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Monument and museum · Diksmuide, West Flanders
Yser Tower (IJzertoren)
An 84‑metre tower on the IJzer's bank, housing the Museum aan de IJzer across its floors, the Paxpoort and a crypt recognized by UNESCO. From the top you can see the Belgian front plain.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Yser Tower (IJzertoren)
The first tower was erected from 1928 to 1930 by Flemish ex‑combatants in memory of the Belgian soldiers killed on the IJzer front. It was about 50 metres tall and bore the initials AVV‑VVK, the motto of the ex‑soldiers' movement. It was demolished with dynamite on the night of 15–16 March 1946.
With the rubble, the Paxpoort (Gate of Peace) was erected in 1950 at the entrance to the complex. The present 84‑metre tower began construction in 1952 and was inaugurated on 22 August 1965. At its base an inscription asks for "no more war" in Dutch, French, German and English.
Inside is the Museum aan de IJzer, spread over more than twenty floors. The exhibition covers the war on the Belgian front, the lives of soldiers and civilians, and the history of the Flemish movement. From the terrace at the top you can see the plain that was flooded in 1914.
The crypt, completed in 1958, houses remnants of symbols from the IJzer front. Since 2023 it has been part of UNESCO's World Heritage, listed among First World War remembrance sites.
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
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the full museum and the terrace.
Best time
On a clear day, the view from the top reaches far over the polder; from April to September there are longer daylight hours. It closes for a few days at the end of the year and for about three weeks in January, and is not open on Wednesdays outside school holidays. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the west bank of the IJzer, on the IJzerdijk, a short walk from the Grote Markt across the bridge. There is parking next to the complex.
Tip
Take the lift to the top and walk down floor by floor: the route is designed to be done in that order. Allow time, as there are many floors.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Yser Tower (IJzertoren)
Why was the first tower demolished?
It was used in ceremonies associated with collaboration with the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. In 1946 it was blown up with dynamite. The current tower was built beside it in the 1950s and 1960s.
Can you go up to the top?
Yes. An elevator takes you to the terrace and the panoramic viewing room, from where you can see the plain of the front.
Does the museum only cover the First World War?
Mostly yes, but the exhibition also deals with the Second World War and the history of the Flemish movement, which is connected to the tower.