Poperinge between Hop Culture and History

Discover Poperinge through its hop-growing history, architectural heritage and varied routes through the landscape. When choosing your stay, consider whether you are most interested in exploring protected buildings and historic sites, planning a walk or experiencing the hop harvest. Highlights range from a former hop warehouse to church art and routes with specific distances.

Hops, Industrial Heritage and Festival Tradition

The Hopinstituut and Nationaal Hopmuseum De Stadsschaal are protected monuments. From 1866 to 1947, De Stadsschaal served as a municipal hop warehouse: hops delivered there were weighed, officially inspected, dried further in kilns and pressed into bales. Since 1981, the industrial-archaeological complex has housed the Hop Museum. These dates trace two distinct chapters in the site’s history: its former role as a warehouse and its later use as a museum.

The Bier- en Hoppefeesten are also part of Poperinge’s hop-growing tradition. The festival takes place every three years; the tradition dates back to 1956. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates for your chosen year.

Talbot House and the Sint-Bertinuskerk

Talbot House was built in the mid-18th century by the prominent hop-trading Lebbe family and opened as a soldiers’ club. Visitors can explore the house at their own pace, individually or with their family, using a tablet. Moving stories, entertaining anecdotes and original artefacts bring the history of the First World War to life. Talbot House is a ten-minute walk from Poperinge railway station; the actual walking time depends on route conditions.

The Sint-Bertinuskerk is Poperinge’s oldest church. It was rebuilt in 1420 in the Gothic style as a Flemish hall church. Inside, you’ll find ornate Baroque wood carvings and hop motifs. Its architectural form, year of rebuilding and interior offer different points of interest if you’re interested in the town’s architecture and cultural history.

Memorial Sites and Historic Details

The Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, which includes a French military plot of honour, is the burial place of 677 Commonwealth soldiers, 274 French soldiers, two Belgians and two Germans. The British section of the cemetery contains the graves of 17 men executed by the British Army. These details about the cemetery’s composition and this section give the site a tangible historical dimension.

The “Dodencellen & executieplaats” site preserves prison cells dating from 1913 and an execution site. At least four soldiers were brought before a firing squad there. The site also gives a cinematic impression of a condemned man before his execution; graffiti left by prisoners can also be deciphered. The cells, execution site and graffiti offer different ways to connect with the individual stories told there.

Walking and the Hop Harvest

The cross-border Hoppeland walking network includes Poperinge and the hilly hop-growing region. This landscape features wooded areas, impressive hop fields and winding streams. There are also two walks in Poperinge with clearly specified distances: the Stadswandelroute is 5.5 kilometres long, while the Wandellus Duitse Toren offers a choice of four or eight kilometres. Compare the distances to find a route that suits your plans.

During the hop harvest in September, hop farmers in Poperinge open their farms to visitors, offering a chance to experience the harvest up close. Check the current September dates before planning your visit. Visits to hop farms may also include a local beer; check participation and current tasting options in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Watou, Reningelst, Proven, Roesbrugge-Haringe, Zwevegem, De Panne, Beernem, Pittem.

For the main travel overview: West Flanders.