Merkem between history and a water-rich landscape

Merkem brings together medieval architectural history, themes from the First World War, and wetlands shaped by water. If you are considering Merkem as a destination for a stay, it helps to look at these different highlights: Hoge Mote and Beukelaremolen represent tangible architectural history; Drie Grachten and the Drie Grachten walking route explore the history of the war, while the Broeken and the Eendenkooi define the water-rich landscape. There are also activities on foot, by bike, and on the water. This can help you decide which themes you would like to shape your stay most.

Buildings and history

The medieval motte Hoge Mote is located in the historic village of Merkem. The surviving mound is around 3 metres high and about 35 metres in diameter; it is surrounded by a 18-metre-wide moat. These measurements describe the site as a round mound with a moat and give the structure a tangible sense of scale.

Beukelaremolen stands in the hamlet of Luigem in Merkem. It was rebuilt as a standard mill in 1923, using the Steentjesmolen acquired from Poperinge. The reconstruction dates to 1923; in 2011, it was considered the only remaining and still working mill in Merkem.

At Drie Grachten, the Ieperlee flows into the Ieper-IJzer Canal. During the First World War, Drie Grachten was an important military outpost. The Drie Grachten walking route showcases the historic First World War landscape near Merkem.

Landscape traces of the former 17th-century Fort de Cnocke remain at the confluence of the IJzer and the Ieperlee. These traces lie within the territory of the municipalities of Lo-Reninge and Merkem (Houthulst).

Wetlands and landscape

The Eendenkooi van Merkem consists of an approximately rectangular pond surrounded by ditches, with four catching pipes. It is surrounded by woodland with various tall trees and a shrub layer. After losing its original hunting function, the Eendenkooi became a habitat for breeding and resting waterbirds. Its riparian woodland is home to a breeding colony of grey herons and cormorants. Here, the site’s physical design and its function as a habitat come together.

The Broeken of Merkem are marshy grounds that take in excess water from the IJzer Valley during periods of heavy rainfall. The contrast matters when planning your visit: you can explore the area on foot or by bike in dry weather, while during periods of heavy rainfall it takes in water.

The Knokkebrug observation tower offers views of the remains of the star-shaped Fort De Knocke, the course of the IJzer, and the flood-prone Broeken.

On foot, by bike, and on the water

At the Driegrachtenbrug in Merkem, visitors can explore the surrounding area through De Boot’s offerings: a Brompton folding bike, a kayak or solar-powered boat, on foot, or by packraft. De Boot’s boats are moored there on the Ieper-IJzer Canal. The offerings provide different ways to explore the area rather than prescribing just one mode of travel.

The “Op zoek naar Merkem-Brousse” experience combines a trip in solar-powered boats with a 2.5-kilometre walk; the order can also be reversed. Participants hear stories about the French Zouaves. If you’re lucky, you may spot kingfishers, long-eared owls, or honey buzzards. The length of the walk and the option to choose the order are practical details for planning your visit; birdwatching remains a possibility.

For the broader travel overview: Houthulst.