path follows the dyke. There is a bus by reservation with a nearby stop; check before you go.
Tip
Entry accepts card only. Wear closed shoes, because the trench is outdoors and can be wet after rain.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dodengang (Trench of Death)
Is the trench original?
The layout is original, but the sandbags have been rebuilt in concrete to preserve the site. It is the only Belgian trench from the war that has been preserved.
Is the Dodengang open all year?
No. It usually closes from December until mid-February. Check before you go.
Can you walk from the IJzertoren?
Yes. It's about 1.5 km along the bank of the IJzer on a flat path.